Cuban Laws, Safety and Health

Cuban Laws – Dos and Don'ts

You may bring up to 20 pounds of medicine.

Do not bring in fresh fruit and vegetables.

Do not bring any item considered to be a weapon.

Never attempt to bribe a government official or police officer.

Cuba has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Don't even think about bringing narcotics of any kind into the country. You could be jailed or returned home immediately. Prescription medications with original labeling are permitted.

No pornography is allowed.

Personal Safety

By world standards Cuba is extremely safe. The average visitor has no reason to worry about personal safety. Tourists are treated with a great amount of respect.

The country is free from the usual dangers encountered in other nations. Cubans and visitors walk on the streets day and night without concern of criminal encounters. Guns are never used.

Purse snatching and mugging are not unknown, but can be avoided with a minimum of precautions. Friendly police officers are always available help.

Few travelers to Cuba will ever experience any problem beyond the nuisance of a peddlers or a hustler wanting to be your guide.

Safety Summary

Don't carry more cash than you need on a daily basis.

Never leave your belongings unwatched or your passport and wallet unattended.

Use a lock box at our hotels for your personal papers, air tickets and cash.

Health Overview

Cuba has the best national healthcare system in Latin America and it equals that of most industrialized nations. Cuban citizens do not pay for medical treatment, services or drugs.

Despite harsh restriction following from the U.S. blockade of the island, life expectancy continues to rise well into the mid-seventies. Infant mortality is as low as in the most highly developed countries.

Health Concerns

Most major cities have 24-hour clinics with English speaking doctors.

No vaccinations are necessary to travel to Cuba.

The worse problem you may encounter is a brief case of diarrhea resulting from change of environment, food and water.

Bottled water is readily available and recommended.

Quality health care is available for any problem at all times. All of our hotels have medical staff on hand and hospital care is always nearby.

Should the need arise for medical departure for one of our guests, we can make swift arrangements for transfers and flights home.

We recommend Cuban health coverage while traveling on the island. Please see our Insurance options.