Netherlands issues new warning to those traveling to Venezuela

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — The Dutch ministry of foreign affairs has tightened its travel advice for Venezuela. According to the advisory, Venezuela is among the most violent countries in the world and it does not recommend Curacao citizens travel to the neighbouring country.

The foreign ministry noted that, in the aftermath of the parliamentary elections on December 6, in which the opposition won a constitutional “supermajority”, an increase of political tensions and unrest can be the result.

“Experience shows that political developments in Venezuela and the increasing scarcity in stores can result in demonstrations,” the foreign ministry said on its website. The ministry advises especially to avoid the big cities as much as possible. The airport and the road to Caracas are described as extremely dangerous, but there is also an alert issued for areas in and around Caracas, Valencia, Maracaibo and Isla Margarita, which is subject to regular robberies at gunpoint.

Sailing yachts at anchor off the coast are often the target of robberies. The border areas with Colombia are considered in particular as ‘no-go’ areas.

“Heavily armed Colombian guerrillas and criminal gangs are present here and the areas known for drug trafficking.”

This area is described by the foreign ministry as dangerous because of the many serious crimes, such as kidnappings, robberies and mutual settlements. In the big cities, many robbers operate using motorbikes.

Criminals frequently pose as taxi drivers and then rob or kidnap their victims. The criminals choose their victims in advance and there is, according to the foreign ministry, an increase in the number of kidnappings in the last month, in particular in the relatively safe and towns Chacao and El Hatillo in Caracas.

The foreign ministry also advises visitors to Venezuela to not go on the streets alone; and do not visit the neighbourhoods around the larger cities because of organized gangs; do not to drive after dark; do not camp or go to beaches after dark; and travel as organized as possible.

Motorists are warned about carjacking.

The ministry also advises not to wear flashy jewelry or use smartphones and tablets in public; do not exchange money other than at the official exchange offices; and to minimize the use of credit cards because of the high degree of credit card fraud.

Finally, the ministry of foreign affairs warned about the poor quality of medical care in Venezuela as a result of a serious lack of medicines and medical equipment.

Republished with permission of the Curacao Chronicle