Emergency Services

Arrests

If you or any American citizen are arrested in Cuba, ask the authorities to notify a consular officer at the U.S. Interests Section immediately.

We can not get you, or anyone, out of jail (because you are subject to Cuba's laws), but we can help protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against.

We can also provide a list of local attorneys, visit you in jail and, if you wish, contact members of your family on your behalf. We can also transfer money, food and clothing to prison authorities from your relatives for your benefit.

Death of American Citizen Abroad

If an American citizen dies in Cuba, the death should be reported immediately to the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Interests Section at (537) 833-3552 or, after hours, 833-2326 or 5280-5791.

If the next-of-kin was not with the citizen at the time of death, we will notify them of the death and work with them to carry out their wishes with regard to burial or repatriation of the body.

The Interests Section can also, with the next-of-kin's permission, act as a liaison between the family and local authorities.

We will also prepare the necessary documents to allow the family to return the body to the U.S., if that is their wish, and a Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad, which is based on the Cuban death certificate and which can be used in the U.S. for most legal purposes.

Disaster/Civil Disorder

If there is a natural disaster or some civil disorder, we will use our warden system to notify American citizens and provide appropriate instructions and advice.

If you are caught in a disaster or disturbance, let your relatives know as quickly as possible that you are safe. You may contact the Interest Section's American Citizen Services Unit at (537) 833-3552 (833-2326 & 5280-5791 after hours) and ask us to pass a message to your family.

Above all, remain calm, follow events through news reports and try to follow instructions from the Interests Section. In the event of a disaster, we give priority to Americans who have been hurt, or who are in danger.

Also, we may be facing the same problems, such as a lack of fuel, telephone connections or electricity, that you are. Please be patient with us if you are already in a safe location and can defer your request for assistance.

Family Emergencies

If your family needs to contact you because of an emergency at home, or because they are worried about you, they may call the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center at:

(202) 647-5225

The State Department will relay any message to us and we will attempt to contact you.

If you are registered with the American Citizen Services Unit (complete and return our Warden Form to register), and if you have signed a Privacy Act Waiver, we will be able to provide information about you to your family.

Transporting Remains from Cuba

Please contact the Interests Section's American Citizen Services Unit at (537) 833-3552 for more information on how to ship remains from Cuba.