Canada Issues Travel Advisory Warning Against All Travel to Venezuela

Canada has issued a fresh travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid all travel to Venezuela, citing a sharply deteriorating security situation across the country.

According to the Government of Canada, the warning is due to extremely high levels of violent crime, political and economic instability, the risk of arbitrary detention, and worsening living conditions. Authorities also highlighted severe shortages of essential items such as medication, fuel, and water.

“The current situation in Venezuela is tense and could escalate quickly,” the advisory stated, noting that borders and airspace could close without prior notice. Several international airlines have already suspended flights to and from the country.

Canada further pointed out that its embassy in Venezuela has been closed since 2019, severely limiting the government’s ability to provide consular assistance to Canadians in the country.

Safety Guidance for Canadians

Canadians who are currently in Venezuela or who choose to travel despite the advisory are urged to prepare to shelter in place, ensure sufficient supplies of food, water, and other essentials, and closely monitor local and international news updates. They are also advised to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive official updates.

Airport and Border Risks

The advisory identified Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas as particularly dangerous, citing frequent incidents of violent crime both inside the airport and in surrounding areas. Foreigners are often targeted by criminals posing as taxi drivers or offering illegal currency exchange services.

Border regions were also flagged as high-risk zones. The Venezuela–Guyana border remains volatile due to the Guayana Esequiba dispute, while the borders with Colombia and Brazil are affected by armed groups, smuggling, drug trafficking, and a heightened risk of kidnapping.

High Crime Levels Nationwide

Canada warned that Venezuela has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Express kidnappings are common and can occur anywhere, with victims often abducted from public places and forced to hand over valuables and foreign currency.

Similar Warning from the United States

The United States has issued a similar advisory, warning against travel to Venezuela due to risks including wrongful detention, terrorism, civil unrest, crime, and poor health infrastructure. U.S. authorities have advised all citizens and permanent residents to leave the country immediately.

The updated advisory was issued on January 3, following recent military strikes on several sites in Venezuela, including locations in Caracas and the surrounding regions of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.