Is Cuba safe? The short answer: Yes!
Is Cuba safe? The short answer: Yes!
Cuba is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Serious crimes are nearly nonexistent, and all you really have to watch out for is the occasional thief. Here's everything you need to know about safety in Cuba, from weather to theft—and even the 2016-2017 "sonic attacks on diplomats" (which have since been largely dismissed).
Cuba is INCREDIBLE for families
Cuba is a wonderful destination for a memorable (and educational) family trip. If you want to teach your children about other cultures, history, and conflict/peace between nations, an international trip is a great idea. Cuba is a safe destination for families and chock full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Cubans love children, and activities as simple as playing with your kids at the park or going for ice cream can spark conversations with local families.
Violent crime is rare
Violent attacks like shootings and murders are extremely rare in Cuba due to a combination of universal basic income and extremely harsh punishments. Muggers sometimes (but rarely) carry knives; if you're robbed, just give up your valuables. But again, muggings and robberies are not very common.
There’s also a significant police presence in cities, which effectively helps prevent both violent and non-violent crime.
Cuba has completely recovered from Hurricane Irma
Cuba was hit hard by Hurricane Irma back in 2017, but has since completely recovered. It’s been safe to travel to places like Havana, Vinales, Barcoa, Santiago de Cuba, and Trinidad for two years now.
"Sonic attacks" on diplomats haven't affected travelers
American and Canadian diplomats and government officials on assignment in Cuba claimed to be experiencing hearing loss, fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms between 2016 and 2017.
American officials claimed that these symptoms were the result of targeted sonic attacks. But it is still unclear what the precise cause of symptoms is and who is behind the attacks.
The State Department issued a Cuba travel warning and the staff at the U.S. embassy was been reduced so that it only provided emergency services.
As of 2019, many speculate that these symptoms were not caused by a "sonic attack", but rather by crickets.
Either way, there were no reports of US travelers experiencing any symptoms.
Healthcare for travelers is incredible in Cuba
If you’re worried about getting sick or injured in Cuba, don’t worry about it any more than you would if you were staying home.
If you need to use your health insurance, take comfort in the fact that Cuba has one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
The World Health Organization continually praises the expertise of Cuban medical teams and the emphasis on research in the Cuban healthcare system. For example, the infant mortality rate is among the lowest in the world (and lower than in the US). Cuban doctors and medical staff are also one of Cuba’s greatest exports; medical personnel trained in Cuba provide care throughout Latin America and Africa. The medical staff you’ll meet in Cuba will take good care of you if you need them.
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