Cuba · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Havana scores 44/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: caution advised. No — Cuba's capital is under a Level 3 travel advisory; reconsider travel. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Cuba · Assessed 28 July 2026
44
/ 100
Safer than ~32% of countries
Score capped at 44 — Level 3 advisory — reconsider travel. No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
“FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba Protests in Cuba The ongoing situation in Cuba has led to a series of recent protests. To date most of these have remained peaceful but be aware that protests can escalate.”
Updated 2026-07-16T12:04:39Z
Full advisory →Avoid non-essential travel
“Canada's official risk level for Cuba: avoid non-essential travel.”
Updated 2026-07-07T09:34:49.180000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging is uncommon but can occur in isolated areas after dark; avoid poorly lit streets
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is prevalent in crowded tourist zones, markets, and on public transport
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
55/100
Recent traveler reports describe anxiety over intermittent blackouts and protest‑related road closures, though most feel physically safe when staying in hotels.
No — Cuba's capital is under a Level 3 travel advisory; reconsider travel.
The composite safety index of 44 reflects a Level 3 advisory due to political instability, weak rule of law, and frequent protests, despite low violent crime rates. Recent power‑grid failures and nationwide protests in Havana have heightened uncertainty for visitors.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
The data make clear that Havana is currently under a Level 3 advisory – you should reconsider travel. The composite safety index of 44 reflects political instability, weak rule‑of‑law scores, and frequent protests, even though violent‑crime rates are relatively low. Recent news from July 2026 shows large‑scale protests triggered by prolonged electricity blackouts, with road blockades, police checkpoints, and arrests reported by Reuters (12 July 2026) and the BBC (5 July 2026). These incidents create an unpredictable environment for visitors, especially in central neighborhoods where demonstrations concentrate.
Pickpocketing is rated High; crowded markets, the Malecón, and popular tourist thoroughfares are hotspots where thieves operate, as noted in the dossier and reinforced by travel‑safe reports from February 2026. Robbery (mugging) is Moderate, mainly occurring in isolated areas after dark, so it is wise to avoid poorly lit streets and to travel in groups when possible. Scams targeting tourists often involve unofficial currency exchanges and private tour operators who demand cash up‑front; using licensed taxis or reputable rideshare apps mitigates this risk.
Visitor sentiment, captured in a consumer‑sentiment score of 45 (mixed), reflects anxiety over intermittent power cuts and protest‑related disruptions, though most travelers feel physically safe when staying in hotels that have backup generators. The official advisories from the UK FCDO and the Government of Canada both warn against all‑but‑essential travel, citing the ongoing protests and the potential for rapid escalation.
Practical Tips: Keep cash to a minimum and store larger amounts securely; use only licensed transportation; stay in accommodations with reliable backup power; carry copies of your passport and emergency contacts separately; monitor local news for sudden protest movements; and avoid nighttime walks in unfamiliar districts. By staying alert, limiting exposure to crowded protest zones, and following these precautions, you can reduce risk while recognizing that the current climate warrants careful consideration before traveling to Havana.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Havana districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Havana safety map.
Old HavanacautionTourist hub with high foot traffic; petty theft can occur after dark
Centro HabanacautionBusy streets; pickpocketing reported, avoid poorly lit alleys at night
Plaza de la RevolucióncautionCrowded protest sites; stay alert for sudden demonstrations
VedadosaferResidential and commercial area with steady police presence
MiramarsaferEmbassy district, well‑patrolled and low petty‑crime rates
07 · After Dark
99% of people in Cuba say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Mugging is uncommon but can occur in isolated areas after dark; avoid poorly lit streets
After dark, be most careful around Old Havana, Centro Habana, Plaza de la Revolución. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Havana's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
No — Cuba's capital is under a Level 3 travel advisory; reconsider travel. The composite safety index of 44 reflects a Level 3 advisory due to political instability, weak rule of law, and frequent protests, despite low violent crime rates. Recent power‑grid failures and nationwide protests in Havana have heightened uncertainty for visitors. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Centro Habana (after dark); Plaza de la Revolución (during protests). See the district-by-district safety map.
Havana scores 44/100 — see the Cuba safety overview for country-level data.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Cuba safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: havana.json (CC BY 4.0).
