The General Customs of the Republic of Cuba considers travelers from the United States as “high risk.”
In a message from FacebookThe entity explained that this designation is due to the high incidence of customs offenses related to drug trafficking, subversive activity and smuggling.
The situation has led Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz to request a “constant update of the Confrontation System” during the latest Annual Balance Sheet of Customs.
According to the information provided, in 2023, Cuban authorities recorded 55 cases of smuggling at the border, an unprecedented figure in the last 15 years.
In this regard, Nelson Cordovés Reyes, head of the General Customs of the Republic (AGR), reported that 50 kg of illicit substances were seized that year, and so far in 2024, 17 cases had already been registered with nearly 99 kg of drugs confiscated.
Previously, the main entry points for drugs into the country were the José Martí airport in Havana, and those in Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey. However, this trend has changed and the methods of concealment have diversified, using food, baby food, milk and condiments.
Items prohibited by Cuban Customs
Travelers should note that it is prohibited to enter Cuba with psychotropic substances, hallucinogens, precursors, explosives, blood derivatives, drugs and narcotics.
In addition, the importation of animal products that may carry diseases, as well as certain species of live plants and unprocessed food products, is restricted.
Cuba: US State Department
For its part, the U.S. State Department maintains Cuba at “Level 2: use extreme caution” for travel to the island.
“Violent crimes, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occur in Cuba,” points out the official site, which also advises travelers “not to display signs of financial well-being, such as expensive watches or jewelry.”
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