Caribbean travel health — what you actually need
The Caribbean receives more Canadian visitors than any other international region. Despite the resort-focused nature of most Canadian Caribbean travel, several vaccines are genuinely recommended — and some destinations require more preparation than others.
Vaccines recommended for ALL Caribbean destinations
- Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended for all Caribbean travel. Resort food handlers have been the source of documented Hep A outbreaks. A single dose provides 94–100% protection within 2 weeks.
- Dukoral: Optional, not routine — ETEC is a leading cause of Caribbean traveller's diarrhea even at all-inclusive resorts, but Canada's immunization guide estimates Dukoral's overall protection against traveller's diarrhea at about 6% and does not recommend it routinely for most travellers.
Country-by-country breakdown
Cuba
October 2026: Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel to Cuba because of shortages of fuel, electricity, food, water and medicine, and all Canadian airlines have suspended service. Check Canada's Cuba travel advice before you book.
Cuba is malaria-free. Standard preparation: Hepatitis A (Dukoral optional). Independent travellers eating at paladares or local restaurants should also consider Typhoid.
Dominican Republic (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo)
No malaria for resort areas. Hepatitis A standard (Dukoral optional). Very low malaria risk for standard resort travel — no prophylaxis routinely recommended.
Jamaica
Malaria-free for tourist areas. Hepatitis A standard (Dukoral optional).
Haiti
Higher-risk destination — Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis recommended. Consult physician for current recommendations.
Barbados, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos
Low-risk destinations. Hepatitis A standard. Dukoral optional, not routine.
What about dengue and chikungunya?
Dengue is present across the Caribbean year-round, and chikungunya is spread by the same mosquitoes; Canada's chikungunya travel health notice (October 2026) includes Cuba. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue. A chikungunya vaccine may be considered for some travellers — see our chikungunya vaccine guide.
Prevention relies on an approved repellent such as DEET (up to 30% for adults and children over 12), long sleeves and pants, and screened or air-conditioned rooms. These mosquitoes bite mostly by day, so protect yourself at all times, not only at dawn and dusk.
Book your Caribbean consultation
Book at Virtual Travel Clinic — virtual consultation from Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario.
Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book
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