UNCLAS STATE 118919

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC XL
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT ? HURRICANE PALOMA


1. This Travel Alert is being issued to urge American
citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to
areas that may be affected by Hurricane Paloma in the
Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba. U.S. citizens located
in areas likely to be affected by Hurricane Paloma who do
not have access to adequate and safe shelter should
consider departing while commercial flights are still
available. This Travel Alert expires December 6, 2008.


2. The hurricane is predicted to pass close to and
possibly over the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba on
November 8 and 9, 2008, and it is expected to increase to
a category 2 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center
(NHC) reports are posted at:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+ shtml/145412
.html


3. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston, the Consular Agency in
the Caymans Islands, and the U.S. Interests Section in
Havana will be available for emergency services but may
be forced to suspend regular operations without notice
during the storm. Seating capacity on commercial flights
may be extremely limited. Flights into and out of
international airports may be suspended at any time. If
staying in country, U.S. citizens are urged to locate
shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official
instructions. Visitors to affected areas of the Cayman
Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba should be familiar with their
hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans, policies, and
procedures. Please see the Hurricane Travel Alert dated
May 30, 2008, on the Department's website at
www.travel.state.gov and
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/ hurricane_se
ason/hurricane_season_3795.html .


3. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents
(e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, photo ID's,
etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing
them in a safe, waterproof location. Additionally,
American citizens in the areas affected by the storm are
reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in
the United States to keep them apprised of their current
whereabouts.


4. Americans residing or traveling in the Cayman
Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba are encouraged to register
with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's
travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov .


5. Updated information on travel may be obtained from
the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-
free within the United States and Canada, or from
overseas, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For
further information please consult the Country Specific
Information available via the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov . Please see the following
contact information for the U.S. Embassy, Consular Agency
and Interests Section:
U.S. Embassy Kingston is located at 142 Old Hope Road in
the Liguanea area of Kingston, tel. (876) 702-6000. For
emergencies after hours, on weekends, and holidays, U.S.
citizens may call the Embassy at (876) 702-6000 and ask
to speak to the Embassy duty officer. The U.S. Embassy
also is responsible for consular services in the Cayman
Islands.

The Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at
222 Mirco Center, North Sound Road, Georgetown, Grand
Cayman, tel (345) 945-8173.

The U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba, is located at
Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado: tel (537) 833-
3551 through 833-3559. Hours are Monday through Thursday,
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.


6. Minimize considered.
RICE