The Canadian government has issued a new travel advisory for Venezuela, citing a "heightened security situation" in the country. Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to Venezuela due to the significant risks associated with violent crime, unstable political and economic conditions, arbitrary detention, and deteriorating living standards including shortages of medication, gasoline, and water. The advisory underscores the tense situation in Venezuela, warning that it could further escalate at any moment.

According to the advisory, borders and airspace may close unexpectedly. Several airlines have already suspended flights to and from Venezuela, complicating travel plans for those who need to leave the country. Additionally, it is noted that the Embassy of Canada in Venezuela has been shut down since 2019, significantly limiting the government's capacity to provide consular assistance, which must now be conducted remotely.

For Canadians who choose to travel to Venezuela regardless of the advisories, the government recommends several precautionary measures. They should prepare to shelter in place with adequate supplies of food, water, and other essentials. It is also advised to closely monitor the situation through local and international media and to register or update contact information with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, ensuring they receive the latest updates from the Government of Canada.

Airport Warnings:

The advisory highlights the dangers at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (Caracas). The airport has been identified as a location where incidents of violent crime frequently occur, both inside the facilities and in the surrounding areas. Foreigners are often targeted by kidnappers and armed robbers, who assume they possess large amounts of foreign currency. Criminals are known to approach tourists at the airport, pretending to offer currency exchange services, and may also pose as taxi drivers.

Border Areas:

The advisory elaborates on specific border regions. The border between Venezuela and Guyana is described as volatile due to an ongoing territorial dispute over the Guayana Esequiba area, and travelers are cautioned to avoid discussing this issue while exercising constant vigilance. The Colombia-Venezuela border is marked by risks from armed criminal groups involved in smuggling and drug trafficking, with a significant military presence that raises the threat of extortion and kidnapping. Similarly, the Brazil-Venezuela border poses concerns related to smuggling and drug trafficking activities.

Crime:

According to the Canadian government, Venezuela faces severe issues related to violent crime, including kidnapping, fraud, and shortages that disrupt essential services. The advisory states that Venezuela has one of the highest homicide rates globally. Moreover, express kidnappings are reported as a frequent occurrence, with victims often taken from public streets and forced to lead criminals to their homes to retrieve foreign currency, electronics, or other valuables.

U.S. Issues Travel Advisory:

In parallel, the U.S. government has released its own advisory, cautioning against travel to Venezuela. The U.S. advisory cites the high risks of wrongful detention, torture in custody, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. It strongly advises all U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela to depart the country immediately.

The Canadian government updated its travel advisory on January 3, following military strikes on multiple sites throughout Venezuela, including military facilities in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states.