Issued by US Department of State
May 17, 2002
This Public Announcement supersedes the Travel Warning of April 16, 2002 and
the Public Announcement of March 22, 2002 to reflect an improvement in
Venezuela's political and security situation. It also reflects the
termination of Authorized Departure status for the U. S. Embassy. This
Public Announcement expires on August 15, 2002.
The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens in Venezuela to avoid
demonstrations and to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves
from common crime. Because of the continued threat of kidnapping near
Venezuela's border with Colombia, the Department of State advises against
travel to that region.
Following the April 11-14 attempt to remove President Chavez from power, the
political situation remains fluid. In mid-April, clashes between pro- and
anti-Chavez groups resulted in multiple deaths, injuries, and looting.
There is an increasing trend of American citizens being singled out for
threats or harassment. Demonstrations and blocked streets and roadways may
take place at any time.
The international airport in Caracas is open, and airlines have resumed
regularly scheduled flights. American citizens traveling from Venezuela
should confirm their flight before leaving for the airport. Travelers
should be aware that there are increasing incidents of robbery of arriving
passengers within the airport terminal and in the airport parking area.
Colombian terrorist groups are openly targeting U.S. citizens in Venezuela's
Amazonas State for kidnapping, specifically near the border with Colombia.
The
State Department recommends that United States citizens avoid travel to
Amazonas State, and to any area within 50 miles along the Venezuelan border
with Colombia until further notice.
The Embassy will continue to provide consular services to American citizens.
However, from time to time, the Embassy may temporarily close or suspend
public services as necessary to review its security posture. Emergency
assistance to American citizens during non-business hours (or when public
access is restricted) is available through Embassy duty personnel, who can
be contacted by telephone at 011-58-212-975-6411.
For further information, please see the Department of State's current
Consular Information Sheet for Venezuela, available at the Bureau of
Consular Affairs' Internet web site: http://travel.state.gov. Current
information regarding services at the U.S. Embassy is available on the
Embassy's web site: www.embajadausa.org.ve.
