TRAVEL WARNING - HURRICANE IKE

UNCLAS STATE 095691 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC BH SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - HURRICANE IKE ¶1. This Travel Warning is being issued to urge U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Cuba at this time due to the threat posed by Hurricane Ike. The Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members of the United States Interests Section in Havana, Cuba. As of September 7, 2008 at 1300 hrs, the storm is currently located 130 miles east-north east of Guantanamo, Cuba and is expected to pass over the entire length of island as a category 4 or 3 hurricane during the September 7-9 timeframe. Updates on the storm's track and intensity can be found at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. ¶2. The U.S. Interests Section in Havana will be open until 2 PM on Monday September 8 and will remain closed on Tuesday, September 9 for all but emergency American Citizens Services which will be available at all times. U.S. citizens in Cuba who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing while commercial flights are still available. Seating capacity on commercial flights is extremely limited. Flights into and out of Jose Marti International Airport in Havana may be suspended at any time. ¶3. If staying in Cuba, U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Visitors to Cuba should be familiar with their hotel evacuation plans, policies, or procedures. Please see the Hurricane Travel Alert regarding hurricane season, dated May 30, 2008, on the Department's website at http://travel.state.gov and http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/ hurricane_se ason/hurricane_season_3795.html ¶4. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, picture ID's, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location. Additionally, all U.S. citizens in the area are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current whereabouts. ¶5. Americans living or traveling in Cuba are encouraged to register with the U.S. Interests Section through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. ¶6. Updated information on travel in Cuba may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or from overseas, 1-202-501- ¶4444. For further information please consult the Country Specific Information for Cuba available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov or contact the U.S. Interests Section in Havana at (537) 833-3551, after hours(53) 5 280-5791. ¶7. Minimize considered. RICE