Venezuela Travel Warning

Issued by US Department of State

Mar 08, 2004

This Public Announcement is being issued to update US citizens on the possibility of violence during political demonstrations in Venezuela. It supersedes the Public Announcement of February 27, 2004, and will expire on May 25, 2004.

Since March 2, demonstrations, some resulting in violence, have broken out in Caracas and different cities in Venezuela. There have been several deaths, dozens of injuries, and many demonstrators arrested. The opposition has planned a demonstration in Caracas March 6, and pro-government groups have called for an assembly in front of Miraflores Palace on March 7. The potential for violence at these demonstrations is high. U.S. citizens should avoid all demonstrations and areas where groups are gathering. American citizens should exercise extreme caution when traveling in Caracas and throughout Venezuela. Americans are advised to check the U.S. Embassy web site: http://www.embajadausa.org.ve/ for additional information on the current situation in Venezuela, including information regarding road closures. Additionally, they should monitor radio and TV broadcasts for new developments.

In the case of an emergency or for the latest security information, the U.S. Embassy can be reached by e-mail at or by telephone at 58-212-975-9777 during working hours. Up to date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. For further information, please see the Consular Information Sheet for Venezuela and the Worldwide Public Announcement on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov.