CARACAS, Venezuela, July 7 (World Daily Times) — The State Department in Washington updated its travel advisory for Venezuela on June 27, keeping the country at Level 3, or “Reconsider Travel,” while leaving several border and regional areas under the highest Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” warning.
The advisory added recent earthquakes as a reason for the warning. It also says violent crime occurs in Venezuela, including homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping.
According to the department, irregular armed groups can carry out violence against citizens without warning, and there are no reliable crime statistics. The advisory says Level 4 is the highest risk category and reflects a greater likelihood of life-threatening danger, with very limited ability for the U.S. government to help in an emergency.
The areas listed under Level 4 include the Venezuela-Colombia border region, Amazonas state, Apure state, Aragua state outside Maracay, Guárico state, Táchira state and rural areas of Bolívar state.
The State Department’s advisory framework uses four levels and considers factors including crime, civil unrest, terrorism, health risks, kidnapping and natural disasters. Its guidance for U.S. citizens in Venezuela says emergency services are available through the U.S. Embassy in Caracas only for U.S. citizens.
