A Travel Alert is being issued to urge American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to areas affected by Tropical Storm Gustav in Haiti, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

U.S. citizens in areas likely to be impacted by Tropical Storm Gustav who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing while commercial flights are still available.

The storm is predicted to pass close to and possibly over Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba on August 28, 2008, and it is expected to increase to a category 1 Hurricane.

The U.S. embassy in Port au Prince, Haiti, will be available for emergency services but has suspended regular operations for August 27.

The U.S. missions in Jamaica, Cuba, and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula will be available for emergency services but during the storm may be forced to suspend regular operations without notice.

U.S. citizens in areas likely to be impacted by Tropical Storm Gustav who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing while commercial flights are still available. Seating capacity on commercial flights may be extremely limited. Flights into and out of international airports may be suspended at any time.

U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents with them at all times or secure them by placing in a safe, waterproof location.