Health & Safety

We expect all travelers to review the U.S. State Department Country Specific Information on Cuba before departure and to follow recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local government, and on-site staff. 

Consult your physician about your health in light of your travel plans and review your vaccinations. The CDC provides information on recommended vaccinations for travel to Cuba at CDC Health Information for Travelers to Cuba.

If you get sick, please let your trip leader or CGEE staff know right away. This will help to pinpoint problems with food and water. They can arrange a visit to a doctor or medical clinic if necessary.

Possible Ailments

• COVID-19: Read CDC information on COVID-19 in Cuba.

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: Just the change in food, water, and climate can lead to an upset stomach. If you get diarrhea, treat it with Pepto-Bismol and drink lots of water. When you are ready to eat again, start with rice, bread, crackers, and broth (bring bouillon cubes or dry soup). Imodium (Loperamide is the generic equivalent) is a stronger medication to be used only when absolutely necessary. It does not cure diarrhea but slows down the digestive system, which can lead to other problems. Some herbal teas such as ginger root, raspberry, comfrey, and peppermint are thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Feel free to bring some tea bags with you.

• Hepatitis A: Studies have shown that travelers in developing countries with “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behavior may contract Hepatitis A.

• Chikungunya: Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. The CDC map of countries where Chikungunya cases have been reported did not show cases in Cuba as of April 22, 2016. However, six cases of Chikungunya were documented in Cuba in 2014. Since there is no preventative medicine for chikungunya, take measures to avoid mosquito bites such as using insect repellent with DEET and covering exposed skin.

• Dengue Fever: This disease is primarily an urban viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Since there is no preventative medicine for dengue fever, take measures to avoid mosquito bites such as using insect repellent with DEET and covering exposed skin.

• Typhoid: Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and/or water, or directly between people. The CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination for those traveling to tropical areas.

• Zika Virus: Please review updates on the Zika Virus in Cuba.

Additional Health, Safety, and Security Information for All Locations