Published on
January 5, 2026
The Government of Canada has advised travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Cuba, citing ongoing shortages of basic necessities and multiple health-related concerns. The advisory outlines conditions that may affect tourists before arrival, during their stay, and when departing the country. While some resort and island destinations continue to operate under normal security conditions, broader nationwide challenges are highlighted as key considerations for travel planning.
Security Conditions and Tourism-Focused Regions
According to the Canadian government’s travel guidance, Cuba remains affected by shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. These shortages form the basis of the elevated caution level and may affect access to essential services across the country. Tourists are advised to factor these constraints into travel decisions, particularly when planning activities outside designated resort zones.
Certain tourism-oriented areas are identified as operating under normal security precautions. These include island destinations within the Archipelago of Jardines del Rey, such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande, and Cayo Santa Maria. Additional resort areas assessed under normal conditions include Varadero Peninsula, Playa Ancon, Playa Santa Lucia, Cayo Largo del Sur, Jibacoa, Marea del Portillo, and the Guardalavaca coastline between Playa Pesquero and Playa Bani. Despite these regional distinctions, the advisory emphasizes that national conditions remain relevant to all travellers.
Health Screening Measures and Quarantine Possibilities
Canadian travel guidance notes that health screening measures are in place for travellers entering and exiting Cuba. Medical screening or questioning by public health authorities may occur upon arrival, departure, or when reporting for domestic flights. These procedures are part of ongoing public health controls.
Travellers may also be subject to mandatory medical observation or quarantine for up to seven days if symptoms of serious illnesses are identified, if exposure to a suspected carrier is believed to have occurred, or if arrival takes place from a country experiencing an epidemic. These measures are applied at the discretion of local authorities and are intended to limit the spread of infectious diseases.
Health Risks and Ongoing Disease Monitoring
The advisory outlines several health risks relevant to travellers. Ongoing monitoring includes diseases such as measles, COVID-19, dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and Oropouche virus disease. In addition, cases of hepatitis A have been reported among travellers returning from Cuba, reinforcing the importance of food and water safety.
Routine vaccinations are emphasized as an essential component of travel preparation. These include immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, polio, and other standard vaccines. Depending on individual travel plans, additional vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and COVID-19 may be recommended. Consultation with a healthcare provider prior to travel is advised to assess personal health risks.
Food, Water, and Environmental Health Precautions
The Canadian advisory stresses the importance of food and water precautions for travellers to Cuba. Illness may result from consuming contaminated food or beverages or from exposure to unsafe water sources. Recommended measures include consuming only well-prepared food, avoiding ice, peeling raw fruits and vegetables personally, and using bottled or boiled water.
Exposure to contaminated freshwater sources, including lakes, streams, and canals, is discouraged, particularly after heavy rainfall or flooding. Traveller’s diarrhea, typhoid, and salmonellosis remain identified risks, making hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing a key preventative measure.
Insect, Animal, and Person-to-Person Health Risks
Insect-borne diseases are highlighted as a concern for travellers. Preventative strategies include the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting when necessary. Diseases associated with insect exposure include dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and Oropouche virus disease.
Animal-related health risks are also addressed. Contact with stray animals, livestock, wildlife, and animal waste is discouraged. Activities such as hiking, camping, cave visits, and rural travel may increase exposure risk. Person-to-person infection prevention measures, including hygiene and limiting contact when ill, are also emphasized.
Medical Services, Medication Availability, and Insurance Needs
The Government of Canada notes that healthcare availability in Cuba is limited. While medical professionals are generally trained, facilities often lack essential supplies, equipment, and medications. Public healthcare services are state-run, and hygiene conditions may be inadequate.
Medical clinics located in resort areas may provide better emergency care for foreigners, though services remain limited overall. Emergency and ambulance response times may be slow, particularly outside tourist areas. Mental health services are described as extremely limited.
Severe shortages of prescription and basic medications are reported. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient quantities of personal medication, carried in original containers and accompanied by prescriptions. Comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation and hospitalization, is strongly advised.
Additional Health Controls and Death Abroad Considerations
Public health authorities in Cuba conduct periodic fumigation and insect control measures, including aerial spraying. Travellers with respiratory conditions are advised to consider potential impacts.
In the event of death abroad, procedures differ significantly from Canadian standards. Autopsies are mandatory, and only designated facilities in Havana are authorized to issue documentation for repatriation. Limited refrigeration capacity and differing embalming practices may affect timelines and costs. Insurance coverage for repatriation is emphasized as essential.
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