What are the issues affecting travelers in Cuba? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.
Photo © Getty Images/Marius Hepp/EyeEm
Previous travel alerts for Cuba
Hurricane Michael – 9 October, 2018
Hurricane Michael is currently strengthening as it heads towards the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a Category 3 system, before making landfall in the Florida Panhandle (NW of the state) and then tracking across Georgia and the Carolinas.
The hurricane will past the west coast of Cuba en route to the US, bringing heavy rainfall and storm surges.
Please check with authorities for more information, follow any official warnings and listen to local news reports to monitor the situation. Failure to comply with directives from government authorities means you won't be covered by travel insurance.
How to Survive a Hurricane
The absolutely best way to survive a hurricane is to avoid one. Get away from it, but if you make the decision to leave make that decision early. Do not leave it until the last minute because you may find yourself caught without proper shelter.
If you decide to stay and "ride it out" it is advisable to get to an authorized shelter. The locations of these will be broadcast, or locals will know where they are. If there is no shelter, prepare to "shelter in place" in an internal room without windows.
Once a "storm watch" has been issued, make sure you are prepared in the event that the watch becomes a "warning."
- Fill the gas tank of your car.
- Check batteries in flashlights and radios.
- Have extra batteries on hand.
- Secure all doors and windows.
- Close shutters or board up the windows.
- Have extra supplies on hand such as non-perishable food, clean drinking water, a half-gallon of water per person/per day (enough for a couple of days), and prescription drugs.
During the storm
- Never go out during the storm. The winds can send flying debris into you causing injury and even death.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Keep on the alert for additional storm warnings. Hurricanes are known to spawn tornadoes so be prepared to take cover if one should strike.
- While the storm is in progress avoid using electrical appliances.
- Stay off the telephone.
- All pets should be secure in carriers. The storm will be a frightening experience for them as well, and they could injure themselves or you if they panic.
- Do not light candles or lanterns; they could get blown over causing a fire.
- The eye of the storm passing over could make you think the storm is over when the worst is still yet to come. Only use this calm in an extreme emergency to make critical repairs.
- Only after an official "all clear" has been issued is it safe to come out.
After the storm
- Beware of downed power lines and gas leaks.
- Stay away from heavily damaged areas.
- Listen to your radio for instructions.
Worldwide 24-hour Emergency Assistance
Need assistance? Find the emergency contact telephone number for you.
So we can best assist you, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- If you are ill or injured we will need details of medical consultations you have had
Hurricane Irma - 9 September 2017
Hurricane Irma struck the north coast of Cuba as a Category 5 storm late on Friday, September 8. Many areas of the island, including Havana, suffered severe flooding and widespread wind damage. At least ten deaths have been reported.
If you are traveling in the region you should follow all directions of police, emergency services and city officials. If it is practicable you should call the World Nomads emergency assistance service.
Be aware that now this is a named hurricane and emergencies have been declared in several places it may not be possible to purchase travel insurance to cover this event. To discuss your coverage please contact us at World Nomads.
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
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