The United States government is encouraging travelers to avoid Venezuela and the surrounding borders.
It’s not every day that a country gets slapped with a Level 4 travel advisory, but the danger posed by traveling to or near Venezuela is simply too great, argues the Department of State.
“The risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure,” Fox News reported.
The number of detained U.S. nationals is higher in Venezuela than any other country in the world, and in March 2019, America “withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations.” There is no United States consulate anywhere in Venezuela which means the U.S. cannot provide any assistance, guidance or services to nationals visiting the area.
“Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism,” the article continues.
For those who still have plans to travel, the State Department has issued some recommendations:
- Prepare a final will and testament, ensure beneficiaries have been named to any necessary accounts, and establish a power of attorney
- Establish a planned method of communicating with family and friends, as well as a “proof of life” protocol to avoid impersonation
- Consider hiring professional security
- Understand that medical services and access to medications and treatment can and will be limited
- Avoid the borders, which connect Venezeula to Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana
- Any lost or stolen documents/goods such as passports cannot be recovered by the United States
Any Americans currently visiting Venezuela are strongly encouraged to leave the country as soon as possible.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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