Emergency Help Abroad – Cuba

Crime & Legal Awareness

Below are key legal, behavioural, cultural and enforcement issues UK travellers should be aware of when visiting Cuba.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished, with long prison sentences even for small amounts.

• Cuban authorities conduct checks in nightlife zones, tourist hubs and transport areas, including bag inspections.

• Importing or carrying weapons, ammunition or military-style items without permission is strictly prohibited.

• Drink-driving is a criminal offence that can lead to arrest, fines or confiscation of your vehicle.

• Public intoxication or disorderly behaviour linked to alcohol may result in police intervention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Public disrespect towards national symbols, revolutionary history or political figures can be treated as an offence.

• Sensitive political discussions in public may attract unwanted attention and should be avoided.

• Explicit public behaviour or indecency can lead to fines or warnings from police.

• Damaging cultural sites, murals or historic buildings is illegal and taken seriously.

• Littering in heritage zones, beaches or nature reserves can result in fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification at any time; carry your passport or a photocopy with your entry card.

• Protests, marches or political gatherings are tightly controlled; participation may lead to arrest.

• Scams targeting tourists occur in busy areas such as Old Havana and around classic-car taxis.

• Aggressive bargaining, shouting or confrontational behaviour can be considered disorderly conduct.

• Failure to follow police instructions can escalate quickly.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without valid documents (licence, insurance, rental agreement) can lead to fines and possible vehicle retention.

• Following a serious road accident, foreign drivers may be restricted from leaving Cuba until investigations conclude.

• Using unlicensed taxis increases risk of disputes, overcharging or police complications.

• Hitchhiking is discouraged for tourists and may carry safety and liability risks.

• Not registering properly with your accommodation can cause immigration issues.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing military sites, checkpoints, police officers or government buildings is prohibited.

• Drones require prior authorisation and are often confiscated on arrival if brought without approval.

• Recording or photographing security personnel can lead to questioning.

• Some heritage or museum sites require photography permits.

• Filming protests, security incidents or politically sensitive scenes can attract attention from authorities.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or marine life from beaches or reefs is illegal and harmful.

• Entering protected marine areas without permission may lead to fines.

• Lighting fires on beaches or rural areas without authorisation is prohibited.

• Fishing without a permit can result in confiscation of equipment.

• Ignoring safety rules in caves, mountains or remote coastal areas may be considered negligent if rescue is needed.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing on fortresses, monuments or historic structures is forbidden.

• Taking sand, stones or natural materials from beaches is not allowed.

• Damaging public art, religious shrines or community murals is treated seriously.

• Trespassing on tobacco plantations or agricultural fields can cause disputes with landowners.

• Failure to follow UNESCO site rules (noise, smoking, litter, conservation boundaries) may result in fines.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels easy-going or informal in the UK may be understood quite differently in Cuba.

• Don’t swim on the east coast without checking local advice, as the Atlantic side often has strong currents.

• Don’t touch or disturb sea turtles, which are protected species.

• Don’t feed turtles or fish, especially near popular snorkelling reefs.

• Don’t litter on beaches, as many are protected nesting areas.

• Don’t wear camouflage clothing, which is illegal for civilians.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in cars, particularly at beach car parks.

• Don’t walk alone in isolated areas at night, especially far from main tourist zones.

• Don’t underestimate sun exposure, as UV levels are high year-round.

• Don’t stand on coral reefs, which damages marine habitats.

• Don’t take shells or coral, as local regulations prohibit removal.

• Don’t accept extremely cheap tours or taxi rides, which may lack safety standards.

• Don’t ignore red flags or warning signs at beaches, especially near Bathsheba and Cattlewash.

• Don’t smoke in public buildings and certain outdoor areas, where bans apply.

• Don’t wear beach clothing away from beaches, especially in Bridgetown or at historic sites.

• Don’t approach or feed monkeys, particularly green monkeys.

• Don’t drive after drinking, as breathalyser checks are common.

• Don’t remove sand from beaches, as this is prohibited.

• Don’t underestimate strong rain showers, which can cause sudden flooding.

• Don’t attend church services in casual or beach attire, where modest dress is respectful.

• Don’t assume all local buses take card payments, and carry small cash for fares.