Cuba

Cuban penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are particularly severe; you can be arrested for carrying even a very small amount or for being with someone using them, and border officials screen on departure too.

Particularly severe penalties; lengthy prison sentences.

Cannabis is illegal in Cuba — possessing any amount is a criminal offense, not a ticket. Cuba's Penal Code (Ley 151/2022, art. 236(b)) punishes simple possession of cannabis or its derivatives without authorization with 6 months to 2 years in prison, a fine, or both. Bringing drugs into the country, cultivating cannabis, or possessing it with intent to traffic carries 4 to 10 years (art. 235.1), and aggravated international trafficking can carry 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty (art. 235.2). Both the UK and US governments warn that Cuban courts impose severe penalties for drug offenses — pack your own luggage and never carry items for anyone else.

Simple possession of cannabis or its derivatives without authorization: 6 months to 2 years' imprisonment or a fine of 200–500 cuotas, or both (Penal Code, art. 236(b)). Trafficking-class conduct — including introducing drugs into national territory, cultivating cannabis, or knowingly possessing cannabis seeds or plant parts: 4 to 10 years (art. 235.1). Aggravated cases, including international drug trafficking, entry by vessel or aircraft in international transport, relatively large quantities, or organized crime: 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or death, plus asset confiscation where applicable (arts. 235.2, 235.5).

Importing weapons or ammunition into Cuba carries particularly severe penalties under Cuban law.

Particularly severe penalties.

Declare cash over the equivalent of USD 5,000 on entry to Cuba; leaving with more than USD 5,000 requires proof it came legitimately from a Cuban bank. US-issued credit/debit cards do not work — bring euros or other non-USD cash.

Undocumented cash over the limit can be confiscated.

Cuban law requires authorization to remove souvenir paintings and sculptures from Cuba; authorized galleries provide the paperwork (or apply via the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets). Items without a valid export permit are confiscated at departure and the US Embassy cannot help.

Items may be confiscated without a permit.

Zero tolerance — it is illegal to drive with any alcohol in your blood in Cuba. Drivers in accidents causing injury or death face severe penalties regardless of fault, may get long prison sentences, and can be barred from leaving Cuba until claims settle.

Accident causing death can mean a long prison sentence and a travel ban.

It is illegal to photograph military or police installations/personnel, or harbor, rail, or airport facilities in Cuba; penalties are particularly severe — check with officials first.

Particularly severe penalties.

Stand-alone GPS devices are not allowed in Cuba, and internet access is limited and state-controlled (and may be blocked during unrest); download offline maps before you travel.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or gay and lesbian events in Cuba; same-sex marriage has been legal since 2022.

Peaceful assembly and free speech are not protected rights in Cuba; avoid protests and demonstrations, which can draw violent responses. The government has detained US citizens for activities not criminal in the US, including anything seen as undermining state security.

Detention without charge during investigation; demonstrations can turn violent without warning.