United States authorities have reiterated a 2024 “Do not travel” warning for Venezuela, first issued back in 2019, amid a worsening security situation ahead of elections in the South American nation.
Repressive rule, crime and a humanitarian crisis
The Department of State (DOS) alert listed a host of reasons why its citizens should reconsider any trips to the republic, citing “crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws” as well as “wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure.”
Archived US assessments of the state of democracy in Venezuela, dated between 2017 and 2020, describe a country suffering “under the repressive and corrupt misrule of the dictator Nicolás Maduro and his illegitimate regime.” Maduro seized power after the death of the popular anti-imperialist Hugo Chávez in 2013. Since then, he has attempted to “dismantle Venezuelan democracy piece by piece” while “a devastating health and humanitarian crisis continues to grow” the DOS says.
We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means do not travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. Before making travel plans, look up the Travel Advisory for your intended destination(s).
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 1, 2024
The Travel Advisories for… pic.twitter.com/t7LxIa2y7i
US has no ability to help
Prior to the crisis, Venezuela welcomed over 800,000 US visitors each year, but that number has dropped dramatically since the withdrawal of US consular personnel in 2019. However, some Americans do still make the trip, despite shortages of essential supplies in the country, including electricity, fuel, medicine, and water, and the risk of terrorism along the border with Colombia.
If visitors experience a problem while there, the US “has no ability to provide emergency services” the State Department’s warning makes clear, noting that some US citizens have been wrongfully incarcerated in Venezuela “for up to five years” with little notification given to US authorities, let alone access.
Establish proof of life protocol
The build up to Venezuelan elections in July is also cause for concern, with frequent clashes between protesters and authorities descending into looting and vandalism. “Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice,” the US warning says. “Anti-Maduro demonstrations have elicited a strong police and security force response, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants.”
And it is not just the Venezuelan state that poses a risk to holidaymakers. “Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela,” the travel guidance points out. The problem is at such a level that the State Department advises that would-be travellers to Venezuela should establish a “proof of life” protocol with their family, so that “If you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).”
