North and Central America and Caribbean

Cuba
Still current at: 27 November 2009 Updated: 02 October 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (consular assistance figures). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Natural disasters

The hurricane season in Cuba normally runs from June to November. See Tropical Cyclones for more details.

Hurricane Gustav passed over the western Provinces of Cuba and Isla de Juventud during the afternoon and evening on Saturday 30 August 2008 causing extensive damage. Hurricane Ike struck Cuba a week later on 7 and 8 September 2008 and caused considerable damage in many parts of the country but particularly in the Provinces of Holguin (including the resort of Guardalavaca) and Pinar del Rio (including the town of Vinales).

Hurricane Paloma hit the southern coast of Cuba in the early morning of 9 November as a Category 3 hurricane and weakened rapidly to a tropical storm. We no longer advise against all but essential travel to the southern part of the Camaguey region.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. Please also see Tropical Cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

Good warning is given and due precautions must be taken but in the aftermath power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted for a week or more. Even in holiday resorts, utility services cannot be constantly guaranteed. Damage to infrastructure in affected areas can take some time to be repaired. In the event of extreme weather conditions flights to and from Cuba could be delayed or cancelled.