Car hire Venezuela - Safety and Security

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Safety and Security

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Cross-border violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking occur frequently in areas along the 1,000-mile border between Venezuela and Colombia. Some kidnap victims have been released after ransom payments, while others have been murdered. In many cases, Colombian terrorists are suspected. Colombia 's National Liberation Army (ELN) have had a long history of kidnapping for ransom, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have become increasingly active in the kidnapping trade. The State Department warns American citizens not to travel within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border. U.S. citizens who elect to visit areas along the border region with Colombia against this warning, apart from the Colombian terrorist threat, could encounter Venezuelan military-controlled areas and may be subject to search and arrest.

"Express kidnappings," in which victims are seized in an attempt to get quick cash in exchange for their release, are a problem in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Kidnapping of US citizens and other foreign nationals, from homes, hotels, unauthorized taxis and the airport terminal has occurred. U.S. citizens should continue to be alert to their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Additionally, U.S. citizens should be aware of an increase in acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Venezuela. There have been a number of confirmed incidents of piracy in the recent past including several involving U.S. citizens. Some of these incidents have involved a high degree of violence, including the beating and shooting of several of the victims and the fatal shooting of an Italian citizen in January 2004. U.S. citizen yachters should exercise a heightened level of caution when selecting a place to moor their boats, and should not attempt to resist these robbers.

Political demonstrations occur regularly throughout Venezuela due to the current fluid political situation. Violence, including exchanges of gunfire, has occurred at these demonstrations in the past. Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university campuses, business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and plazas. Tension between pro-government and opposition supporters remains high, and the potential for violent clashes continues. Further demonstrations are expected, and U.S. citizens should avoid them.

Most major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts and Margarita Island, are not generally affected by protest actions. However, the city of Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, is the scene of frequent student demonstrations. Venezuela suffered two general strikes in 2002 and early 2003, and the potential for further strikes exists. Disruptions in public transportation services may occur as a result of strikes or work stoppages and may delay visitors' travel to the international airport at Maiquetia, block public roads, and interfere with ferry schedules to and from Margarita Island. In addition, due to the Government of Venezuela's difficulties in meeting some public payrolls, teachers, medical doctors, and other groups often threaten work stoppages, which may disrupt health services and cause temporary closure of businesses.

Although the number of incidents of harassment and intimidation of US citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities and some segments of the police, has declined since the end of the latest general strike, such incidents continue to be a possibility. Additionally, anti-American sentiment, expressed in graffiti, harsh political rhetoric, newspaper advertisements and rally pamphlets, continues in some segments of Venezuelan society.

The risk of encountering explosive devices in Venezuela, particularly in Caracas, appears to be increasing. These appear to be associated with political unrest. Travelers who encounter a strange parcel or abandoned bag should not attempt to identify or move it, but should immediately notify local authorities and stay clear of the area.

Travelers should keep informed of local developments by following the local press, radio and television. Visitors should also consult their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, no matter where they occur. Additional advice about demonstrations may also be obtained from the U.S. Embassy at the telephone numbers listed below.