Government Of Canada To Canadians Thinking About Visiting Cuba: "Exercise A High Degree Of Caution Due To Shortages Of Basic Necessities Including Food, Medicine And Fuel."

Cuba travel advice- Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Link: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba

Risk levels- Cuba - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel.

Excerpts 

Outbreak Monitoring- Hepatitis A in Cuba.  There have been reported cases of hepatitis A in return travellers from Cuba.  Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is most commonly spread when someone eats food or drinks water that contains the virus.  The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. Discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated with a health care provider before you travel.  In addition to vaccination, you can reduce your risk of getting hepatitis A by taking the following precautions: Wash your hands often, especially before preparing or eating food.  Take food and water precautions, such as: avoiding ice cubes in drinks; peeling your own raw fruit and vegetables; drinking water from a safe supply, such as bottled or boiled water; eating only foods that are well-cooked unless you have prepared them yourself; Practise safer sex methods. 

Crime- Petty crime- Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs.  Theft generally occurs in crowded places such as: tourist areas, markets, public buses, night clubs, beaches.  It can also occur in isolated areas.  Cuba has a cash-based economy. You may need to carry large amounts of cash to make larger purchases, but doing so could make you a target for theft or robbery. You should avoid showing large amounts of cash in public.  Theft from hotel rooms, particularly in private accommodations (“casas particulares”), and from cars, is common.  Always keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place.  Do not pack valuables in your checked luggage.  Avoid showing signs of affluence.  Keep electronic devices out of sight.  Keep a digital and a hard copy of your identification and travel documents.  Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk.   

Violent crime- Incidents of violent crime are not frequent, but assaults may occur. They mainly occur during a burglary or robbery.  Stay in accommodations with good security.  Keep your windows and doors locked at all times.  If you’re threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist 

Sexual assault- Incidents of sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts.  If you’re a victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office. You should file a report with the Cuban authorities and ensure that local police provide you with proof of complaint (“comprobante de denuncia”) confirming that a report has been filed. A criminal investigation will not be possible if no formal complaint is made to Cuban authorities before you depart the country.  Police officers may only speak Spanish.  Avoid secluded areas, even on resorts and hotel grounds.  Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances.  Avoid taking public transportation or walking alone at night. 

Fraud- Overcharging- Some businesses, including taxis and classic car rentals, may try to charge exorbitant prices.  Always confirm the price before ordering or purchasing a good or service.  Do not leave an open tab.  Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff.  Check the accuracy of your bill before paying.  Scams- Some hustlers specialize in defrauding tourists, sometimes using threats or violence. Most of them speak some English or French and go out of their way to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as guides or facilitate the purchase of cigars.  Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers also operate throughout the country, including at Havana’s international airport. Thefts of luggage from taxi trunks have occurred.  In bars, sex workers, including minors, may be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who refuse their advances. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been victims of theft after engaging in sexual relations, and some of them have faced child sex accusations.  Only use reputable tour operators and registered taxis.  Avoid independent street vendors.  Be wary of strangers who seem too friendly.

Power outages- Cuba experienced nationwide power outages in 2024. The electrical system is vulnerable and outages can occur suddenly. Scheduled power cuts regularly take place to conserve power, particularly outside Havana, and can last many hours.  Most large hotels and resorts use generators during power outages.  Monitor local media for the latest information.  Try to keep your phone charged.  Plan accordingly.  Shortages.  Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including: food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, fuel, hard currency.  Fuel shortages affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations.  Intermittent shortages of tap water provided by municipalities occur, including in Havana. Water shortages have affected resorts in the past. 

Spiked food, drinks and other items-  Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. 

Telecommunications- The telecommunications network in Cuba is poor. Connections are unreliable and may be intermittent.  Canadian cell phones may not work, even in large cities. Internet access is limited across the island.  Local authorities control telecommunications. They may block access, including to social media, in case of civil unrest or before demonstrations.  Do not rely on your cell phone for emergencies, especially outside major cities.  Subscribe to and install a VPN service before leaving Canada 

Online transactions- Online banking may be challenging in Cuba. Most Cuban websites are unsecure. Many are inaccessible from outside of Cuba.  If you plan to book online, you should confirm that your hotel accepts online reservations and payments.