HURRICANES
American citizens who are planning to be in Cuba during hurricane season should carefully consider the potential dangers and inconveniences associated with a hurricane and should devise an emergency plan in advance of a storm’s arrival. Even inland areas far from the coastline can experience destructive winds, tornadoes, and floods from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Regions affected by hurricanes and tropical storms may experience widespread damage to infrastructure and serious shortages of habitable accommodations, food, water, and medical facilities. Storms can result in airport closures or limited flight availability due to runway or terminal damage and a shortage of electricity. Americans in affected regions may be required to delay their return to the United States while staying in emergency shelters with basic resources and limited medicine and food supplies. Hurricane damage is caused by storm surge, high winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. The past several years have seen an overall increase in the quantity and intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. In 2005, there were 28 named storms of which 15 became hurricanes. This proved to be the most active hurricane season in recorded history, causing billions of dollars in damage and resulting in thousands of fatalities. In 2006, there were 9 major storms including 5 hurricanes, which largely remained off land, limiting the property damage and loss of life to far below the levels witnessed in 2005.
How can I prepare?
Americans should register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known and will make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency. While Consular Officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers should always be aware that when they are abroad, local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions. It is important to follow local authorities’ instructions concerning security and evacuation; failure to do so has cost people their lives.
During the hurricane season Americans should monitor local radio and other sources of information, such as the National Hurricane Center, to stay aware of any weather developments in the area. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should maintain close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency.
For further information on the dangers of Hurricanes and for guides on preparing for emergency situations, please visit the following websites:
WARDEN MESSAGE
Cuban media has announced that foreigners with permanent resident status in Cuba must replace their Foreigner ID Card with a new card containing a new format. For more information please visit the Office for Immigration and Foreign Affairs located at Calle 17 no 203 e/ J y K, Vedado, Ciudad de la Habana.
Public Services
Entry Requirements
The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction obtain a Treasury license before engaging in any transaction related to travel to, from and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Treasury Annex, Washington, DC 20220, telephone (202) 622-2480; fax (202) 622-1657, or via the web at Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Should a traveler receive a license, a valid passport is required for entry into Cuba. The Cuban government requires that the traveler obtain a visa prior to arrival. Attempts to enter or exit Cuba illegally, or to aid the irregular exit of Cuban nationals or other persons, are contrary to Cuban law and are punishable by jail terms. Entering Cuban territory, territorial waters or airspace (within 12 miles of the Cuban coast) without prior authorization from the Cuban government may result in arrest or other enforcement action by Cuban authorities. Immigration violators are subject to prison terms ranging from four years for illegal entry or exit to as many as 30 years for aggravated cases of alien smuggling. For current information on Cuban entry and customs requirements, travelers may contact the Cuban Interests Section, an office of the Cuban government, located at 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, telephone (202) 797-8518.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel when the parent(s) or legal guardian is not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Travel Advisory!...
PACK ALL VALUABLES WITH YOUR CARRY ON!...(Cuban Airports have recently been ransacking luggage and removing such items as Jewellery, Electronics, etc...on both Arrivals and Departures)...contact your local "Consular Affairs" and they will provide you with the details.
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-e... (Click on the "SAFETY AND SECURITY" link)
Cubana, the national carrier of Cuba, is great. They make all announcements in three languages and the drinks are inexpensive. The new airbus 320s definitely have more legroom than any other charter and the seats are less cramped.
Otherwise, Copa (via Panama), Taca (via San Jose, Costa Rica) and Mexicana all fly there, as do Martinair (Amsterdam), Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Air Transat (Canada), Iberia and Condor (Germany).
It's a less expensive option for travelers from London who want to vacation in Cuba.
You can fly Blue Panorama www.distal.aero airlines from Italy - a flight Rome to Havana return will cost about 700EUR (tax incl.)
A taxi ride from the airport to Havana centro takes roughly 30 minutes and taxi is your best bet really, as buses can be tricky and high on impossible to understand which directions they are heading towards. The taxi should cost 25 CUC into town but you might get a much cheaper deal if you take a Lada taxi rather than an airport one - they could cost as little as 16 CUC. You could even try your luck on the departures floor and flag down taxis which are dropping off passengers - they should charge less: it's the airport taxis which really rip you off.
On the way back to the airport, grab a taxi that is NOT parked outside a hotel.
** Note: The original information for this thread came from the following forum thread:
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