The United States Department of State reissued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing heightened risks of crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. This advisory comes as the summer travel season begins, urging Americans to reconsider any plans to visit this popular South American destination.
The advisory highlights several concerns including:
- Crime: Violent crimes, including kidnappings, armed robbery, carjacking, and homicide, are rampant in Venezuela.
- Civil Unrest: Political rallies, particularly those opposing President Nicolás Maduro, are frequent and often turn violent without notice.
- Kidnapping and Terrorism: There is a high risk that Americans could be wrongfully detained or targeted.
- Health Infrastructure: The country’s healthcare system is poorly equipped to handle emergencies, further endangering travelers.
Venezuela has seen significant economic decline, with many blaming the situation on President Maduro’s leadership, leading to widespread poverty and a mass exodus of over 7.7 million people. With presidential elections scheduled for July, political tensions are expected to rise, increasing the likelihood of civil disturbances.
The advisory follows reports of worsening security conditions and the arbitrary application of local laws. International travelers are particularly vulnerable to these risks, which can include detention for minor infractions or politically motivated reasons.
To ensure safety, the State Department advises Americans to:
- Avoid all land border crossings, particularly on the Colombian border.
- Ensure they have a valid Venezuelan visa, as visas are not available upon arrival.
- Be prepared for the high risk of indefinite detention without consular access.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney.
- Develop a communication plan with family or employers, including a “proof of life” protocol in case of kidnapping.
- Have a contingency plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location tracking in emergencies.
