More from the FO - (I'm sure she has checked all this)
Customs Regulations
Electrical items with heavy power consumption such as travel irons and kettles may be confiscated upon entry to Cuba. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are also subject to import requirements and may be confiscated. Such confiscated items are normally returned upon departure. For more information on Cuban Customs regulations currently in force, including lists of prohibited and regulated items, please visit the Cuban Customs Administration website.
Natural disasters
The hurricane season in Cuba normally runs from June to November. See our Tropical Cyclones page.
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit Cuba in August and September 2008. They caused considerable damage in many parts of the country, but particularly in the Provinces of Holguin (including the resort of Guardalavaca), Pinar del Rio (including the town of Vinales), and Isla de Juventud.
Health
You must hold valid travel insurance covering medical expenses before travelling to Cuba. The medical facilities in Havana are better than those available elsewhere in Cuba, but it is sometimes necessary to medically evacuate those who require urgent specialist care. This can be very expensive so you should ensure that your medical insurance covers you for this. If you require medical treatment you will be expected to pay in hard currency; a basic hospital stay can cost as much as £200 per day plus medical expenses.
Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba so you should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.
Hepatitis A is common to Cuba, particularly in the summer. You should be aware that treatment is not readily available. Viral meningitis occasionally breaks out both in Havana and in other provinces of Cuba.
There have been reports of outbreaks of dengue fever and haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Cuba. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. The Cuban authorities are taking steps to control the mosquito that transmits dengue fever to humans and are advising people to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 6,200 adults aged 15 or over in Cuba were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cuba and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
