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Travel
warnings
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VENEZUELA |
April 12th,
2003 |
Canadians
should exercise caution in Venezuela. The security situation
remains volatile due to the ongoing conflict between the
government and its opponents. The two-month national strike is
over, although the petroleum sector has not resumed normal
operations. Political demonstrations are still frequent in
Caracas and in other major cities. The latest demonstrations
were peaceful, but the potential for violence remains. Bombings
of embassies have occurred in Caracas, increasing the threat of
further violent acts.
Various service interruptions can be expected. Fuel supply is
sporadic throughout the country. Local transportation services
have been disrupted due to road closures and shortages of
gasoline. Foreign exchange controls are being implemented.
Foreign credit cards should not be affected, although using
traveller's cheques or exchanging currency could be a problem.
Canadians should not travel within 80 km of the Venezuela and
Colombia borders due to the increasing threat of kidnapping.
Colombian guerrillas, who frequently operate on both sides of
the border, are suspected of several kidnapping cases. They are
now openly targeting foreign citizens in Venezuela's Amazonas
state, specifically near the border with Colombia. Cross-border
violence, kidnapping, smuggling, and drug trafficking occur
frequently in remote areas, specifically in Venezuela's Zulia,
Tachira, Barinas, Bolivar, Apure and Amazonas states. |
| Canadian
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade |
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VENEZUELA
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February 19th, 2002 |
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This Travel Warning is being
issued to inform U.S. citizens that the tense political and
security situation in Venezuela has eased slightly, although
shortages of goods and difficulty providing services continues.
This replaces the Travel Warning of December 10, 2002.
Although the Department of
State has rescinded ordered departure for non-emergency
personnel and eligible family members, U.S. citizens should be
aware that there are continuing concerns about the situation in
Venezuela. Businesses, schools and other services have re-opened
but shortages of fuel and key goods, and difficulty in providing
essential services, are likely to continue for several weeks as
the country attempts to normalize economic activity in the wake
of the general strike that crippled Venezuela for over two
months. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has not resumed
normal operations and, though fuel supplies have improved, fuel
shortages continue to impact local public transport severely.
Opposition leaders have vowed to continue to disrupt oil
production. Local airlines have resumed normal service, but
international flight schedules have been scaled back. U.S.
citizens in Venezuela should confirm their flights are on
schedule before departing for the airport.
Tension between pro-Chavez and opposition supporters remains
high and the potential for violent clashes continues. Further
demonstrations are expected. Additionally, the Government of
Venezuela has introduced rigid exchange control mechanisms in an
attempt to protect the Bolivar, the national currency, as
economic conditions continue to deteriorate. The availability of
U.S. dollars in Venezuela is very limited.
The Embassy’s Consular
Section will resume limited visa services to Venezuelan citizens
in mid-February as staff members return to post. Consular
personnel are available to provide emergency information and
services to American citizens. In the case of an emergency or
for the latest security information, the U.S. Embassy can be
reached at 58-212-975-6411. |
| Bureau
of Consular Affairs of the United States of America |
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