Caribbean
Is Cuba safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Cuba safe?
Violent crime against visitors is rare, but the crisis brings blackouts up to 20 hours, fuel and water shortages, cancelled flights and rising theft. The UK advises against non-essential trips.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-06.
- Homicide rate: 4.5 per 100,000 people (2019, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 8.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105.
- Solo women: Catcalling is constant but rarely escalates. Jineteros approach solo women, especially at night; use registered taxis and casas recommended by other travelers.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Island-wide blackouts: no lights, fans, water pumps or phone signal
- Fuel shortages cancel flights, buses and taxis at short notice
- Bag snatching and muggings in Old and Central Havana at night
- Dengue, chikungunya and Oropouche, with severe medicine shortages
Common scams
- Jineteros steering you to restaurants or casas for a commission
- Fake taxi drivers at the airport and in Old Havana
- Street money changers passing defunct CUC notes; street exchange is illegal anyway
Laws visitors break by accident
- Changing money anywhere except CADECA exchange houses is illegal; fines or prison are possible.
- Drones are confiscated on arrival; photographing military sites can count as espionage.
- Zero tolerance for drugs; even small amounts bring long prison sentences.
Safety by place in Cuba
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Varadero | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Viñales | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Trinidad | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Havana | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santiago de Cuba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Cuba safe for tourists?
Violent crime against visitors is rare, but the crisis brings blackouts up to 20 hours, fuel and water shortages, cancelled flights and rising theft. The UK advises against non-essential trips.
Is Cuba safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is constant but rarely escalates. Jineteros approach solo women, especially at night; use registered taxis and casas recommended by other travelers.
What is the emergency number in Cuba?
Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cuba
- D'Viajeros traveller information portal
- eVisa-Cuba
- ETECSA CubacelTur for visitors
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.