North and Central America and Caribbean

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad

Crime is on the increase.  Theft from luggage during baggage handling, both on arrival and departure, is common.  You should remove all valuables, lock suitcases and consider having them shrink-wrapped before check-in. 

You should take all necessary precautions if you are in Centro Havana at night.  You should take a taxi to your accommodation rather than walk, even if your accommodation is only a few blocks away.

There are a small number of bogus tour agents/taxis operating at the airports and around old Havana.  You should not travel with anyone other than your recognised tour operator.  If you need to take a taxi, ensure it is a registered one and not a private vehicle.

 

Car-related crime and mugging incidents are increasing, not only in Havana but Santiago and other areas less frequented by tourists.  There have been attacks on foreigners using hire cars after staged punctures and by bogus hitch-hikers.  Do not pick people up; if you get a puncture in a lonely spot, drive on several kilometres preferably to a town, before stopping.

 

Beware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers, especially in the area of Old Havana, on buses/trains, at major tourist sites and in nightclubs.  Don’t carry large amounts of cash when away from your hotel; avoid wearing ostentatious/expensive jewellery; leave travellers' cheques, credit cards, passports and other important documents in a safe deposit or similar at your hotel.  If you pick up hitch-hikers, ensure you have no valuables or important documentation temptingly within reach.  You should carry a copy of your passport and not the original, which should be locked away with other valuables.

 

Beware of thefts from rooms, particularly in private guest houses (‘casas particulares’).

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad. 

Cuba Country Profile

On 19 February 2008 Fidel Castro announced his retirement and his brother Raúl Castro was elected to the Presidency by the Cuban National Assembly on 24 February 2008. The political situation remains calm at present.

Cuba is a one-party state.  There is a high level of social control and a strong police presence.  There are widespread restrictions on freedom of speech, association and assembly for Cuban nationals.  Political demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government may be broken up and should be avoided. 

A valid UK driving licence is required to drive and/or rent a car in Cuba.  If you decide to rent a car in Cuba, you should ensure that the insurance which is provided with the car, includes local third party insurance cover.  All drivers and passengers of motorcycles and scooters are required by law to wear a crash helmet.

 

In view of serious accidents that have involved tourists, you should not use mopeds or three wheel Coco-Taxis for travel around Cuba.

 

Driving standards are variable.  Many vehicles, including public transport, suffer from lack of maintenance and roads are poorly lit and sign-posted.  Beware of cyclists, potholes and cars that stop without warning to pick up hitch-hikers.

 

You should avoid driving by night; animals, unlit vehicles and other hazards are a real danger.

 

The Cuban police are cracking down on drink driving.

If you have a traffic accident where someone is killed or injured, the police investigation may take several months during which time the driver will normally not be allowed to leave Cuba.  There is no guarantee that criminal compensation payments will be made.  If convicted of killing someone in a road traffic accident, the standard punishment is at least two years in jail.  If the worst happens and you do have a serious accident, you should contact the British Embassy as soon as possible.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad. 

You must pay an airport departure tax of 25 Convertible Pesos (CUCs) per person when leaving Cuba.  This must be paid in local currency. 

 

You should consider using baggage plastic-wrapping facilities when travelling to and from Cuba as there have been instances of pilfering from luggage, even if locked, at Cuban airports on arrival and departure.

 

In 2007 the Cuban authorities averted attempts by Cuban asylum seekers to leave the country by hijacking an internal passenger aircraft. The Cuban Authorities are known to restrict the amount of fuel on aircraft on internal flights to prevent  hijacks.

There are concerns about standards of maintenance of public transport and we recommend against internal air travel unless on flights recommended by or operated on behalf of recognised international tour operators.

For more general information see Airline Security.