Canada has released a new travel advisory for Venezuela, labeling the situation there as critically dangerous. Canadians are urged to avoid all travel to the country due to escalated risks across various sectors.
Reasons for the Travel Advisory
The advisory particularly highlights:
- High levels of violent crime.
- Political and economic instability.
- Risk of arbitrary detention.
- Severe shortages of essential services, including water, medication, and fuel.
Officials warn that the current circumstances in Venezuela are tense and could escalate without warning, with possible sudden closures of borders and airspace.
Implications for Air Travel
Several airlines have suspended flights to and from Venezuela. Furthermore, the Canadian embassy has been closed since 2019, significantly limiting the consular support available to Canadians in the region. Assistance must be conducted remotely.
Guidelines for Travelers
Canadians who choose to travel to Venezuela despite the advisory are advised to:
- Be prepared to shelter in place with adequate food, water, and essential supplies.
- Closely monitor developments through local and international news sources.
- Register or update their contact details with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service for timely updates from the Canadian government.
Airport and Border Safety
The advisory specifically cautions about Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (Caracas), noting frequent incidents of violent crime. Criminals often target foreigners for robbery, especially around the airport.
Border Areas of Concern
- Guyana: The Venezuela-Guyana border is tense due to a dispute over the Guayana Esequiba region.
- Colombia: The Colombia-Venezuela border is perilous, with armed groups engaging in smuggling and drug trafficking.
- Brazil: Issues related to smuggling and drug trafficking persist along this border.
Crime Statistics
The Canadian government has noted that Venezuela has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Risks include violent crime, kidnapping, and fraud. Express kidnappings are also common, where victims are abducted and forced to provide access to money or valuables.
Comparative Advisories
The U.S. government has also issued a severe travel warning for Venezuela. Their advisory emphasizes the high risks of wrongful detention, torture, and civil unrest, advising U.S. citizens to leave immediately.
Canada updated its travel advisory on January 3, following military strikes in several regions of Venezuela, including Caracas and surrounding states.
