Cuba

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Cuba 🇨🇺

From the cobbled streets of Old Havana to the lush valleys of Viñales, Cuba is a symphony of history and culture.

Old Havana, also known as “Habana Vieja” in Spanish, is the historic heart of the Cuban capital, Havana. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a living museum that transports visitors back in time with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant plazas.

Visitors to El Nicho can explore the area through well-marked hiking trails. The trails wind through the forest, leading to various viewpoints where you can appreciate the breathtaking scenery and observe the rich biodiversity of the region.

Snorkeling in Varadero is a magical underwater adventure that allows you to explore the vibrant marine life of the Caribbean Sea. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, it is renowned for crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts of all levels.

Cuba is not just a destination; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve bid it farewell.

Travel Immunizations for Cuba

What vaccines do I need for Cuba? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections.

Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.
Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Cuba Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Traveler's Diarrhea

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Salmonellosis

Infectious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella contracted through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, and headache.
Most cases, resolve on their own without treatment. It is important to stay hydrated to replace lost fluids.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.
Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.

Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.
- Typically spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, but also a very small risk of sexual transmission
- Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries with moderate risk and should postpone non-essential travel to high-risk countries

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Cuba

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Cuba

Good health care is limited in availability.
The health system is government-owned. The Cuban government operates hospitals and clinics throughout the island.
Medical professionals are generally adequately trained. However, facilities are in poor condition. They lack basic drugs, medical supplies and equipment. Hygiene practices may be inadequate.
Medical services are also available at most hotels and international clinics located in resort areas, where doctors and nurses provide initial emergency medical care reserved for foreigners. Health care provided in those clinics is usually better than services offered in public facilities.
Mental health care facilities are extremely limited. There are no hotlines available for this type of care in the country.
Emergency and ambulance services are limited. Response times may be slow, especially outside tourist areas.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consular Assistance in Cuba

Havana - Embassy of Canada

Street Address: Calle 30, No. 518 esquina a 7ma, Miramar, Havana, 11300, Cuba

Telephone: (53-7) 204-2516/7

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Cuba

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

Police: 106
Medical assistance: 104
Firefighters: 105

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We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.

Dr. Sam Gutman

CEO and Chief Medical Officer
MD CCFP, FCFP, EM-SEM

Dr. Shaan Pawa

Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®

Kristyna Sorensen

Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN