Cuba – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries to members of our diplomatic community resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff.

Country Summary: Numerous U.S. Embassy Havana employees suffered demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries during their service in Havana. Affected individuals have exhibited a range of physical symptoms including ear complaints and hearing loss, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, and difficulty sleeping. We continue to investigate how the health of our diplomats and their family members was severely and permanently damaged. These symptoms occurred in U.S. diplomatic residences (including a long-term apartment at the Atlantic) and at Hotel Nacional and Hotel Capri in Havana.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana is operating with reduced staffing. Only family members employed by the Embassy may accompany U.S. government employees assigned to Cuba.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cuba.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Cuba has a moderate level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
Avoid Hotel Nacional and Hotel Capri.
If you experience any acute auditory or sensory phenomena, immediately move to another area.
Know where to seek medical care in Cuba.
Consult with a medical professional prior to traveling if you have personal health concerns or upon return if you believe you have suffered symptoms similar to those listed above.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Country Security Report for Cuba.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.