Canada has issued a new travel warning concerning Venezuela, citing a “heightened security situation” in the country.
Canadians are advised to refrain from all travel to Venezuela due to the prevalence of violent crime, unstable political and economic conditions, risks of arbitrary detention, and deteriorating living standards marked by shortages of essential supplies like medication, gasoline, and water.
The advisory underscores the tense environment in Venezuela, cautioning that the situation could rapidly escalate, leading to sudden closures of borders and airspace.
Furthermore, the Canadian government mentions that multiple airlines have halted flights to and from Venezuela, while the Canadian Embassy in Venezuela has been shut down since 2019, limiting consular assistance to Canadian citizens remotely.
For those disregarding the warning and opting to travel to Venezuela, the advisory specifically warns about the dangers at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (Caracas), highlighting the prevalent incidents of violent crime within the airport premises and its vicinity. Travelers are cautioned against exchanging money with strangers, as criminals may pose as taxi drivers to target foreigners.
In addition to the internal risks, the advisory also highlights the precarious situations along Venezuela’s borders with neighboring countries. The border areas with Guyana, Colombia, and Brazil are noted for their involvement in disputes, armed criminal activities, and smuggling operations.
The Canadian government emphasizes the high risks of violent crime, kidnapping, fraud, spiked food and drinks, shortages, and service disruptions in Venezuela, a country with one of the world’s highest homicide rates.
Echoing Canada’s concerns, the U.S. government has also issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid Venezuela due to various risks including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
This travel advisory update was prompted by recent military actions in Venezuela, involving strikes on military installations in Caracas and surrounding states.