Cuba Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Cuba
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 7, 2025
Cuba recorded 4.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2019, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Cuba #73 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 11% over the past decade (from 5.0 in 2009). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Cuba at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
4.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#123 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2019
Homicide Rate Trend (1992-2019)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 11% over the past decade (from 5.0 in 2009). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Cuba Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Cuba, the homicide rate for men is 3.8× higher than the rate for women — 7.1 vs 1.9 per 100,000 (2019).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Cuba:
Updated to reflect information on power grid failures and Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenses for travel. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime and unreliable electrical power . Country Summary: Petty crime is a risk for travelers in Cuba. This includes pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins. Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is also on the rise in Cuba. U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to, from, or within Cuba for tourist activities. OFAC regulates travel to, from, and within Cuba by persons subject to U.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Cuba
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 27, 2025).
Crime
Deteriorating economic conditions have led to an increase in crime. Crimes of opportunity, such as pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins, are becoming more frequent and confrontational. Violent crime is on the rise, including robbery with weapons, assault, and home invasion. Exercise vigilance everywhere. Do not display large amounts of cash. Do not leave your valuables unattended. Carry money in your front pockets, hold your purse and cellular phone securely, and be mindful of purses or bags when dining out. Do not leave a beverage unattended or accept beverages from persons unknown to you. Locations such as Habana Vieja, Playas del Este, Varadero, and other attractions tend to have a higher incidence of property crime than other parts of Cuba.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Cuba. Review the Department of State’s Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
There is no expectation of privacy in Cuba. Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Due to limited internet access in Cuba, downloading an offline map is recommended. Stand-alone GPS devices are not allowed in Cuba.
Dating Apps
Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 106 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +53 7839-4100. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Infrastructure
Cuba's electrical supply is unreliable. Since October 2024, there have been several prolonged nationwide power outages. Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts lasting up to 12 hours occur daily in Havana, and even longer outside the capital. Some large businesses, hotels, hospitals, and institutions use generators during power outages. However, they may have trouble keeping the generators operating during long outages due to the inconsistent and scarce availability of fuel.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections of equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities, and it may be substandard, as equipment and medical supplies are often unavailable. First responders cannot reach areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and should maintain health insurance in Cuba. If stays exceed 30 days, U.S. citizens should purchase medical insurance when they process their visa extensions. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Cuba Population & Demographics
Population of 10,979,783, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuba safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Cuba at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Cuba?
Cuba has an intentional homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people (2019, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #73 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Cuba?
Cuba is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Cuba compare to other countries?
Cuba's homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.