Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Most UK travellers to Cuba and the Caribbean need hepatitis A travel vaccinations as a minimum. Typhoid is recommended for travel to Cuba and more rural Caribbean destinations. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for direct travel from the UK to Cuba, but may be required if you are transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria risk exists in Haiti and parts of the Dominican Republic. Dengue is a relevant risk across most of the Caribbean. |
The Caribbean remains a major destination for UK holidaymakers, from all inclusive resorts in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica to island hopping across the Lesser Antilles. The travel health picture across the Caribbean is varied, with some islands having very low risk and others carrying meaningful infection risks that benefit from pre-travel preparation.
Travel Vaccinations for Cuba and the Caribbean 2026
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A travel vaccinations is recommended for all travellers to Cuba and most Caribbean destinations where sanitation standards vary or where travellers will eat outside of major resort hotels. Cuba in particular has experienced periods of elevated hepatitis A transmission, and vaccination is strongly recommended for any traveller planning to explore beyond all inclusive resort settings.
Typhoid
Typhoid is recommended for travellers to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean islands where travellers will be eating local food, staying in local accommodation, or visiting more rural areas. The risk is lower for those remaining exclusively in high standard resort hotels with fully catered facilities.
Dengue Fever: An Important Non-Vaccine Risk
Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes throughout the Caribbean and is one of the most significant non vaccine preventable travel health risks in the region. Unlike malaria mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes bite during daylight hours, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. Dengue outbreaks occur regularly across Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, and other Caribbean islands.
The Qdenga dengue vaccine has been approved in the UK and is available at Newdays Pharmacy. It is given as two doses three months apart and is suitable for dengue naive individuals aged four and above. Its availability and clinical suitability for your specific travel pattern should be discussed during your travel health consultation.
Malaria Risk in the Caribbean
Malaria risk in the Caribbean is almost entirely confined to Haiti and a small border region of the Dominican Republic with Haiti. Popular tourist destinations in Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and most other Caribbean islands are free of malaria risk. If your itinerary includes Haiti, antimalarial tablets are recommended.
Yellow Fever and Transit Countries
UK travellers flying directly to Cuba or the Caribbean do not need a yellow fever certificate. However, travellers transiting through certain South American or African countries where yellow fever is endemic may be required to show proof of vaccination by the transit country or the final destination. Always verify current requirements for your specific routing before travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for almost all travellers to Cuba. Typhoid vaccination is also advised if you plan to eat outside all-inclusive resort restaurants. Dengue prevention is important throughout Cuba, so protect yourself against mosquito bites. Ensure your routine UK vaccinations, including tetanus, diphtheria and MMR, are up to date before travelling.
Qdenga (TAK-003) is a two-dose dengue vaccine available privately at Newdays Pharmacy. The doses are given three months apart and the vaccine is suitable for people aged four years and over, including those who have never had dengue. Your pharmacist can advise whether it is appropriate for your travel plans.
Malaria tablets are not routinely recommended for the main tourist resorts in the Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana, where the risk is very low. If your itinerary includes areas close to the Haiti border, antimalarial medication may be recommended. Discuss your travel plans with our pharmacist for personalised advice.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |