Skip to main content

Four Things Travelers Should Never Pack for a Trip to Cuba

While Obama seemingly threw open the doors for American travelers to Cuba, the country is still among the most restrictive in the Western hemisphere for what travelers can and cannot bring across its borders. Here are four items that you should never pack for a trip to Cuba under any circumstances.

GPS Devices and Mobile/Satellite Phones

GPS Devices and Mobile travel cuba
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For Americans, some mobile phones and cellular-dependent tablets are a no-go in Cuba. This isn’t because they aren’t allowed, but rather that they simply won’t work inside the country. Sprint and Verizon customers will find limited roaming service. However, the island’s cellular infrastructure means that you won’t have access to phone calls or data via your mobile devices on any other carrier. Rental phones and/or SIM cards (if you have an unlocked, GSM-capable device) can be found at the airport and some hotels. You might think, “Why not pack a satellite phone?” Nice try, but the Cuban government will confiscate it, along with any GPS-enabled devices.

Recommended Videos

Drones of Any Kind

Drones cuba
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Drones seem innocuous enough, plus they’re everywhere these days. So, why wouldn’t you take yours on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba? Unfortunately, it will be confiscated at the border as well. This applies to drones of any size and capability — with or without fixed a camera. This harrowing tale of an American who managed to sneak his drone into the country highlights just how seriously the Cuban military takes drone technology. He was held for 13 days in solitary confinement “on suspicion of espionage and terrorist activity.” Bottom line: don’t take the chance.

Pornography and Other “Adult” Materials

Magazine Cuba
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We certainly won’t judge you for whatever smut you need to travel with. But, even though the Cuban people have grown far more liberal in the last decade or so, their government is still quite sensitive about “adult materials.” How that term is defined is open to the interpretation and vague whims of Cuban officials. Just know that, if you feel like any printed or digital adult-oriented material in your possession might be questionable, err on the side of leaving it at home. At the border, officials seem to be pretty lax about not thoroughly screening every foreign traveler. But, it’s still a touchy subject and one not worth dealing with in a foreign country.

Overly Political or Divisive Literature

stack of books
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You’re allowed to talk trash about your family and friends. But, assuming you’re the loyal type, you’re going to be ready to fight if a stranger tries to do the same. Cubans are like that about their own country. They know it’s not perfect, but that’s for them to judge and rally against, not you. Technically, it’s not illegal to bring political, divisive, or otherwise critical literature into Cuba. But it’s strongly frowned upon and may be confiscated at the border. Again, you can probably get away with it, but why tempt fate?

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
9 Europe travel tips I had to learn the hard way
Here’s what nobody told me before I traveled Europe
Lucerne, Switzerland

The first time I went to Europe, I had my itinerary packed to the minute, my suitcase stuffed with just-in-case outfits, and my expectations sky-high. 

But within the first 48 hours, I got fined on the metro in Prague for not validating my ticket and realized I had booked a hotel that didn’t have air conditioning (in July). 

Read more
What to do during a layover (and how to avoid travel stress)
Confused by layovers? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down
Traveler in airport

If you’ve ever booked a flight that wasn’t a straight shot from Point A to Point B, chances are you’ve seen the word “layover” pop up in your itinerary.

The first time I had a layover, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I wandered aimlessly around the terminal, unsure if I should grab food, find my gate, or just sit and wait. Every announcement over the loudspeaker made me nervous that I was missing something important. Looking back, I realize I wasted a good chunk of time stressing when I could have been making the most of it.

Read more
25 U.S. states set for spectacular fall colors, AccuWeather says
Amazing autumn leaves are coming to 25 states
AccuWeather

A riot of reds, oranges, and golds is on the way for much of the country this autumn, according to AccuWeather’s newly released fall foliage forecast. The weather service predicts that 25 states will see vivid, eye-popping color displays (a brighter outlook than last year) while some of the nation’s most popular leaf-peeping hotspots could face a lackluster season.

“There will be drastic differences in fall foliage across this country this year,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. He points to New England, the Rockies, and the Midwest as the top regions for dazzling autumn scenery but warns travelers not to wait too long: the peak color window may be shorter than usual.

Read more