Is Cuban Customs seizing medications at airports? Everything you need to know

A rumor has spread about an alleged intensification of Cuban Customs controls on medications entering the island.

"They say the airport has become extremely hot with those bringing in medicines; they're removing everything, leaving only 10 kg," commented a user in one of the Cuban Customs groups on Facebook.

But what is true in this?

Extension of current regulations

With the recent extension of the free baggage allowance to Cuba, this is clearly false information.

Recently, the Ministry of Public Health published a new regulation that authorizes exceptionally, without commercial character, exempt from payment of customs tax and in a manner temporary until September 30 2025, the importation of medicines and medical supplies in original packaging.

Specifically, the Resolution 78/2025 establishes this temporary and exceptional permit, provided that it is an import non-commercial, allowing the entry of more than 100 types of medical supplies and medications, in original packaging.

Reinforced control at Cuban airports

However, Yes it's correct Cuban Customs has strengthened its controls at the country's airports and has seized controlled medications or those imported in quantities considered commercial.

Customs authorities are paying greater “attention” to the provisions of the Resolution 104 / 2022 of the MINSAP, which regulates the control of the import, export, production, storage, distribution, circulation, sale and use or application of drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances.

This rule establishes, for example, that travelers can bring certain controlled medications to Cuba for personal use, but they must have a permit issued by the health authority.

Example: A person traveling with anxiolytics such as diazepam needs to prove with a medical prescription that they are using them legally.

Allowable limits and medical requirements

In her Section FIVE, said resolution establishes that:

Based on the technical criteria of the National Drug Formulary Commission, the integration of the Basic Drug Schedule, and medical care protocols, importation by travelers upon entry into the country and by shipping method is authorized in the following quantities:

• Up to 100 tablets and 3 jars or tubes
  

Of the following products:

1. a) Amitriptyline (tablets)
   b) Atropine (eye drops, bottles)
   c) Diphenhydramine (tablets)
   d) Dimenhydrinate (tablets)
   e) Carbamazepine (tablets)
   f) Desipramine (tablets)
   g) Fluphenazine (tablets)
   h) Homatropine (eye drops, bottles)
   i) Imipramine (tablets)
   j) Levomepromazine (tablets)
   k) Lidocaine (cream, jelly or spray, bottles or tubes)
   l) Homatropine methylbromide (bottles)
   m) Papaverine (tablets)
   n) Thioridazine (tablets)
   ñ) Trifluoperazine (tablets)

Also, it is specified that in case it is necessary to import quantities greater than those defined above, the presentation of a medical certificate or with a clinical history summary to support this indication.

You can consult the two aforementioned resolutions, published in the Official Gazette, at the following links:

Free entry of medicines and medical supplies to Cuba extended

Treatment of controlled medications at the Cuban border