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 1,500 American citizens and LPRs.
The Embassy will continue to explore options for repatriation of U.S. citizens who wish to return home, however, there are no additional charter flights scheduled at this time. All remaining U.S. citizens should continue to make necessary preparations for an extended stay in Cuba during the quarantine period. Please comply with local quarantine requirements, monitor local news for information about Cuban travel advisories, and check with their airline operators regarding future flights.
Please note:
- We cannot guarantee that the Embassy will be able to arrange charter flights in the future.
- 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. In order to be considered for any future flights you MUST contact the local immigration office as early as possible. Contact information for local immigration offices can be found here: https://www.minint.gob.cu/tramites/4#table-link
- In accordance with United States State Department worldwide regulations in place due to COVID-19 and in line with the Government of Cuba’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Havana has temporarily closed. This includes all routine Visa and American Citizen Services. Please do not call for routine matters, instead visit our website for more information: https://cu.usembassy.gov
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the U.S. Embassy is currently only providing emergency services to U.S. citizens. For emergency American Citizens Services, please visit our website for additional information https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
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 of COVID-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 17, 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.
- On April 2, the Cuban government suspended the arrival and departure of all international flights.
- 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.
Other links:
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Cuba Country Information and Travel Advisory page
