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Cuba health care and vaccinations

Vaccination identifier Special precautions
Diphtheria

Sometimes*
Hepatitis A

Yes
Malaria

No
Rabies

Sometimes*
Tetanus

Yes
Typhoid

Sometimes*
Yellow Fever

No

* Potentially required if travelling extensively throughout Cuba.

Obtain adequate health insurance before travelling. Prior to treatment, visitors may need to show proof of ability to pay, though some emergency services are provided free of charge. Standards of care and training are excellent, but equipment and drugs are often in short supply.

Food and drink: 

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is ubiquitous, but boiling water is recommended to limit plastic waste. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products (with the exception of some cheap ice creams) are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafoods and fruit are generally considered safe to eat.

Other risks: 

Dengue fever may occur as well as outbreaks of dengue haemorrhagic fever and meningitis, particularly in urban areas such as Havana and Santiago. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

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