Is Cuba Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cuba is generally safe for solo female travelers. Crime rates are relatively low and the locals are usually warm and welcoming. However, like any other travel destination, it's always important to exercise common sense, stay vigilant about your surroundings, avoid isolated areas particularly at night, and familiarize yourself with the local customs

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Safe

Cuba is generally a safe country to visit. The locals are warm, welcoming, and respectful. While walking alone at night in well-lit and tourist-heavy areas should not present a problem, it's still recommended to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid less populous neighborhoods and do not carry valuables with you to minimize risk. As always, safety precautions that you would implement anywhere else in the world should be applied.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Cuba, including buses and taxis, is generally safe. However, especially as a solo female traveler, it's important to remain alert and cautious. Always keep an eye on your belongings and try to avoid traveling late at night. Also, ensure to use officially marked taxis when possible.

Street harassment:Moderate

Cuba is generally a safe country for solo female travelers and street harassment isn't a prominent issue, however, it does still occur occasionally. Catcalling is quite common, especially in tourist-heavy areas. But, most situations don't escalate beyond verbal comments, and physical harassment is relatively rare. Being aware of your surroundings and pleasant, but firm when unwelcomed attention arises is a good approach to handle these situations.

Petty crimes:Low

Cuba is generally considered a safe destination, particularly for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching do occur, but they are less common compared to other tourist destinations. It's always recommended to be vigilant and keep personal belongings secure.

Tap water:Very unsafe

Drinking tap water in Cuba is generally not advised. The tap water isn't filtered to standards you might be used to in other countries and can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Even locals often boil or purify their water before drinking. It's recommended to stick to bottled water during your stay for both drinking and brushing your teeth.

Is Cuba safe to travel?

4.4 /5

Based on 24 experiences

Solo travel experience

Cuba was one of my favorite trips. People there are kind and hospitable. I bought a WiFi card to be able to stay in contact with my family at home. I stayed in Casa Particulares, houses of local Cubans. I took a car and walking tour around Havana. I didn't drink too much and didn't stay out late, for safety reasons. It was a wonderful trip.

Posted: November 6, 2023
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Elli

Elli (28)

Netherlands

Couple travel experience

My best friend and I went to Cuba for about two weeks. You guys have to go, it was fantastic! People there very friendly and welcoming and we found it very easy to connect with our hosts from the casa particulates. Overall you feel quite safe even at night, although you have to cope with a lot of catcalling. Landscapes are awesome and there's a variety of things to do so I would recommend also for solo travellers :)

Posted: October 5, 2023Experienced: October, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Cuba is one of the safest countries I've had the chance to visit. It's one of the few Latin American countries where I cycled alone and walked alone at night, and it was fine. Of course, thefts do happen in Havana. The only thing that bothered me was that everyone wanted to sell me something or take me somewhere, pretending to be friends, suggesting going to a party, and I never really knew what they wanted. As for transport, it's best to take a bus or a shared taxi, but transport is quite expensive. I recommend visiting Havana, Viñales and Trinidad. I stayed in private homes (casas particulares) and it turned out to be quite affordable.

Posted: October 4, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Cuba is incredible. It's a very interesting and safe country, but it can also be somewhat challenging. They are currently going through hard times (as always) and they lack practically everything.

Posted: September 30, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I found Cuba to be very safe. I didn't feel scared for my safety, as it sometimes happens in countries like Costa Rica or Panama. The situation is very complicated in terms of lack of basic products, so you should bring your own medication and be prepared to adapt to local food. There's always someone willing to take you in a private transport. It's a wonderful country with wonderful people.

Posted: September 15, 2023
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Group travel experience

I've been to Cuba twice. The second time, I spent two weeks in Varadero. I would like to go back there. It's a wonderful country, where I felt very safe. I often went to parties and we would walk on the beach or streets in the early morning hours. I never saw anything dangerous.

Posted: September 14, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I went in May and felt very safe. It's one of those trips that despite the challenges faced, I remember with great joy. If you decide to visit Cuba, don't forget to bring your personal items and a little extra to share with them. Believe me, they will appreciate it. I brought sanitary pads, hand disinfectant, pencils, powdered milk and other things. Just try not to distribute it publicly, because they will surround you. Varadero is beautiful and Havana has its own charm.

Posted: September 13, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I traveled last February and felt safe the entire time. It's important to stay cautious just like in any country. Bring everything you need for personal hygiene, including medication (if you can leave some behind, they will certainly appreciate it). Get a VPN to make reservations on Airbnb. Staying with the Cubans is enriching, and they will offer you everything they have. My experience was very pleasant. I enjoyed Cuba and its people.

Posted: September 11, 2023
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Family travel experience

I loved Cuba. I went there with my cousin and we had a great time. It is very, very safe, and the people are very friendly. We stayed in Old Havana through Airbnb (very affordable prices) and in Varadero in a hotel. It was a wonderful trip that I would like to repeat.

Posted: September 5, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I fell in love with the Cubans. They are so friendly, helpful and resourceful, regardless of what you need, they will always help. I stayed with several families in Havana and Vinales (casa particular), which made the experience even better. It's one of the safest countries I've seen for a woman traveling alone.

Posted: July 29, 2023
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Is Cuba safe for women?

Is Cuba safe right now?

Before your visit to Cuba, it's essential to check travel advisories for Cuba, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Cuba due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: January 5, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 25, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cuba due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 23, 2024

Is Cuba worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 24 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

Solo travel experience

I traveled alone to Cuba in May and it was fantastic. It was definitely hot and humid, but I didn't mind. I highly recommend visiting Viñales, in addition to Havana. In Havana, I recommend having dinner at La Guarida on the rooftop during the sunset. I went on a one-day trip from Havana to a beach in Varadero and it was the best beach I've ever visited.

Posted: October 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited Cuba for 6 days. During that time, I managed to get to Havana, Trinidad, Viñales, and Playas del Este. I travelled only by local taxis and stayed with Cubans. Cuba is extraordinary. I didn't expect it to make such an impression on me. However, you need to be properly prepared for the trip and not expect any luxuries.

Posted: October 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Safety in Cuba