The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Venezuela, urging Americans to reconsider travel due to risks including recent earthquakes and persistent violent crime. The country is currently under a Level 3 advisory, a designation that advises travelers to "Reconsider Travel."
The latest update, issued on June 27, specifically incorporates the impact of recent seismic activity. Venezuela experienced a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on June 24, which caused significant damage to transportation, infrastructure, and emergency services.
In addition to natural disaster risks, the advisory reiterates warnings about existing security threats. These include violent crimes such as homicide and armed robbery, as well as kidnapping and terrorism. The State Department notes that irregular armed groups may carry out acts of violence without warning and states there are no reliable crime statistics available.
Several specific regions within Venezuela are designated as Level 4, "Do Not Travel." These areas include the Venezuela-Colombia border region, Amazonas state, Apure state, Aragua state outside of Maracay, Guárico state, Táchira state, and rural areas of Bolívar state.
While Venezuela is not a primary tourist destination for Americans, some individuals travel to visit family or explore natural attractions like Angel Falls and Los Roques National Park. The advisory comes as the U.S. has recently engaged with Venezuela by providing disaster relief following the earthquakes, a move described as having been welcomed by the Venezuelan government.
The U.S. government resumed commercial flights to Venezuela from Miami on a Thursday, marking a symbolic shift after a seven-year hiatus. This development occurs against the backdrop of a complex relationship between the two nations.