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.

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.