The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully reconsider travel to Cuba due to Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that is projected to impact Cuba. This storm may bring significant rainfall and wind that may result in life-threatening flooding, flash flooding, mudslides, and storm surge. Disruptions to travel and services are likely throughout the country. On September 6, the Department authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. government employees and their family members due to Hurricane Irma.

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 National Hurricane Center website for the latest forecasts related to Hurricane Irma.
• See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Cuba Specific Information.
• 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. Embassy in Cuba, located at Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana, Cuba. U.S. citizens with emergencies may call +(53)(7) 839-4100 during and after office hours. For afterhours emergencies please press “1” to speak with an emergency operator.
• 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).
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