Havana Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Havana.
Healthcare System
Cuba has a universal healthcare system with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and a high doctor-to-patient ratio. However, there is a significant divide between facilities for locals and those designated for international visitors. Tourists are typically treated at specialized international clinics and hospitals that operate on a cash-only basis.
Hospitals
Main facilities for tourists include Clínica Central Cira García (Calle 20 #4101, Miramar), Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras (San Lázaro #701), and Clínica Internacional La Pradera. These clinics require immediate payment in cash (euros or USD) and can be expensive. Keep all receipts for insurance claims.
Pharmacies
International pharmacies (farmacias internacionales) stock medications for tourists and require cash payment in convertible currency. Local pharmacies often have severe shortages. Bring all prescription medications you'll need, plus extras, in original packaging with prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications may be unavailable or different brands than you're used to.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is MANDATORY for all visitors to Cuba. You must provide proof of coverage that includes medical expenses and repatriation. Insurance is checked at airport immigration. If you cannot provide proof, you will be required to purchase Cuban health insurance on arrival.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first-aid kit and all medications you might need, as pharmacies frequently lack basic supplies
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical documentation in case you need treatment
- Bring sufficient cash (euros or USD) for medical expenses as credit cards often don't work
- Keep all medical receipts and documentation for insurance reimbursement
- Water is generally not safe to drink from taps; stick to bottled water
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid before traveling
- Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever occur; use insect repellent and protective clothing
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended items are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists in crowded areas.
Theft from hotel rooms and casa particulares (private homestays) occasionally occurs, though most hosts are honest and trustworthy.
Thieves on bicycles or motorcycles may grab bags from pedestrians, particularly those walking near the street or distracted by their phones.
Road conditions are poor with potholes, limited lighting, and a mix of vehicles including vintage cars that may lack safety features. Unlicensed taxis and poorly maintained vehicles pose risks.
Traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning can occur from contaminated water or improperly prepared food. Hygiene standards vary significantly between establishments.
Jineteros (hustlers) frequently approach tourists offering cigars, taxi services, casa particulares, restaurant recommendations, or companionship, often leading to scams or overpriced services.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone approaches claiming to work at a cigar factory or have access to authentic Cuban cigars at discount prices. The cigars are either fake, poor quality, or banana leaves rolled to look like cigars. This is one of the most common scams in Havana.
A friendly local strikes up conversation and recommends a 'great' restaurant, often offering to take you there. The restaurant overcharges tourists and the 'helpful' local receives a commission. Menu prices may be inflated or items added to your bill.
Taxi drivers quote inflated prices, claim the meter is broken, take unnecessarily long routes, or demand payment in USD at unfavorable rates. Some unlicensed taxis charge tourist prices without proper insurance.
While Cuba has unified its currency, some vendors may try to confuse tourists about exchange rates or give change in the wrong currency. Money changers on the street may shortchange you or use sleight of hand.
A taxi driver or friendly local claims your booked accommodation is closed, moved, or overbooked, then takes you to an alternative (usually inferior and more expensive) place where they receive commission.
Someone befriends you, spends time showing you around, then presents you with an unexpected sob story requiring money (sick relative, emergency, etc.) or takes you to shops/restaurants where you're overcharged.
Similar to the cigar scam, individuals offer 'authentic' Cuban rum or coffee at discount prices. Products are often counterfeit, diluted, or poor quality.
Someone approaches claiming to collect for a school, community project, or charity, showing official-looking papers or photos. The charity is fake or the money doesn't reach its intended purpose.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient cash in euros or USD as ATMs are unreliable and credit/debit cards often don't work
- Use money belts or hidden pouches for large amounts of cash and important documents
- Keep only small amounts of cash in your wallet for daily expenses
- Make copies of passport, visa, and important documents; store separately from originals
- Don't flash large amounts of money in public
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables when available
- Divide cash between different locations (bag, pocket, hotel safe)
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card or ETECSA internet cards for connectivity
- Download offline maps before arriving as internet is limited and expensive
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Have your accommodation address written in Spanish
- Know the location of your embassy or consulate
- Consider bringing a portable WiFi hotspot or international roaming plan, though coverage is limited
Transportation
- Use official yellow taxis (tourist taxis) or arrange transportation through your hotel
- Agree on taxi fares before starting your journey
- Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; drivers may not yield to pedestrians
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving
- Don't leave valuables visible in parked vehicles
- Be aware that GPS may not work reliably; carry physical maps
Accommodation
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during high season
- Choose casa particulares (homestays) with good reviews and proper licensing (look for blue triangle symbol)
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors without verification
- Store valuables in provided safes or hidden in luggage
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep emergency numbers and your accommodation address with you at all times
General Safety
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially after dark
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Avoid political discussions and demonstrations
- Don't photograph military or government buildings
- Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption which makes you more vulnerable
- Walk with confidence and purpose; appear aware of your surroundings
- Keep a low profile; don't advertise that you're a tourist more than necessary
Health Precautions
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and all necessary medications
- Only drink bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Be cautious with street food; eat at busy, reputable establishments
- Use mosquito repellent and protective clothing to prevent dengue and Zika
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing
- Have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
- Bring oral rehydration salts in case of traveler's diarrhea
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Havana is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, with violent crime being rare. However, women should expect frequent verbal attention (piropos - catcalls), staring, and approaches from men, which is culturally normalized but can be uncomfortable. While usually harmless, this attention can be persistent and occasionally aggressive. Most women report feeling safe but annoyed by the constant attention. Taking standard precautions and responding firmly to unwanted advances will help ensure a positive experience.
- Expect catcalls and comments; most are not threatening but can be persistent - a firm 'no' or ignoring is usually effective
- Wear a fake wedding ring and mention a husband/partner if you want to discourage attention
- Dress conservatively to attract less attention, though this won't eliminate it entirely
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit or quiet areas
- Use official taxis rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared
- Don't share your accommodation address or room number with people you've just met
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency numbers readily available
- Be aware that romantic scams targeting solo women travelers do occur
- Solo women may receive more attention from jineteros offering services
- Beaches can be places where women receive unwanted attention; stay in populated areas
- Cuban women are often direct and assertive; don't be afraid to be firm in declining advances
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality has been legal in Cuba since 1979, and the age of consent is equal (16 for all). Cuba has made significant progress on LGBTQ+ rights in recent years: same-sex marriage became legal in 2022, anti-discrimination laws exist, and transgender people can legally change their gender. Cuba's National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), led by Mariela Castro, has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
- Havana is the most LGBTQ+-friendly city in Cuba with several gay bars, clubs, and events
- The annual Cuban Conga Against Homophobia (May) is a major LGBTQ+ pride event in Havana
- Public displays of affection may attract attention; use discretion based on your comfort level and the area
- Vedado neighborhood has the most established LGBTQ+ venues and is generally more accepting
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; many casa particulares are welcoming
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ communities through social media before traveling for current information
- Be aware that machismo culture still exists and can manifest in negative attitudes
- Transgender travelers should carry documentation and be prepared for potential questions
- Some hotels may have outdated policies about same-sex couples sharing rooms, though this is increasingly rare
- The situation for LGBTQ+ people in Cuba is evolving positively, but experiences may vary
- Las Krudas (lesbian club) and Humboldt 52 are known LGBTQ+-friendly venues
- Exercise normal safety precautions you would in any unfamiliar destination
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is MANDATORY for entry to Cuba - you will be denied entry without proof of coverage and forced to purchase expensive Cuban insurance at the airport. Beyond this requirement, insurance is crucial because healthcare for tourists must be paid in cash upfront (often expensive), credit cards frequently don't work, medical evacuation is extremely costly, and trip disruptions are common due to infrastructure challenges, weather, and limited flight options.
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