Is it safe for Americans to travel in Venezuela?

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stef

No, it isn't safe right now. My boss just got back from there (he's with the National Guard) and it is a battle ground there. Chavez, the leader, is urging his "army" to kill all Americans. Evidently we are trying ot bring them out of being a 3rd world nation, so the citizens can have more opportunities. Chavez doesn't want this bc right now he's getting cheap labor to do the dirty drug work. If the ppl had more opportunities they would get other jobs and get out of the dangerous drug making/smuggling business

Juan2three

Combine a dash of color, a splash of light, the spice of Life, a chaser of youth and a kiss of beauty. Then add a pinch of contradiction. Stir in the Caribbean, the Andes and the Orinoco, and you have Venezuela. Or maybe you have just an inkling of an idea of what awaits the visitor to Venezuela...

...I believe the US state department recently issued a travel advisory for Caracas and the link below shows Caracas to be one of the most dangerous cities in Latin America.
Caracas, or more accurately, 'parts of Caracas' may be dangerous but not the whole country.Neither of these things would keep me from going to Venezuela again but I would probably spend as little time as possible in Caracas.It would be a shame not to travel to Venezuela based on this information as it is such a beautiful country filled with friendly people and with so many great things to see and do.

Kind of like being afraid to take the kids to Disneyland or travel in California because of the random gang violence in Los Angeles.

BAGOFSWAGS

It is not safe for anyone. Common criminals have no national aspirations, they are simply trying to get their next drug fix.

If you are careful and stay in the nice neighborhoods around Las Mercecedes and Altamira, you should be fine, though.

Sabrina

I guess it will depend on how you look like, where do you, and what are you going to do.

I am going back on December, and I am Chinese but I don't go to the big cities.

Richard D

You might get singled out for a mugging or something, esp. if they think you have money, something they may assume you have more of if you're American. Probably a fair chance of getting singled out just because... but not probably as bad as in the middle east.

seabhcan

There is a crime wave at the moment, but it has nothing to do with anti-Americanism.

Don't believe the anti-Chavez propaganda. People are afraid of the US government, but they like and respect US people. The biggest holiday destination for Venezuelans is the US, and many Veneuelans have relatives living it the US.

If you visit, you will experience no more danger than Venezuelans do, or than you would in a typical US city.

Alej

"This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Caracas, Venezuela, of demonstrations in the city over the weekend of November 3 and 4. Several groups opposed to proposed constitutional reforms have called for their supporters to gather at Crema ParaÃ in Santa Monica or Plaza Venezuela and to march toward a rally in Avenida Victoria on Saturday. Government supporters are expected to gather in central Caracas on Sunday, November 4. Media report that security forces confronted protesters with tear gas and water cannons on November 1st."

"We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments. "

"For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Caracas on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov."

American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Caracas
Tel: 58-212-975-6411
Fax: 58-212-907-8199
http://venezuela.usembassy.gov

garrisonbight

Sure... why not... just as long as you can SPEAK SPANISH you can blend in and be perfectly safe. If you are like the typical AmeriKan, however, and DEMAND your RIGHTS and go up to people and yell in their face DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH... then you MAY have a problem

FRANsuFU

Yes, very safe. But I wouldn't recommend that a Venezuelan travel in the United States.

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