Is Cuba Safe to Visit in 2026? Your Questions Answered
Yes, Cuba is generally safe for UK tourists. The country has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the Caribbean and Latin America. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not advise against travel to Cuba, and millions of international visitors enjoy safe, trouble-free holidays there every year.
That said, no destination is without risk. This guide covers the practical safety considerations UK travellers should be aware of before visiting Cuba in 2026, from petty crime and health precautions to natural hazards and current conditions.
What Does the UK Government Say?
The FCDO provides travel advice for every country. For Cuba, the current guidance is:
No advisory against travel: The FCDO does not advise against travel to any part of Cuba
Standard caution: Exercise normal precautions, as you would in any unfamiliar country
Hurricane awareness: Monitor weather conditions during June–November
Infrastructure: Be aware that some public services and infrastructure may not meet UK standards
We always recommend checking the latest FCDO guidance before departure, as advice can change. You can find Cuba-specific guidance at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba.
Crime and Personal Safety
Cuba has remarkably low rates of violent crime compared to other Caribbean and Latin American nations. Serious crime against tourists is rare, and Cuba's visible police presence in tourist areas adds to the sense of security.
However, petty crime does exist — as it does in any tourist destination worldwide. Common-sense precautions will significantly reduce any risk:
Practical Safety Tips
Valuables: Use hotel safes for passports, large amounts of cash, and electronics. Don't carry more money than you need for the day.
At night: Stick to well-lit, busy areas in cities. Old Havana and the Malecón are generally safe in the evening, but quieter back streets are best avoided after dark.
Bags and cameras: Use a crossbody bag rather than a handbag. Keep cameras and phones close when in crowds.
Taxis: Use official taxis (yellow Ladas or modern Viazul-approved vehicles) rather than unmarked cars. Agree fares before getting in.
Casa particulares: Staying in licensed casas particulares (private homestays) is extremely safe — your hosts are registered with the government and take guest safety seriously.
Common Scams
Cuba has a reputation for friendly hustling rather than aggressive scamming. Be aware of:
Jineteros: Friendly locals who may offer unsolicited help, directions, or restaurant recommendations — often with a commission motive. Politely decline if you're not interested.
Restaurant redirects: Being told your intended restaurant is "closed" or "terrible" and steered to another (where the guide earns a commission). Check for yourself.
Currency confusion: Always check your change and be clear on prices before ordering in restaurants or buying goods.
Overpriced cigars: Street vendors offering "authentic" cigars at "bargain" prices. Genuine Cuban cigars should be purchased from official La Casa del Habano shops.
Health and Medical Considerations
Cuba has an excellent healthcare system by developing-country standards — in fact, it's one of the best in the Caribbean. However, medical facilities for tourists may not match UK standards, and some medications are in short supply.
Travel insurance: Mandatory for entry. Ensure your policy covers at least US$10,000 in medical expenses and repatriation.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters are recommended. Consult your GP 6–8 weeks before travel.
Mosquitoes: Dengue fever is present in Cuba. Use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and use mosquito nets where provided. There is no malaria risk in Cuba.
Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice in tourist restaurants is generally made from purified water.
Sun: Cuba is tropical — UV levels are high year-round. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
Medications: Bring all prescription medications from the UK in their original packaging. Cuban pharmacies have limited stock and may not carry your specific medication.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes
Cuba's hurricane season runs from June to November. The country is well prepared — its civil defence system is recognised by the United Nations as one of the most effective in the world. The best months to visit to avoid any storm risk are December to May.
If you travel during hurricane season, monitor weather forecasts and follow guidance from your accommodation and tour operator. Ensure your travel insurance covers weather-related disruptions.
Earthquakes
Eastern Cuba (Santiago de Cuba region) experiences occasional seismic activity, though significant earthquakes are rare. Western Cuba (Havana, Viñales) has minimal seismic risk.
Current Situation in Cuba (2026)
Cuba has faced economic challenges in recent years, including fuel shortages and power outages that became more acute in late 2025 and early 2026. It's important to put this into context for tourists:
Tourism areas: Hotels, resorts, and major tourist facilities generally maintain reliable electricity through backup generators. Tourist areas in Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, and Viñales are largely unaffected.
Power outages: Residential areas may experience scheduled blackouts. If staying in a casa particular, ask about generator or solar backup.
Fuel: Petrol shortages can occasionally affect private taxis and transport. Organised tours with pre-booked transport are not usually affected.
Food: Tourist restaurants and hotels maintain good food supplies. Local paladares (private restaurants) also generally have reliable sourcing.
The key takeaway: while Cuba's economic situation affects daily life for residents, the tourist experience remains largely insulated. Hotels, excursions, and organised transport operate normally. Booking through an ATOL-protected operator like Travelfab provides an additional safety net — if significant disruption occurs, your booking is financially protected.
Solo Travel and Female Safety
Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America for solo travellers, including women travelling alone. The friendly, open culture means you'll rarely feel isolated, and the strong community-based social structure means there are always people around.
Tips for solo travellers:
Stay in casas particulares: Your hosts are your local support network. They'll recommend safe restaurants, reliable taxis, and genuine local experiences.
Share your plans: Let your accommodation know your daily itinerary and expected return time.
Trust your instincts: Cuban streets are generally safe, but if a situation feels uncomfortable, move to a busy public area.
Unwanted attention: Women may receive more catcalling than in the UK. This is culturally common and rarely threatening — a firm "no, gracias" is usually effective.
Group tours: If solo travel feels daunting, consider a small group adventure where you'll join like-minded travellers with an expert guide.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Cuba has made significant progress on LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalised in September 2022 following a national referendum. Havana in particular has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with several welcoming bars and cultural spaces.
Attitudes vary between urban and rural areas — Havana and larger cities are considerably more open than countryside communities. Public displays of affection may attract attention outside Havana, though hostility is rare. Overall, Cuba is one of the more progressive destinations in the Caribbean for LGBTQ+ travellers.
Travel Safely with Travelfab
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. When you book a Cuba holiday with Travelfab, you benefit from:
ATOL financial protection — your money is protected if anything goes wrong
Vetted accommodation — we only use hotels and casas particulares we know and trust
In-destination support — local contacts available throughout your trip
Expert planning — we design itineraries that prioritise safe, enjoyable experiences
Affirma travel insurance — meeting all Cuban entry requirements
Pre-departure briefing — practical tips tailored to your specific itinerary
Cuba is one of our favourite destinations precisely because it's welcoming, fascinating, and safe. We've been arranging holidays there for years, and our clients consistently tell us they feel safer in Cuba than in many European cities.
