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?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cuba?
What is the Climate Like in Cuba?
How Safe is Cuba?
What Should I Pack To Cuba?
Visiting the Varadero
Canadian Embassy to Cuba
Do I Need Vaccines for Cuba?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cuba. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cuba: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Though rare, cholera is present in Cuba. Vaccination may be recommended for long-term travellers, aid works and those visiting rural areas. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cuba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Though rare, cholera is present in Cuba. Vaccination may be recommended for long-term travellers, aid works and those visiting rural areas. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cuba |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| 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. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cuba?
A visa is required for entry. Tourist cards are generally provided by tour operators or airlines. If you plan to visit Cuba on your own, a government office of Cuba in Canada may be able to provide one.
Cuba Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cuba? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Cuba and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Cuba?
The climate in Cuba is sub-tropical. The average year-round temperature is approximately 25°C 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 teens for short periods of time.
How Safe Is Cuba?
Cuba is a relatively safe country for travellers. 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 travellers’ safety is attending demonstrations and gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational without warning.
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 transactions are carried out in cash. Currency 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.
Visiting the Varadero
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.
Canadian Embassy in Cuba
Once in Cuba, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Cuba
Calle 30 No. 518 (esq. 7ma)
Miramar (Playa)
Ciudad de la Habana
Cuba
Tel.: (53-7) 204-2516/7
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cuba
“My husband and two children went to the clinic to prepare for our fast approaching trip to Cuba. We received very knowledgeable service about what vaccinations we should receive, time frame to receive them, and costs upfront. There was no pressure and the decisions were ours to make comfortably for what we felt was best for our family. We feel the clinic prepared us with lots of knowledge and the proper vaccination to allow us to have a safe tropical vacation.”
“Yesterday morning I had an appointment at Passport to discuss the travel vaccinations that I would need for travelling to Cuba this fall. The nurse was amazing! So informative and so kind. She answered every question that I had capably. I am always a little bit nervous about getting needles but she was great. She made me very comfortable. I will be returning in six months for the remainder of my shots. Great experience!”
“My wife and I contacted Passport Health Oakville to be sure we were protected for our Cuba vacation. We received amazing service from the nurse there. She educated us on what was required and ensured all vaccinations where completed. We have recommended Passport Health to a group of 20 friends we are travelling with next winter.”
“As a person that hates needles. I went from just getting my Hep A shot to leaving with 2 extra shots, as the nurse explained what i could contract from visiting Cuba. Very informative, nice, funny. Will go back to finish up my shots”
“Thank you for being so helpful with information on precautions to take for my family while in Cuba. Thank you for booking us in last minute and being open on Saturdays! You were very helpful when 3 other clinics were not. Thank you.”
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