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 March 27, 2020. American Airlines and JetBlue report available flights from Havana to the United States.
U.S. citizens in Cuba who normally live in the United States should arrange for immediate return home or be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. Please check with the airlines as the schedules change with very little notice. Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
Booking and local contact information can be found at the following sites:
American: https://www.aa.com
Jet Blue: https://www.jetblue.com
If you are unable to book a flight through these airlines directly, please contact the embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit using one of the options shown below.
The Embassy has received reports of delays at José Martí International Airport from some dual Cuban nationals due to local immigration laws. While foreign travelers are currently permitted to exit, Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to restrictions and obligations. It is important for each traveler to contact the local immigration office as early as possible to avoid delays at the airport. Contact information for local immigration offices can be found here: https://www.minint.gob.cu/tramites/4#table-link
We encourage all U.S. citizens in Cuba to register with the U.S. State Department using the following link: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and to monitor the Embassy website and Twitter feed for up-to-date information.
Country-Specific Information:
- Cuba has confirmed cases ofCOVID-19 within its borders. State media reported they are under quarantine and treatment at a designated health care facility.
- On January 28, the Cuban government announced the formulation of an interagency working group to direct host government response to COVID-19 chaired by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). On March 10, state media reported the Cuban government continues to closely monitor the situation and is testing suspected cases in accordance with updates provided by its interagency working group.
- On March 16, 2020, the Consular Section of U.S. Embassy Havana announced that Consular services will be limited to only emergency U.S. citizen services and nonimmigrant visa services.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- On March 20, the Government of Cuba announced the closure of its borders to non-Cuban citizens.
- Foreign travelers are currently permitted to exit, however, should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
- While foreign travelers are currently permitted to exit, Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to restrictions and obligations. It is important for each traveler to contact the local immigration office as early as possible to avoid delays at the airport. Contact information for local immigration offices can be found here: https://www.minint.gob.cu/tramites/4#table-link
Quarantine Information:
- Authorities may isolate individuals arriving from COVID-19 high risk countries, or those exhibiting symptoms similar to COVID-19, as well as require screening and evaluation at a local hospital or clinic.
- Due to shortages of critical medications and supplies, travelers outside Havana may be escorted to more well-quipped facilities as directed by attending physicians.
- Cuban authorities report those individuals who require quarantine will be transferred to select facilities to complete treatment in isolation for 14 days.
- Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of Cuban-born U.S. citizens. The Cuban government requires Cuban dual nationals to enter and depart Cuba using Cuban passports. Cuban-born U.S. citizens will be treated as Cuban citizens and may be subject to restrictions and obligations.
Local Resources:
- Shortages of basic medical supplies exist throughout Cuba, to include most over the counter medications such as antifever or oral rehydration medications, thermometers, respiratory face masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment.
- Cuba requires visitors to have non-U.S. medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States.
- Cost of medical service is usually covered by the Cuban government if required by local authorities. Otherwise travelers needing medical care generally must pay cash.
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