Venezuela FCO travel warning - 24.2.08
Venezuela
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
We advise against all travel to within 80 kms (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira and Apure. Terrorist and illegal armed groups are active in these states and there is a risk of kidnapping.
The incidence of street crime in Venezuela is high, armed muggings and “express kidnappings” are on the increase. You should exercise caution when arriving in, and travelling around, Venezuela. People carrying large amounts of money, wearing valuable watches or jewellery or using mobile phones in the street are especially vulnerable. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
The road to and from the airport to Caracas is dangerous and there have been muggings and kidnappings by bogus taxi operators at Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia). Where possible you should avoid travelling on this route during hours of darkness, and particularly between 2300 and 0400hrs. Journey times can be unpredictable and you should allow extra time for any journey to and from the airport.
Around 13,000 British nationals visit Venezuela every year. British nationals have mainly required consular assistance in Venezuela for drug- trafficking, muggings and other theft. Do not handle illicit drugs: penalties are among the most severe in the Americas, and the prisons among the most dangerous. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
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Kind regards,
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