The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel warning for Venezuela, urging Americans to reconsider travel to the country due to disaster risks, including recent earthquakes, and persistent violent crime.
The nation remains at a Level 3 advisory, "Reconsider Travel," according to a June 27 update. This advisory now specifically highlights the impact of recent seismic activity, noting that the country experienced a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on June 24.
These earthquakes caused significant damage and disruption to Venezuela's transportation, infrastructure, and emergency services, according to the State Department. The advisory also warns of broader risks including crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and inadequate health infrastructure. "Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur," the advisory states, adding that "irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning" and that reliable crime statistics are unavailable.
Several specific areas in Venezuela are under a Level 4 advisory, "Do Not Travel." These 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 such as Angel Falls and Los Roques National Park. The updated advisory comes amidst a complex U.S.-Venezuela relationship, with the U.S. providing disaster relief following the recent earthquakes. A State Department official noted that the Venezuelan government has been cooperative with the U.S. disaster relief efforts.