Wondering whether Cuba is a safe country? Here’s everything you need to know about this captivating Caribbean island.
Cuba brims with life and contrast. Classic American cars cruise past crumbling colonial buildings on this captivating Caribbean island. Salsa spreads through the streets from Havana’s plazas. In Cuba, Spanish and West African influences blend in a musical rhythm to which all of the island seems to move. It’s no wonder that it’s high on many expats’ bucket lists – but is Cuba a safe country for visitors?
If, like many travelers from around the world, you’re wondering if it is safe to go to Cuba, rest assured – despite going through hard times, the island remains one of the Caribbean and Latin America’s safest countries.
If you’re from the United States, however, you should know that U.S. citizens cannot head to Cuba on a tourist card. For anyone else meeting entry requirements (and for Americans on a non-tourist visa) Cuba opens its doors to explore a beautiful island seemingly trapped in time.
Sure, expats and travelers can encounter some infrastructural hiccups like sporadic internet and occasional power outages. And navigating the country’s dual-currency system of Cuban pesos and US dollars can be counterintuitive if you’re used to swiping your way through daily payments.
In return for navigating the country’s quirks, visitors are rewarded with warm local hospitality, world-renowned cigars and rum, music and dance, casas particulares, and the Cuban story of revolutionary history.
So is it safe to go to Cuba? Certainly, if you know what to expect – because there are pros and cons to visiting Cuba. Let’s find out what it really means to stay safe in Cuba as a visitor or expat.
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Contents
Is Cuba a Safe Country to Visit? Here’s what the Numbers and Experts Say
For visitors to the island, Cuba can be regarded as one of Latin America’s safe countries. The nation’s Global Peace Index (GPI) score for 2024 supports this. With a GPI score of 2.16, Cuba ranks 98th out of 163 countries – placing it in the middle range globally and as safe as nearby Panama, the world’s fifth-best country to retire.
Cuba is also safer than neighboring countries, like the much improved and nowadays popular El Salvador and crime-ridden Haïti, ranking 107th and 143rd.
Cuba’s crime rates paint a two-sided picture. On one hand, recent statistics reveal a troubling increase in overall crime rates. In the first half of 2024 alone, reported crimes rose by 52% compared to the same period in 2023, according to news outlet CiberCuba. On the one hand, violent crime against tourists remains extremely rare, thanks to strict government penalties for crimes targeting visitors and a visible police presence in tourist areas like Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero.
Karsten Aichholz, founder of ExpatDen, notes that not all factors that lower tourism-related crime rates are benign. “There is virtually no petty theft. Mostly because you never know who might be secret police and the risk of getting caught is just too big.”
Experts attribute the rise of crime to Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, which has led to shortages of basic goods like food and medicine. The country’s economic freedom score is well below the global average – with an inefficient, Cuban government-run economy and inflation at 76% in 2024. Defense lawyer Nelson González, who has worked in the country’s judicial system for more than 30 years, shared in an interview with news outlet El País that, “The country is in a state of collapse. Value systems are falling apart, we are facing an economic crisis that impacts all areas of life.”
Andreas Blass, CEO of Caribbean Tours and one of Switzerland’s most respected Cuba experts, is familiar with the challenges facing the country. “Following three nationwide blackouts, two hurricanes in November, and an already strained supply situation, conditions for the people of Cuba have only grown more challenging,” Blass told the Swiss Travel News.
Despite the economic duress Cuban citizens are under, Blass and other tour operators still advise travelers to plan a holiday in Cuba.
“Even in the current situation, Cuba remains a valued travel destination with a loyal clientele. Here at the resort in Varadero, I see many Canadians, Russians, Germans and Swiss who are enjoying their stay and seem relaxed.”
In fact, the Swiss CEO sees a silver lining. “Holidays in Cuba currently have certain advantages, such as experiencing tourism without the crowds. The inventiveness of the Cubans turns even a power outage into a charming experience, such as a Caribbean candlelight dinner with live music – after all, the music can be played without electricity.”
The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory, meanwhile, is to “Exercise Increased Caution” (Level 2) when visiting Cuba, as per travel.state.gov. This advisory primarily stems mainly from concerns about petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins. Health concerns include risks of dengue and the zika virus and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. US embassy staff is restricted from using public transportation.
Understanding that Cuba isn’t just a paradise, nor that the deteriorated state of Cuba’s economy puts visitors in peril, is key for planning a trip or even a relocation to Cuba.
Is Cuba a safe country to visit? Admittedly, the island’s safety profile is not perfect – but the Cuban people, the country’s cultural richness, and the island’s natural beauty make it worth navigating the practical challenges visitors and expats face.
Is Cuba a Safe Country to Live in? The Pros and Cons
While a holiday in Cuba is still a great idea, living in Cuba as an expat is a world apart from enjoying poolside mojitos for a week or two. While travelers often experience the best of the island—its beaches, music, and hospitality—expats have to face the realities of daily life of inflation, hurricane season, and public transportation.
For those who commit to spending more time on the island, these are main pros and cons of living on Cuba as an expat:
Pros of Living in Cuba as an Expat
Affordable Healthcare
Cuba’s healthcare system is easily accessible and affordable. Expats benefit from a high doctor-to-patient ratio and a focus on preventive care, ensuring peace of mind for medical needs.
On that matter, Aichholz shares a reassuring story. “When my friend got really sick on a trip to Cuba, the place he was staying got a doctor to do a home visit. After the treatment, he asked how much it would cost and the doctor replied “In Cuba, health is free.”
Cost of Living
Despite the economic crisis, the cost of living in Cuba is still decent by American or European standards – but it’s not as cheap as you might think. Inflation is at 30% and the Cuban peso is devaluing rapidly.
That means that technically you’re getting more pesos for your dollars or euros. In practice, you’re better off keeping your dollars – it can buy you almost anything on an island in need of foreign currency. With the recently announced partial dollarization of the Cuban economy, new supermarkets are opening that accept U.S. dollars and credit cards. The many informal supermarkets selling imported goods in the black economy already run on dollars.
Rich Culture and Welcoming Cubans
From salsa music to Afro-Cuban traditions, Cuba brims with cultural vibrancy. Living here means immersing yourself in a rhythm of life that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Cubans are famously sociable and hospitable, often going out of their way to make foreigners feel at home. As an expat, you’ll soon find yourself invited to family gatherings or local celebrations. This sense of community can make adjusting to life on the island much easier and more rewarding.
Accessible (Short-Term) Residency Options
Obtaining residency in Cuba can be straightforward if you qualify under certain categories. Expats can apply for residency employment contracts or when studying at a Cuban university. Marriage to a Cuban citizen is another path to residency.
For retirees or digital nomads, the “snowbird” visa allows stays of up to six months at a time, with extensions possible. While the process involves paperwork and patience, it’s manageable compared to other countries in the region.
Moreover, expats can initially stay on a tourist e-visa, which is valid for 90 days and renewable locally for another 90 days. For longer stays, applying for residency through work contracts or family sponsorship is possible but requires patience.
Cons of Living in Cuba as an Expat
Political Restrictions and Freedom of Speech
Expats should tread carefully when discussing politics or engaging in public discourse about one of the world’s last remaining true social governments or its local authorities. The Social Communication Law prohibits content deemed to “defame, slander, or insult” state institutions, with penalties including imprisonment.
Does that mean you can’t discuss the regime over coffee at a cafe? The government actively represses and punish virtually all forms of dissent and public criticism, according to Human Rights Watch. Public spaces are monitored through state surveillance and local socialist organisations that report critical speech.
Restricted Internet Access
The same goes for the internet. State security monitors social media and interrogates journalists, including foreigners collaborating with independent media. Unsurprisingly, internet access is restricted.
For full internet access, expats living in Cuba can use a VPN.
Shortages
While access to foreign currency can make life on the island a lot easier, Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis still impacts expats’ lives and wallets. Shortages of basic goods like food, bottled water, and toiletries are common.
Currency Devaluation
The national currency has experienced extreme devaluation, with informal market rates at 340 CUP per U.S. dollar, compared to the official rate of 120 CUP per dollar.
Infrastructure Issues and Power Outages
Power outages are routine fare in Cuba, where aging power infrastructure and fuel shortages can’t keep up with increased electricity demand. In early 2025, the energy crisis only seems to be intensifying. This is a major issue for digital nomads or remote workers relying on electricity.
Other infrastructures in Cuba also suffer from the economic malaise, like public infrastructure and communication. Cuba’s main communications company, ETECSA, is shifting its services to foreign currency payments as it’s unable to make basic repairs or replace equipment with increasingly worthless pesos.
Language Barrier
While some Cubans speak English, Spanish proficiency is essential for handling bureaucracy, shopping at local markets, or building deeper connections with locals. Cuban Spanish also has unique accents and slang that might make it harder for foreigners to pick up on the language.
Living in Cuba takes an open mind, some patience, and a lot of adaptability – but expect major rewards if you are willing to embrace the hurdles. Life in Cuba is something entirely different from the Western copy-paste experience and offers an authentic look into an alternate society despite its obvious imperfections.
Practical Tips to Stay Safe in Cuba
Living in Cuba comes with dos and don’ts. As a tourist exploring Old Havana’s cobblestone streets or relaxing on a playa in Varadero, staying safe means following common sense practices like:
- Storing valuables and travel documents safely at your accommodation
- Keeping mobile phone and wallet out of sight and safe from pickpockets
- Being cautious at ATMs and not keeping too much cash on you
As an expat, though, staying safe means more than avoiding cigar scams or pickpockets. Here’s a few essential tips to stay safe long-term:
Keep a Low Profile
Maintaining a low profile is key for your safety on an island where someone could always be watching over your shoulder. Keep conversations about politics or sensitive topics private, even when speaking English with other expats.
Also, avoid displaying wealth or discussing financial matters in public. It might be common sense but deserves mentioning when living in a country where people face economic hardship.
Stay in Touch with Your Embassy
Register with your embassy upon arrival so they can contact you during emergencies like natural disasters or political unrest. Embassies can assist with lost passports, legal issues, or evacuation plans, but don’t expect them to resolve minor inconveniences.
Find Housing in Expat Areas and With Reputable Sources
Consider living in areas with established expat communities like Vedado or Miramar for better infrastructure and security. Choose accommodation through reputable agencies or verified local contacts.
Make sure to secure your residence with additional locks, especially in casas particulares, where theft from private guest houses can occur.
Stay Prepared for Healthcare Emergencies
For starters, obtain mandatory government-run health insurance, which provides comprehensive coverage. Cuban healthcare is good – but don’t only rely on state health alone.
Keep emergency embassy contacts readily available. Most embassies provide 24/7 assistance for serious situations. Stock up on essential medications, as shortages are common during economic downturns.
Keep Your Finances in Foreign Currency
Always maintain a foreign source of funds, income or savings. Keep minimal amounts in local currency due to inflation. Use official exchange bureaus (CADECA) when swapping currency if you want to be completely safe – but know that the official exchange rate gets you less than half the Cuban pesos than on the informal market.
A better way to exchange currency would be in the stores you do your groceries, where you will likely pay with foreign currency – but where you can also get Cuban pesos at the informal market rate. Always ask what exchange rate they are using before making purchases or exchanging money.
Keep your visit to Cuba safe by following these tips and preparing for a country that is not without its challenges. Is Cuba a safe country to visit? Our final verdict is a resounding yes for holidaygoers and to carefully weigh the pros and cons as an expat.
Cuba can be an incredibly rewarding destination if you know how to navigate its quirks. Embrace the rhythm of the island, stay mindful of its realities, and let the island’s challenges not spoil your Cuba travel plans.
Planning a holiday to Cuba? Make sure you’re covered for the unexpected. ExpatDen helps expats and retirees find and settle into their new country, with specialist advice on travel insurance, healthcare, and more.
