Is Cuba Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Cuba is closer than you think—but traveling there still feels like crossing into a parallel world.

Just 90 miles off the Florida coast, this Caribbean island blends Spanish colonial architecture, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and echoes of the Cold War that still shape daily life.

Once entirely off-limits to Americans without special permission, Cuba has opened up in limited ways, but U.S. travelers still face extra red tape and restrictions, which we’ll cover in this guide.

Cuba’s history is inseparable from revolution, embargo, and resilience.

Its capital, Havana, is a time capsule of pastel facades, vintage cars, and crumbling grandeur.

The beaches of Varadero offer postcard-perfect sand, while Viñales Valley showcases tobacco fields and limestone cliffs.

To the east, Santiago de Cuba pulses with Afro-Caribbean culture and music.

Despite its allure, Cuba is in the middle of an energy and economic crisis that’s affecting both residents and travelers.

Power outages, fuel shortages, and service interruptions are common, which explains why tourism numbers aren’t rebounding after COVID.

Still, 2.2 million international visitors in 2024.

Tourism is still alive, but it’s different now.

If you’re planning a trip, especially from the U.S., expect extra planning and a few more hoops to jump through to make it happen safely and legally.

Warnings & Dangers in Cuba

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Cuba’s current situation, marked by fuel shortages, rolling blackouts, medicine scarcities, and growing civil unrest, makes it a medium-risk destination, especially for travelers with medical needs or limited Spanish. Crime is also a concern. While it's not on the Do Not Travel list, it's a good thing you're reading this article.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Reliable transport is a challenge. Public buses are overcrowded, fuel shortages limit taxi availability, and rental cars are expensive and often in poor condition. Scams and unlicensed taxis are a concern. Apps are unreliable, especially for foreign users with limited internet access. It's a medium risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Treat this as a high risk, especially if the economic crisis is still happening when you visit. Petty theft is widespread in tourist zones. Shortages mean locals may see tourists as financial opportunities. Be cautious with phones, wallets, and bags in busy areas. Bag slashing and distraction scams do happen, particularly in Havana.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Cuba’s hurricane season (June–November) brings real threats, especially given the poor infrastructure. Power and water outages are common after storms, and evacuation logistics can be difficult. In October 2024, Hurricane Oscar made landfall in eastern Cuba during a nationwide blackout, causing severe flooding, landslides, and the deaths of at least seven people.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime is less frequent than theft, but desperation has increased due to economic collapse. That's why we're giving this a medium risk. Muggings, while not rampant, do occur—especially after dark in low-traffic areas. Travel in groups, avoid empty streets at night, and don’t flash valuables.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There’s no active terrorism threat in Cuba. However, political dissent is not tolerated, and tourists caught in or near protests could face detention. Steer clear of any political activity or anti-government discussions, even casual ones. As with others, treat this as a medium risk.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Another medium risk here. Scams targeting tourists are common, from fake taxis and inflated bills to counterfeit goods. Dual currency confusion also opens the door for price manipulation. Avoid street vendors and unofficial “guides.” Stick to vetted restaurants and government-regulated services when possible.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Street harassment is common, especially toward solo women. While violent assault is rare, persistent catcalling and intrusive attention can make some areas uncomfortable. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy zones, and trust your instincts. While women face unique challenges in Cuba, it's still a medium risk.

TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM

Tap water is not safe to drink. Contamination and lack of filtration are ongoing issues. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice or uncooked food that may have been rinsed in tap water. Bring a portable filter if visiting rural areas.

Safest Places to Visit in Cuba

Start with Cuba’s official tourism website, visitcuba.com.

I’m always impressed when tourism agencies address safety concerns.

There’s a helpful article about how to travel there safely.

To save you time reading it, they suggest:

1. Hire a tour guide.
2. Paying as much as you can ahead of time due to a lack of high-tech financial systems.
3. Learn about the specific area where you’re considering booking a hotel. They recommend Vedado and Playa.
4. Use the bus to travel the country and a private car to get around Havana.
5. Avoid buying souvenirs on busy main streets, and steer clear of restaurants where the prices are unclear. Both are scammy.

If you’re making the effort to get to Cuba, make it count.

Start in Havana, where classic cars, the Malecón, and museums like the Museum of the Revolution give you a crash course in Cuban history and culture.

Viñales Valley is worth the trip for its scenic tobacco farms and limestone cliffs—best explored on horseback or by bike.

Head to Varadero or Cayo Coco for white-sand beaches and turquoise water, with resort comforts if you need a break from Havana’s chaos.

In Trinidad, you’ll find colonial-era streets, live music, and nearby hikes in Topes de Collantes National Park.

Santiago de Cuba offers a deeper look at Afro-Cuban culture, plus a strong music scene and views from El Morro fortress.

Add in a classic cigar or rum tour, some salsa dancing, and you’ve covered Cuba’s essentials—without trying to do it all.

Places to Avoid in Cuba

Tourist zones in Havana and Varadero are heavily patrolled and generally fine during the day, but there are places you don’t want to wander without a plan, especially at night.

Parts of Central Havana, Regla, and the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba can feel edgy after dark, with fewer police and more economic desperation.

Don’t go off-grid thinking you’re discovering the “real Cuba” unless you’ve got local guidance—Google Maps and Wi-Fi won’t always be there to bail you out.

Season-wise, August through October are the heart of hurricane season.

Trips during this time when a hurricane is approaching should be avoided if you don’t want to risk power outages, travel delays, or spending your trip in the dark with no A/C or running water.

Blackouts aren’t just possible—they’re expected.

Also: avoid unlicensed taxis (they’re everywhere), political conversations (they’re not worth the fallout), and any offer that feels “too authentic” to be legit. That “local” cigar hookup?

Probably fake.

That friendly guy who wants to show you around?

He’ll likely expect a tip or more.

This is a beautiful country with real challenges—respect both.

A little caution goes a long way here.

What Americans Need to Know About Visiting Cuba

Traveling to Cuba as a U.S. citizen involves a few more steps than your average vacation.

You’re not technically traveling for “tourism” but under one of 12 approved categories, like “Support for the Cuban People,” which is the broadest and most commonly used.

That means your itinerary should include meaningful cultural or local engagement, not just beach lounging.

U.S. debit and credit cards won’t work in Cuba.

Not at ATMs, not in restaurants, and not at hotels.

Bring enough cash to cover your entire trip, preferably in euros or Canadian dollars, then exchange it at official CADECA exchange offices.

U.S. dollars are now accepted again, but exchanging them can come with extra fees or worse rates.

You also can’t use U.S.-based booking platforms (like Airbnb, Expedia, or Booking.com) to reserve stays or transportation in Cuba.

You’ll need to use alternative platforms or work through a travel agency that understands the rules.

Cuba requires all travelers to have medical insurance valid in the country, and U.S. health insurance doesn’t qualify.

Most airlines flying from the U.S. include basic coverage through Cuba’s official provider, Asistur, with your ticket—your boarding pass serves as proof.

Confirm with your airline before departure.

If not included, you’ll need to buy coverage on arrival.

Bottom line: you can visit Cuba as an American, but you’ll need to plan carefully, stay compliant, and be prepared for workarounds that don’t apply in most other destinations.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Cuba

So... How Safe Is Cuba Really?

Most advisories from other countries agree that Cuba is a Level 2 on the four-tiered risk rating, but they don’t all agree on why.

For example, the United States uses Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime, including petty, violent, and property crimes.

At the same time, Canada’s Level 2: Exercise a High Degree of Caution is “due to shortages of basic necessities.”

That includes food, fuel, power, water, and medication.

Canada does lean back on the risk in the Archipelago of Jardines del Rey and resort areas.

That’s at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Australia’s Level 2: Exercise a High Degree of Caution is due to the threat of violent crime.

The bottom line?

There are inherent risks in Cuba that go beyond common sense and basic personal safety tactics.

Only you can decide if the risks are worth the reward of the cultural and natural benefits.

How Does Cuba Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most travelers to Cuba, including Americans, need a tourist card (often called a visa) to enter. These are typically issued through airlines or travel agencies. U.S. citizens must also meet one of 12 authorized categories of travel. Always check current entry rules with both your airline and the Cuban embassy before departure.

Currency

Cuba now operates primarily in Cuban pesos (CUP), but foreign visitors often use credit or debit cards—except U.S.-issued ones, which won't work there. Exchange cash to CUP at official exchange houses or ATMs. U.S. dollars are no longer penalized, but are still better exchanged before arriving. Avoid black-market exchanges—they’re illegal and risky.

Weather

Cuba has a tropical climate with a dry season (November to April) and a wet, hurricane-prone season (May to October). Summer is hot and humid, with sudden downpours. Hurricane season peaks from August to October. Always monitor forecasts if visiting during this period, especially in coastal or low-lying areas.

Airports

José Martí International Airport in Havana is Cuba’s main international hub. Facilities are limited—expect long waits, basic amenities, and sporadic Wi-Fi. Smaller airports like Varadero and Santiago de Cuba serve regional travelers. Flights from the U.S. are typically limited to Havana, though some routes to other cities operate via third countries.

Travel Insurance

Cuba requires proof of health insurance for entry, and it must cover medical expenses in Cuba. If you arrive without it, you may be required to buy a local policy at the airport. Travel medical care is often cash-only for foreigners, so make sure your policy includes emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage.

Cuba Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Cuba - Safety by City