Travelling to Cuba with Prescription Medication: What to Pack

Travelling to Cuba with prescription medication requires careful preparation. Pharmacies and resort clinics may not stock the same brands, dosages or replacement supplies available in Canada, so travellers should carry enough medication for the full trip and a reasonable delay.

Keep medication in your carry-on

Pack essential medication in your cabin baggage rather than checked luggage. Include enough for the planned stay, plus several extra days in case of a flight delay, hotel relocation or weather disruption.

Keep medication in its original labelled pharmacy container whenever possible. The label should show your name, the medication name and the prescribing instructions.

Bring supporting documents

Carry a copy of your prescription and a brief letter from your doctor or pharmacist for medications that are injectable, controlled, refrigerated or carried in larger quantities. A simple medication list should include:

• the generic and brand names;
• the dosage and schedule;
• the condition being treated;
• known allergies;
• your doctor and pharmacy contact information.

Save these documents offline on your phone and carry printed copies.

Do not rely on replacing medication in Cuba

Availability can vary significantly between locations and from week to week. A Cuban pharmacy may not have the same medication, strength or formulation, and resort medical staff may have limited supplies.

Do not change dosage, substitute medication or stop treatment without qualified medical advice.

Special equipment and temperature-sensitive medication

Travellers using insulin, injectable medication, a CPAP machine or another medical device should confirm airline rules before departure. Bring spare batteries, charging cables, adapters and any essential consumable supplies.

For medication that must remain cool, use an approved insulated travel case and confirm storage arrangements directly with the hotel. A minibar may not maintain a reliable medical storage temperature, especially during a power interruption.

Travel insurance and medical care

Review your insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, emergency treatment and medical evacuation. Keep the insurer’s emergency contact number and policy information available offline.

For broader preparation, read our guides to emergency help in Cuba, Cuba carry-on essentials and building a 72-hour Cuba travel backup plan.

Final medication checklist

• Medication for the entire trip plus extra days
• Original labelled containers
• Prescription copy and medical letter
• Printed and offline medication list
• Cooling case or medical equipment supplies
• Travel insurance details
• Emergency contact information

Good preparation reduces the risk of a manageable travel delay becoming a medical emergency.