This Travel Alert is to inform U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Cuba due to the approach of Hurricane Matthew.
The State Department continues to monitor the strength and path of Hurricane Matthew and recommends U.S. citizens defer travel to eastern Cuba. This Alert expires on October 7, 2016.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the eastern provinces of Cuba, from Camaguey to Guantanamo. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, generally within 36 hours. Hurricane Matthew is expected to make landfall on October 4, 2016. Hurricane conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, may cause flash flooding and landslides, which may lead to communications and transportation problems. Emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies, may also be impacted. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected regions. U.S. citizens in the path of the storm should monitor local media as well as the National Hurricane Center for updates, and follow all instructions from local authorities.
Given the approaching hurricane, there is limited time available for a safe departure. Airports will close once conditions deteriorate and safe travel is not possible. If you do not already have travel arrangements, you should immediately shelter in place in a secure location.
Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions. Travelers should also protect their travel and identity documents against loss or damage, as the need to replace lost documentation could hamper or delay return to the United States.
For further information:
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The State Department continues to monitor the strength and path of Hurricane Matthew and recommends U.S. citizens defer travel to eastern Cuba. This Alert expires on October 7, 2016.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the eastern provinces of Cuba, from Camaguey to Guantanamo. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, generally within 36 hours. Hurricane Matthew is expected to make landfall on October 4, 2016. Hurricane conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, may cause flash flooding and landslides, which may lead to communications and transportation problems. Emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies, may also be impacted. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected regions. U.S. citizens in the path of the storm should monitor local media as well as the National Hurricane Center for updates, and follow all instructions from local authorities.
Given the approaching hurricane, there is limited time available for a safe departure. Airports will close once conditions deteriorate and safe travel is not possible. If you do not already have travel arrangements, you should immediately shelter in place in a secure location.
Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions. Travelers should also protect their travel and identity documents against loss or damage, as the need to replace lost documentation could hamper or delay return to the United States.
For further information:
- See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Cuba.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located in Havana at Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado; telephone (+53) 7839-4100; e-mail ([email protected]).
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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