Cuba Travel Health and Vaccinations
Hep A, Typhoid, routine boosters, and Cuba-specific medication packing advice.
Pre-travel vaccines for Havana, Viñales, Varadero, Trinidad and the cays
Cuba is a popular UK leisure destination — Havana, Viñales, Trinidad and the colonial cities, Varadero and the all-inclusive resorts, the cays for diving and snorkelling. The travel-health profile is moderate: no mandatory vaccines from the UK, no significant malaria, dengue present, and a Cuba-specific consideration about medication and pharmaceutical supply that's worth knowing.
At Gunwharf Travel Clinic we run Cuba pre-travel appointments year-round. A typical appointment is 30 minutes.
Abdullah Seyed (MPharm, GPhC reg. 2211356) leads day-to-day clinical practice. Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic, is GPhC-registered (premises 1099145).
For Cuba most travellers consider: Hepatitis A and Typhoid (food and water exposure), Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster, Hepatitis B for longer stays. Practical advice about taking your own medication supplies is at least as important as the vaccines.
Lead pharmacist at Merali Pharmacy, operating Gunwharf Travel Clinic on Queen Street, Portsea. GPhC-registered (reg. 2211356), travel-medicine trained, working under UK regulatory standards.
Cuba is moderate-vaccine, with a unique medication consideration
The vaccine list is short. The practical advice about taking your own supplies of common medications is the part that catches a lot of UK travellers off-guard.
Hep A and Typhoid — the standard pair
Hepatitis A recommended for almost all Cuba travellers — food and water exposure is real, including in resort settings. Typhoid worth considering particularly for travellers going outside the all-inclusive circuit, doing casa particular stays, or eating street food.
Routine boosters
Up-to-date Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster if more than 10 years. Hepatitis B for longer stays.
Cuban pharmacy supplies — the under-discussed issue
Cuba has chronic shortages of common medications and pharmacy supplies due to the long-standing US trade embargo and economic difficulties. Things UK travellers regularly find unavailable in Cuban pharmacies: ibuprofen, paracetamol in adequate quantities, antibiotics, common asthma inhalers, oral contraception, blood pressure and diabetes medications. Even something as simple as sun cream can be hard to find or very expensive. We strongly advise packing your own supply of any regular medications plus a basic over-the-counter kit (painkillers, antihistamines, diarrhoea medication, electrolyte sachets, sun cream, insect repellent).
Yellow Fever and malaria
Yellow Fever isn't required for travellers from the UK. Required only from travellers arriving from a YF-risk country in the previous 6 days. Malaria isn't a significant risk in Cuba.
Dengue — present but moderate
Dengue is present in Cuba with seasonal peaks. No suitable UK vaccine for previously-uninfected travellers. Bite-prevention: DEET, long clothing, especially around dawn/dusk and during daytime.
Food, water and resort considerations
Tap water isn't safe in Cuba — use bottled or filtered. Hot cooked food generally safe; salads and uncooked vegetables less so. Resort food is well-controlled. Independent travel and casa particular stays are higher exposure but part of the experience.
Sun exposure
Cuba has strong tropical sun year-round. Sun cream is often unavailable in Cuban pharmacies; bring your own (high-SPF, water-resistant). Sunburn is one of the most common preventable health issues for UK travellers in the Caribbean.
Booking your Cuba appointment
Book online at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking or call 02392 821859. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
Everything you need in one appointment
Hep A + Typhoid, routine booster, medication packing advice.
Pre-Cuba review
Resort, independent travel, or both — we cover relevant vaccines and Cuba-specific practical considerations.
Hep A + Typhoid
Standard pre-Cuba pair. Combined visit, single appointment.
Routine booster check
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster updated if more than 10 years.
Medication packing advice
Cuban pharmacies often run short on common medications and supplies due to ongoing trade embargoes. We help you pack what you need.
30-minute appointment
Quick, focused. Most Cuba travellers walk out with vaccines and a written summary.
Travel summary
Practical guide covering vaccines, food and water, medication supplies, sun exposure, and what to do if unwell.
30-minute appointment for Cuba pre-travel review.
Three steps from booking to Cuba-ready.
Book your appointment
Pick a slot at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking. Tell us if it's resort, independent or combo travel.
Pre-Cuba visit
24 Queen St, Portsea. Hep A + Typhoid and other relevant vaccines given. Medication packing list discussed.
Travel summary
Walk out with personalised written summary covering vaccines, food and water, medication supplies, and what to do if you fall ill.
Thirty minutes from arrival to vaccinated.
What actually happens when you walk through the door at 24 Queen Street.
Best pharmacy in Portsmouth. Nothing ever too much trouble. Always pleasant, helpful, understanding and so friendly.
Every vaccine you need. One appointment.
The vaccines UK clinics actually stock...
Real advice. Real travellers.
"Best pharmacy in Portsmouth..."
"Excellent pharmacy..."
"I find the staff polite..."
On Queen Street, Portsea. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
24 Queen Street, Portsea,
Portsmouth PO1 3HN
In the city · Walk or short drive
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Common Cuba travel vaccine questions
Do I need vaccines for Cuba?
Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most travellers. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster check. Hepatitis B for longer stays. No mandatory vaccines from the UK.
Should I bring my own medication?
Yes. Cuban pharmacies have chronic shortages — ibuprofen, paracetamol, antibiotics, asthma inhalers, oral contraception, blood pressure medications. Bring your regular medication plus a basic OTC kit. Sun cream and insect repellent too.
Is there malaria?
No — malaria isn't a significant risk in Cuba.
What about dengue?
Present, with seasonal peaks. No suitable UK vaccine for previously-uninfected travellers. Bite-prevention: DEET, long clothing, daytime exposure care.
Is the tap water safe?
No — use bottled or filtered. Resort food is well-controlled. Independent and casa particular stays involve more exposure.
Do I need Yellow Fever?
Only if you've transited a Yellow Fever risk country in the previous 6 days.
Can I get prescription medication in Cuba?
It can be very difficult. Bring everything you need. Prescription medications must be in their original labelled packaging.
Where do I get my Cuba vaccines in Portsmouth?
Gunwharf Travel Clinic, 24 Queen Street, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3HN. Same-day appointments most weeks. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.
From Portsmouth to 24 Queen Street
We're on Queen Street in Portsea, two minutes from Gunwharf Quays.
Pharmaceutical
Council
FEVER
ZONE
Book your pre-travel vaccinations.
Same-day appointments. Medication packing list included.
- TravelHealthPro — Cuba travel health (accessed 2026-05-20)
- FCDO Travel Advice — Cuba (accessed 2026-05-20)
- UK Health Security Agency — Green Book — Hep A and Typhoid chapters (accessed 2026-05-20)
- GPhC — Register entry — Abdullah Seyed (2211356) at Merali Pharmacy (accessed 2026-05-20)
Information on this page is general guidance from Gunwharf Travel Clinic, operated by Merali Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1099145). Medication supply situation in Cuba is variable — we discuss current advice at each appointment.
