On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of al-Qa’ida.  Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack …

Location: Cuba, Countrywide Event:  As of June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air travelers to …

Location: Western Cuba, including the Isla de la Juventud  Event:  Potential Tropical Cyclone The U.S. National Hurricane Center advises that as of 4:00 a.m. on Friday, June, 3, 2022, a tropical storm warning is in effect for western Cuba, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for the Isla de la Juventud.  Heavy rain …

Location:  Havana, Cuba Event:  U.S. Embassy Havana is closely following reports of an explosion at the Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana on May 6, 2022.  Initial reports indicate that it is linked to an accidental gas leak. We will continue to provide information to U.S. citizens in the area through Alerts, our Embassy website, and …

Location:  Cuba, countrywide Event: Extension of Direct Return to the United States with Certain Expired U.S. Passports If you are overseas and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until June 30, 2022. You qualify to …

Cuba – Level 3 – Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel to Cuba due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries to members of our diplomatic community resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff. Read the Department of State’s  COVID-19  page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has issued a Level …

Location: Cuba, countrywide Event: The Government of Cuba announced additional entry requirements, effective January 5: All individuals ages 13 and older traveling to Cuba by air must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination and proof of a negative COVID-19 test (RT-PCR), performed no later than 72 hours before the trip. Random surveillance of airport arrivals will be increased, starting with COVID-19 (RT-PCR) testing for travelers …

Location:  Cuba, countrywide Event:  On December 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States.  Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual coming to the United States must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the United …

Location: Cuba Event: On November 26, the White House announced a travel restriction for certain travelers physically present within the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe due to …

Event:  Enrolling and Updating Your Information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)    The U.S. Embassy in Havana is conducting its annual verification of STEP enrollments.  Please  log in  to your STEP account to verify that your profile, phone numbers, email address, travel dates, and travel plans in Cuba are current.  If you are unable to make those changes yourself, you may contact the U.S. Embassy via …

Location:  Cuba Event:  Media report peaceful protests are planned on November 15, 2021, for multiple locations throughout Cuba.  U.S. Embassy Havana reminds all U.S. citizens of our recommendation to avoid all demonstrations due to their unpredictable nature.  We also advise U.S. citizens to avoid all large gatherings of people.  Even peaceful demonstrations and large gatherings have the potential to become unpredictable without warning.   Actions to Take: Avoid …

Location: Havana and western Cuba Event:  The U.S. National Hurricane Center advises that as of 11:00 a.m. (Havana time) a Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio and Artemisa, and the Isle of Youth.  A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Matanzas, Mayabeque, and Havana. …

Location: Cuba Event:  In the wake of recent demonstrations in Havana and throughout Cuba, U.S. Embassy Havana reminds all U.S. citizens of our recommendation to avoid all demonstrations due to their unpredictable nature. Avoid large gatherings. Even peaceful demonstrations and large gatherings have the potential to become unpredictable without warning. In Havana, U.S government personnel are …

Location: Cuba Event:  The National Hurricane Center advises that Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to move away from the southern portion of Haiti early Sunday, and move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba later Sunday morning.  By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits. Maximum sustained …

Location: Cuba Event:  The National Hurricane Center advises that Tropical Storm Elsa is headed towards the Eastern Caribbean. Winds are currently 45 mph and may strengthen as the storm proceeds.  Tropical storm conditions are expected beginning early Friday in portions of the Windward and southern Leeward Islands. Elsa is then expected to move into the …

Health Alert – Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs (January 15, 2021)  Location: Worldwide – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director has signed an order requiring all airline passengers traveling to the United States, including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test or recovery from COVID-19. Event:  Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older …

COVID-19 Information Location: Havana Event: On September 1, new COVID related restrictions were imposed in the province of Havana by the local government.  The new restrictive measures are related to the movement of people and vehicles, and the sale of products.  The new measures include a daily curfew from 7pm until 5am, reduced operating hours …

Location: Cuba The U.S. Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Cuba on August 6, 2020. Do not travel to Cuba due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries to members of our diplomatic community resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff. Read the Department of State’s  COVID-19 page before you plan any …

Location: Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for a JetBlue charter flight departing from Havana to Ft. Lauderdale on August 4. No individuals other than those already booked for this flight will be able to board. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who are …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, July 22, 2022 Location:  Cuba Event:  Since April 1, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated the repatriation of nearly 2,000 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States. On June 5, the Cuban government extended the closure of the airport until at least August 1. In …

Location: Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for a JetBlue charter flight departing from Havana to Ft. Lauderdale on July 21. No individuals other than those already booked for this flight will be able to board. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who are …

Location:  Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for a JetBlue charter flight departing from Havana to Ft. Lauderdale on July 14. No individuals other than those already booked for this flight will be able to board. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who are …

Location: Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for a JetBlue charter flight departing from Havana to Ft. Lauderdale on July 10. No individuals other than those already booked for this flight will be able to board. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who are …

Location: Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for two JetBlue charter flights departing from Havana to Ft. Lauderdale on July 6 and July 10. No individuals other than those already booked for these flights will be able to board. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. …

Location:  Cuba Event:  Since April 1, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,500 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States. On June 5, the Cuban government extended the closure of the airport until at least August 1. In addition to the border closure, the Cuban government …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, June 16, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  Since April 1, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,500 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States. The U.S. Embassy will close the TRAVELER INTEREST FORM on Tuesday, June 16 at 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time). If you are a …

Location: Cuba Event: Since April 1, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,500 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States. On June 5, the Cuban government extended the closure of the airport until at least August 1. In addition to the border closure, the Cuban government declared …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, June 8, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  Since April 1, the U.S. Embassy facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,500 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States. On June 5, the Cuban Government extended the closure of the airport until at least August 1.  The U.S. Embassy will provide …

June 5 Update: Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, June 5, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  On June 4, the U.S. Embassy facilitated the repatriation of more than 300 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States.  Since the closure of the airport on April 1, the Embassy has repatriated more than …

Location:  Cuba Event:  On June 4, the U.S. Embassy facilitated the repatriation of more than 300 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States.  Since the closure of the airport on April 1, the Embassy has repatriated more than 1,500 American citizens and LPRs. The Embassy will continue to explore options …

Location:  Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for the two Delta Airlines charter flights departing from Havana to Miami on June 4. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who are not traveling on this flight but wish to return home, however, there are no …

Location:  Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy is individually notifying all confirmed travelers for the Delta Airlines charter flights departing from Havana to Miami on June 4. Due to spacing restrictions, we are not able to accommodate all of the requests that we have received. Those that cannot be provided seats on the flights must continue …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, May 20, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy has individually notified all confirmed travelers for the two charter flights departing from Havana to Miami on Friday, May 22. The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who are not traveling on these flights but …

Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy is individually notifying all confirmed travelers for the Delta Airlines charter flights departing from Havana to Miami on May 13 and 14. Due to spacing restrictions, we are not able to accommodate all of the requests that we have received. Those that cannot be provided seats on the flights …

Location:  Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy is working with U.S. airlines in efforts to arrange a humanitarian repatriation flight for U.S. Citizens. We have contacted hundreds of U.S. citizens and eligible Lawful Permanent Residents in Cuba to confirm reservations for an upcoming flight. We continue to do so. Due to spacing restrictions, we are not …

Location:  Cuba Event: The U.S. Embassy is currently working with U.S. airlines in efforts to arrange additional humanitarian repatriation flights for U.S. Citizens. On May 1, 2020, the Cuban Government extended the closure of the airport until at least May 31st. The U.S. Embassy will provide updates on the airport operating status as information becomes …

Location:  Cuba Event:  On April 24, the U.S. Embassy facilitated the repatriation of more than 300 American citizens and qualified Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) to the United States.  At this time, we do not anticipate that there will be additional charter flights facilitated by the U.S. Embassy from Cuba to the United States. Due to …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, April 16, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy is currently working with U.S. airlines in efforts to arrange a humanitarian repatriation flight for U.S. Citizens. On March 20, 2020, the Cuban government decreed that all foreigners without residency in Cuba MUST depart by March 24, 2020.  This decree …

Location:  Cuba Event:  Public transportation in Cuba is suspended in Cuba, as of April 11.  U.S. citizens should comply with local requirements.  These restrictions apply to public transportation in both the state and private sector – to include inter-city bus service and taxis.  Urgent mobility needs will be authorized by local officials.  U.S. citizens are reminded …

Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba continues to actively assist American citizens in Cuba, and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. U.S. citizens in Cuba who normally live in the United States should arrange for immediate return home or be prepared …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, March 30, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba continues to actively assist American citizens in Cuba, and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. U.S. citizens in Cuba who normally live in the United …

Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba continues to actively assist American citizens in Cuba and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.  According to current information, the last scheduled flight on United Airlines direct to the United States from Cuba will be on …

Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba continues to actively assist American citizens in Cuba, and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.  According to current information, the last scheduled flight on United Airlines direct to the United States from Cuba will be on …

Location:  Cuba Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba is actively assisting American citizens and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.  American Airlines, United, and JetBlue all report available flights from Havana with the following schedule changes. United Airlines has cancelled its Havana-Newark flight, …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, March 25, 2020    Location:  Cuba   Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba is actively assisting American citizens and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.  American Airlines, United, and JetBlue all report available flights from Havana to the U.S. as of March 25.  The Embassy has received reports of delays at José …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, March 24, 2020    Location:  Cuba    Event:  The U.S. Embassy in Cuba is actively assisting American citizens and urges all U.S. citizens to work with airlines immediately to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. Beginning March 24, all tourists in Cuba will be quarantined inside hotels or home-stay locations, until they have secured travel outside of Cuba, …

Location: Cuba Event: On March 20, the Government of Cuba announced the closure of its borders to non-Cuban residents.  Beginning March 24, the Cuban government will introduce strict entry controls at all airports and seaports. The new controls will allow entry into Cuba only of Cuban citizens and foreign residents of Cuba.  All non-Cuban citizens should depart the …

Location:  Cuba Event:  Suspension of routine U.S. citizen services due to local COVID-19-related preventative measures and limited staffing. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Havana is suspending routine U.S. citizen services effective March 16, 2020.  Applicants with appointments already scheduled will receive email correspondence when routine services resume. As a result, the Consular Section of …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, March 13, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  The government of Cuba has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. On March 12, the Cuban Ministry of Health …

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Havana, Cuba, March 13, 2020 Location:  Cuba Event:  The government of Cuba has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. On March 12, the Cuban Ministry of …

Location:  Havana, Cuba Event:  There is an ongoing outbreak of pneumonia first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. As of January 27, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has reported no cases of novel coronavirus in Cuba.  MINSAP reports implementation of additional sanitary control measures at the border and ports of …

Location: Announced gathering point at, but not limited to, the Convention Center in Havana. Event: A series of gatherings in protest of U.S. policies will be held from November 1-3 at the Havana Convention Center adjacent to the Palco Hotel in the Playa neighborhood in Havana.  The gatherings will commence at 9:00 am and continue …

Location:  Havana Event:  Havana is experiencing heavy winds and high seas resulting in risk of flooding in the downtown area, including the area surrounding the U.S. Embassy is prone to severe flooding. As a precaution, the Embassy closed early on December 21.  The Embassy will have limited ability to assist U.S. citizens with emergencies due to …

Location:  Countrywide Event:  The Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Cuba details how numerous U.S. government  employees appear to have been targeted in specific attacks, and that many of those employees suffered injuries as a consequence of these attacks. On February 14, 2018, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an article written by independent medical …