UK travel warning for Venezuela widens amid political crisis

The Foreign Office has widened its highest-level warning against travel to Venezuela as the political crisis continues. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced on Wednesday 14 October that it now advises against all travel to Amazonas state and to areas within 25 miles of the border with Colombia, according to The Independent.

The change affects British citizens planning trips, those already in the country, and families with relatives there. The Traveler reported that the update may also apply a blanket ‘do not travel’ stance across the whole country, which The Independent’s reports do not describe. Because the sources differ on scope, anyone affected should read the live FCDO page before making decisions.

What the Foreign Office travel advice for Venezuela now says

The Independent reported that the FCDO has added Amazonas state and the strip along the Colombian border, which is about 40km, to the areas covered by its strongest warning. Warnings also remain in place for Zulia and Delta Amacuro, where the FCDO cites illegal armed groups, drug traffickers, crime and violence. The FCDO says drug traffickers and armed groups are active along the borders with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.

Warnings also cover the Orinoco Mining Arc, south of the Orinoco river. They include all of Cedeño, Piar, Roscio, El Callo and Sifontes municipalities, and parts of Sucre and Raul Leoni, the Independent said.

For comparison, the Bristol Post reported that Venezuela was among 24 countries where the Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel. The Traveler says earlier versions of the advice differed by region, with some areas rated ‘all but essential travel’.

Is Venezuela safe to visit right now?

The FCDO’s own wording is cautious rather than uniform. It said: “Although the security situation has improved in recent years and many visits take place without incident, political, economic and operational conditions remain uncertain and can change rapidly.” It adds: “We only advise against travel if we think the risk to British nationals is unacceptably high.”

Travelling against the advice is not illegal, but the Independent reports that it is likely to invalidate standard travel insurance. The Traveler adds that many mainstream insurers will not cover trips against an explicit warning, and that some airlines and tour operators use the rating as a benchmark for suspending services. The Traveler says that can affect claims related to medical care, theft and cancellation.

British embassy and evacuation advice for UK citizens in Venezuela

GOV.UK says the British Embassy in Caracas provides services to British nationals in Venezuela. The FCDO nonetheless warns that “consular access and support to British nationals in Venezuela may be severely limited”. Its statement said: “You should have a ‘personal emergency plan’, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government.”

Readers can take four steps, drawn from the FCDO’s statement and The Traveler’s reporting. First, check the FCDO page for the region concerned. Second, ask your insurer in writing whether cover still applies. Third, contact your airline or tour operator about refunds or changes, since package operators often treat the highest warning as grounds to alter bookings, The Traveler says. Fourth, write down an exit plan, including access to funds outside local banks and a way to contact family if communications fail.

The Independent reported that on 15 September the UK upgraded diplomatic relations with Venezuela. The sources give no date for the next review of the advice, so the FCDO page is the place to watch for changes.

Your questions answered

Is it safe to travel to Venezuela?

The FCDO says many visits pass without incident but conditions can change rapidly. It advises against all travel to the areas named above, though The Traveler reports it may now advise against travel anywhere in the country. Check the FCDO page directly to confirm the status of your region.

What is the current travel advisory for the United Kingdom?

The FCDO, not a ‘UK Travel Advisory’, sets the advice. Its update on 14 October covers Amazonas and the Colombian border zone at the highest level, with warnings continuing in other regions.

Do British people need a visa for Venezuela?

The sources do not say. They only confirm that Venezuelans travelling to the UK must apply for a visa, according to GOV.UK. British visitors should check the entry requirements section of the FCDO page.