Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cuba
Cuba is an exotic travel destination that is slowly opening up for more tourists.
Strong influences from Spanish and African roots make it culturally diverse. Exotic rhythms like salsa and rumba can be found everywhere in Cuba, as many dances and music originated there.
Cuba has remained relatively untouched by outside influence, making it a unique destination.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cuba?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Cuba
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cuba?
What Is the Climate Like in Cuba?
How Safe Is Cuba?
Visiting the Varadero
What Should I Pack for Cuba?
U.S. Embassy in Cuba
Do I Need Vaccines for Cuba?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cuba. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cuba: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Though rare, cholera is present in Cuba. Vaccination may be recommended for long-term travelers, aid works and those visiting rural areas. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cuba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Though rare, cholera is present in Cuba. Vaccination may be recommended for long-term travelers, aid works and those visiting rural areas. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cuba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travelers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travelers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
Dengue is one of the few mosquito-borne diseases present in Cuba. Unlike many other Caribbean nations, Cuba was able to avoid a major Zika outbreak. Mosquito repellents and netting are recommended for Cuba.
Rabies is present in the country as well. Consider vaccination, especially if going to rural areas or staying for more than two weeks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Cuba
Prevent Bug Bites in Cuba
In case of bug bites, cleanse the area, use anti-itch treatments, and resist scratching to prevent infection. Seek medical help for severe reactions or if symptoms of vector-borne diseases emerge post-bite.
Food and Water Safety in Cuba
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travelers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Cuba
- Dengue – Dengue fever, caused by Aedes mosquito bites, poses a significant global health risk. Preventative measures, including avoiding mosquito bites, are crucial due to the lack of direct antiviral treatments.
- Zika – Zika virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and their babies. To prevent Zika, individuals should protect themselves from mosquito bites, practice safe sex, and eliminate breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cuba?
Yes, all the U.S. visitors need to have a visa to enter the country. Currently there is no regular tourist visa for U.S. citizens. All the travelers need to fall into one of the 12 Visa categories.
Cuba Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cuba? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Cuba and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Cuba?
The climate in Cuba is sub-tropical. The average year-round temperature is approximately 77°F and there’s plenty of sunshine.
The hottest time of the year is summer, from June to August. Summer is also the most festive time of the year with carnivals and event held in many cities throughout the country.
Cuba has a rainy season from May to October. Occasional bursts of rainfall can be expected in the afternoons. Cuba remains a popular summer destination, as the rainfalls bring relief in the heat.
December, January, and February are the coolest months of the year. During the winter months, occasional cold fronts can decrease the temperatures to the low 50’s for short periods of time.
How Safe Is Cuba?
Cuba is a relatively safe country for travelers. The roads are good condition, but driving at night should be avoided, as there are no streetlights. Crimes are very uncommon in there. There are virtually no firearms or illicit drugs.
But, still practice common sense, since pick-pocketing and opportunistic theft are popular as in every tourist resort.
Strong military and police presence can be expected. The biggest threat to traveler’s safety is attending demonstrations and gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational without warning.
Visiting the Varadero
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Varadero is a popular place in Cuba for people to go on vacation because it has beautiful beaches and many fun things to do.
There are over 20 kilometers of white sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and play in the water. You can also try different water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Varadero has many natural areas to explore, like the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve which has hiking trails and caves to explore. If you like to play golf, Varadero has some golf courses with amazing views.
You can also learn about the local culture by visiting places like the Bellamar Caves, the Tropicana Cabaret, and the Josone Park. If you enjoy trying different foods, there are many restaurants in Varadero that serve Cuban and international dishes.
At night, there are bars and nightclubs where you can dance and have fun.
What Should I Pack for Cuba?
While more developed than many other Caribbean nations, it is still important to bring key items with you to Cuba.
- Cash – Most credit and debit cards issued in the U.S. are not accepted in Cuba. Most transactions are carried out in cash. U.S. dollars can be changed in most national exchange offices. Make sure to bring enough cash to last during your vacation.
- Swimsuit – Get ready for a warm weather and hot sun! Bring your own swimsuit, to make sure you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
- Sunscreen – The endless hours by the pool might start to sting if you don’t protect your skin. Bring your own sunscreen, as outside of Havana and Varaderoas it might be hard to find.
- First-aid kit – Cuba’s pharmacies can only offer a small selection of medications. Pack your own medicine kit equipped with bandages, pain killers, digestion medicine and any prescriptions.
- Insect repellent – Tropical insects can carry various diseases. To avoid any health threats caused by the insects, it is important to protect yourself from them. It is best to bring your own repellent, as the Cuban stores and pharmacies may have a limited selection.
U.S. Embassy in Cuba
All Americans visiting Cuba should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Cuba, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Havana
Calzada between L & M, Vedado
P. O. Box 606 Village Market
Havana, Cuba
Phone: (+53) 7839-4100
Visit the Embassy to Cuba website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cuba
“Smooth process. Very helpful in prepping for my trip to Cuba. I thought it was just going to be shots – but it was a full educational experience. I actually learned a lot and it likely kept me in good health for the duration.”
“The RN was great. Loved the booklet you prepared for my Cuba trip. She answered all my questions -“
“I received excellent advice about medical preparations for my upcoming travel to Cuba.”
“I met with a nurse and she explained what I needed for my trip to Cuba. The meeting was very informative.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
