The ongoing situation in Cuba has led to a series of recent protests. To date most of these have remained peaceful but be aware that protests can escalate. You should avoid large gatherings, monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nOn 14 July, the Cuban National Electric grid collapsed for the third time in a week. On 13 May, the Cuban government announced that the country had exhausted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil. This is leading to severe and sustained disruption to essential infrastructure and basic services, including transport, medical care and communications. Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations to conserve severely limited energy supplies.
\n\nIf you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential. Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption.
\n\nCuban authorities have announced that all of its international airports are without aviation fuel. Terminal 2 at José Martí International Airport, which services flights to the USA and some charter flights, has been closed with flights diverted to Terminal 3. Some airlines, including all Canadian airlines, Air France, Iberia, World2Fly and LATAM, have suspended flights to and from Cuba. Other airlines are keeping their routes under review. Options for leaving the country could reduce further if the situation worsens.
\n\nThe situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. Make sure you are ready to change your plans quickly if needed. If you are considering leaving Cuba, check for messaging from your airline or tour operator for up-to-date information. Ensure your travel documents remain valid and confirm you have any required visas for onward travel.
\n\nContinue to monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Subscribe to FCDO email alerts and read our guidance on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
\n\nOn 3 June the Cuban Central Bank announced that international cards such as Visa and Mastercard will no longer be accepted in Cuba, with effect from 6 June. Available payment methods include cash and Cuban prepaid cards. It is likely that you will not be able to withdraw cash through ATMs with an international card.
\n\nIf visiting Cuba, you should bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the entire length of your stay and in case of an emergency. US dollars and euros are widely accepted and can be exchanged in Cuba.
\n\nYou must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else, including with any individuals who may offer exchange services. If you’re caught making an unauthorised exchange, you could be fined or get a prison sentence.
\n\nCheck with your hotel and tour providers on how to make payments ahead of your arrival in Cuba, and whether these can be made in advance via international bank transfer. Take precautions when carrying large amounts of cash.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cuba’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Cuba set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Cuba, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 3 months after your planned departure date.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf you’re visiting Cuba as a tourist, you need to get a tourist -visa, also known as a tourist -card, before you travel. Apply through the Cuban Embassy in the UK or check with your travel agent or tour operator. You can also apply for an electronic visa through the eVisa-Cuba site. When your application is approved, you will receive a ten-character code which should be entered as you fill in your advance passenger information on the DViajeros platform (see below). This will generate a QR code to be presented to the immigration authorities at the border. The electronic-visa will be linked to the applicant’s passport.
\n\nYou must also show proof of onward or return travel. See Cuba’s consular services information for details.
\n\nFor more information and advice about other types of visas, contact the Cuban Embassy in the UK.
\n\nThe Cuban Tourism Portal provides useful information on travelling to and within Cuba.
\n\nThe authorities take any breach of immigration rules seriously. You could be detained if you overstay your visa.
\n\nYou must complete an online arrival form on the D’Viajeros traveller information portal within 72 hours before entering the country. You’ll get a QR code by email. This must be shown to the authorities on arrival as an electronic or printed version. Airlines will check completion of the form at check-in.
\n\nYou should download or print your completed DViajeros form as a PDF, as wifi may not be accessible to do so on arrival in Cuba.
\n\nUnder US law, you are not allowed to travel directly from the USA to Cuba for tourism.
\n\nThere are 12 reasons or categories for which the USA authorities will approve direct travel from the USA to Cuba. For more information see the US State Department’s travel advice for Cuba.
\n\nYou cannot travel from Cuba to the USA without a US visa.
\n\nYou must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cuba guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Cuba. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nSome art and antiques require an export permit from the Country Heritage Office (‘Bienes Culturales’). Ask the vendor if they have the required permit for the item you are buying. At the airport, you may need to show the receipt.
\n\nYou may need an import licence for photography equipment, as well as the appropriate journalism visa.
\n\nYou are not allowed to bring drones into Cuba. They will be confiscated on arrival and not returned until your departure. The process for getting your drone back could be lengthy.
\n\nYou cannot take meat products, milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds or organic matter into Cuba, with some exceptions.
\n\nSome electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba.
\n\nGlobal Positioning Systems (GPS) are subject to import requirements. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but you must turn off any inbuilt GPS.
\n\nComplete a customs form if items are confiscated on your arrival so you can collect them on your departure date.
\n\nThe Cuban national peso (CUP – ‘moneda nacional’) is the official currency and cannot be exchanged outside of Cuba. Declare foreign currency you’re taking into Cuba if the value is more than 5,000 US dollars.
\n\nYou must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else. See Money.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cuba, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nCuba is ruled by a single party, with a high level of social control. Opposition parties are not allowed. There are restrictions on freedom of speech, association and assembly for Cuban nationals. Any political demonstrations not approved by the government may be broken up by the authorities.
\n\nAvoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities. Internet access can sometime be blocked during times of political tension.
\n\nLevels of crime are generally lower than in the UK, but the difficult economic situation is leading to an increase in opportunistic crime. There have been reports of muggings in Havana and of burglaries at properties, with instances of violent crime. Siphoning of fuel from parked vehicles is a regular occurrence. You should exercise caution, particularly at night. Keep your personal belongings, including your passport, in a secure place, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or showing signs of affluence.
\n\nThere is a risk of theft from luggage when baggage is being handled on arrival or departure at the airport. You should:
\n\nBe aware of pickpockets and bag-snatching:
\n\nDo not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery. Mobiles and laptops are particularly attractive to thieves. Leave valuables in a hotel safe.
\n\nBeware of theft from your accommodation, particularly from private guest houses (‘casas particulares’).
\n\nThere are a small number of criminals who pose as tour operators or taxi drivers. These fake drivers operate at the airport and around Old Havana. Only travel with your tour operator. If you need to use a taxi from the airport, make sure it’s a registered yellow taxi.
\n\nThere are sometimes car-related crimes and muggings in Havana, and other tourist areas. Do not hail taxis or accept lifts from anyone you do not know. Take care when driving in central Havana, particularly at night. Keep doors locked and windows closed.
\n\nThere have been attacks on foreigners in hire cars after deliberate puncturing of tyres. If you are in a remote area with a punctured tyre drive on to the nearest town before stopping. Do not pick up hitchhikers.
\n\nCuba has strict laws on the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Cuban courts can give severe penalties for drug-related offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items for anyone else.
\n\nAvoid all military zones and other restricted areas. Do not take photographs or videos in these areas. Possession of photographs or information relating to military areas or installations can be regarded as espionage and could result in a prison sentence.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Cuba, but gender diversity is not fully understood or accepted by the general population. Same-sex marriages are recognised under Cuban law.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you break the law, or are suspected of causing injury to someone, you may be stopped from leaving Cuba during the investigation and trial, and you could be imprisoned. Contact the British Embassy in Havana as soon as possible for assistance.
\n\nOn 3 June the Cuban Central Bank announced that international cards such as Visa and Mastercard will no longer be accepted in Cuba, with effect from 6 June. Available payment methods include cash and Cuban prepaid cards. It it likely that you will not be able to withdraw cash through ATMs with an international card.
\n\nIf visiting Cuba, you should bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the entire length of your stay and in case of an emergency. US dollars and euros are widely accepted and can be exchanged in Cuba.
\n\nYou must only exchange money at the Cadeca exchange houses. It is illegal to exchange money anywhere else, including with any individuals who may offer exchange services. If you’re caught making an unauthorised exchange, you could be fined or get a prison sentence.
\n\nCheck with your hotel and tour providers on how to make payments ahead of your arrival in Cuba, and whether these can be made in advance via international bank transfer. Take precautions when carrying large amounts of cash.
\n\nIf you’re planning to drive, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can drive in Cuba with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. After 6 months, you must pass a driving test and get a Cuban driving licence.
\n\nYou can hire a car in Cuba, but fuel shortages can make it difficult to get petrol or diesel, especially for long distances. If you hire a car with a driver, they will know where to source fuel.
\n\nIf you hire a moped or motorbike, check the condition of the vehicle carefully. All drivers and passengers must wear a crash helmet.
\n\nThree-wheel Coco-taxis may be in an unsafe condition. Tourists have been injured and killed when riding in these vehicles.
\n\nOfficial yellow taxis are generally reliable. Avoid private taxis and old private classic taxi cars as it is unlikely that they will be properly licensed, or have modern safety features. It is best to book rides in old classic cars from reputable companies.
\n\nDriving standards are variable. Many vehicles, including public transport, are badly maintained. Drivers are prone to stop suddenly and may not signal. Roads are poorly lit and badly sign-posted. Avoid driving at night as animals and unlit vehicles are a danger and you may not see hazards such as potholes.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe hurricane season in Cuba is from June to November each year. Heavy rains often cause flash floods and landslides. After a hurricane, power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted. In extreme weather conditions, flights to and from Cuba may be delayed or cancelled. Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nAs a result of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, infrastructure and services, including access to electricity and water, remain severely impacted in the East of Cuba.
\n\nCuba is in an active earthquake zone, but strong earthquakes are not common. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 104 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\ncheck the latest vaccine recommendations for Cuba
\nsee where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
\nThe Cuban government had declared an arbovirus epidemic in 2025 following the significant increase in cases of mosquito-borne diseases in Cuba, including Dengue, Oropouche and Chikungunya. Although the epidemic warning is no longer live, these viruses continue to circulate. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a notice (“Practice Enhanced Precautions”) in response to a Chikungunya outbreak in Cuba.
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Cuba, including:
\n\nYou should take precautions to avoid or prevent mosquito and other insect bites.
\n\nTo control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the Cuban authorities may carry out chemical fumigation measures across the island. The chemicals used may cause some discomfort if you come into contact with them.
\n\nThere are severe shortages of basic medicines, but clinics treating foreigners are more likely to stock basic medical supplies. Many medicines, pharmacy items and sanitary products that are easily accessible in the UK, are not available in Cuba.
\n\nIf you have a pre-existing medical condition, do not expect to buy medication in Cuba. A letter from your GP stating treatment and dosage may be helpful if you need treatment from a medical practitioner.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities in Havana are better than elsewhere in Cuba. If you need medical treatment, you or your insurance company will need to pay with foreign currency before any treatment. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Cuba where some staff will speak English.
\n\nPsychiatric care facilities for foreigners are limited and difficult to access.
\n\nFCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 104
\n\nFire: 105
\n\nPolice: 106
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Cuba on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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