What are the issues affecting travelers in Venezuela? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.
Photo © Getty Images/Auxier Gomez-EyeEm
Do not travel alert, Venezuela - February 2019
Several government travel advisories have now issued "Do not travel" warnings as a result of the deteriorating situation in Venezuela. Consular and medical assistance may be limited or non-existent.
The Venezuelan government has closed the border crossing points between Venezuela and Colombia. Borders with Brazil and Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (known as the ABC islands) have also been closed. Diseases that had once been eradicated are now spreading. Malaria has been reported in 10 out of 24 states, diphtheria in 22 states and measles has also made a return.
Travel providers such as Expedia and Orbitz have suspended sales of products to Venezuela and airlines such as Delta, United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Argentine Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Alitalia and Avianca have suspended services to Venezuela.
Violent crime has escalated across the country and there are shortages of food, fuel, medications and water. Travelers are strongly advised not to travel to Venezuela.
Civil unrest in Venezuela - June 2017
Tension and unrest in Venezuela have escalated following inconclusive elections. What was already a dangerous place for visitors due to civil unrest, violent protests and economic hardship has worsened. There are shortages of food and other commodities, poverty is endemic, crime is rampant, inflation is skyrocketing and infrastructure and services are falling apart.
Foreign governments are issuing stern warnings to their citizens about the danger.
The UK Foreign Office is advising British travelers to defer all but essential travel to Venezuela, and advising those already there to leave the country by commercial means as soon as practicable.
The Australian government has put the entire country on the second highest level of travel warning - "reconsider your need to travel".
The US State Department also advises against all non-essential travel.
Venezuela State of Emergency – May 2016
Venezuela is currently in the grip of civil unrest. The President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro has declared a 60-day state of emergency within the country in an attempt to hang onto power and oppose foreign interference however this has impacted many local businesses and companies which rely on importing resources from other countries.
Looting and citizen-led justice has been met with military force opposition including the deployment of tear gas. Government-imposed rolling blackouts have occurred across the country causing distress and unrest amongst Venezuelans. Public services have also been slashed causing some public services to become inaccessible by locals.
Protests are also frequently held and clashes have occurred between pro and anti-government groups. The country is in an economic crisis with food, fuel and medical resources being rationed since January 2016. Locals are spending hours lining up just to receive basic supplies.
Many hospitals are struggling to function with the government-imposed restrictions. As a result, infants and others are dying due to lack of adequate care and poor levels of hygiene. This could also impact travelers in the country who may require medical assistance. Zika virus is still prevalent within Venezuela.
A military or governmental coup could possibly occur to remove President Maduro.
- May 2016 - Venezuelan President Maduro declares a 60-day state of emergency across the country.
- May 2016 - 5000 people loot a supermarket in central Venezuela.
- May 2016 - The leader of the opposition party, German Mavare is assassinated point-blank as he walked home with a friend. There are suggestions this was politically motivated due to rising distrust in the current government by locals.
- May 2016 - Nine people are killed in the capital, Caracas in a crackdown on crime by government military forces.
- April 2016 - Violence continues to rise across Venezuela due to the government's restrictions and mass protests call for the President to resign.
- April 2016 - 40 days of rolling electricity blackouts are announced by the Venezuelan Government.
- January 2016 - The Venezuelan Government declares that food, fuel and medical services will be rationed.
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
Simple and flexible travel insurance
You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Get a quote
No Comments