are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of Tensions have increased not just in the form of anti-Maduro protests, but also by people demanding better public services, including water, electricity, medicine, and food. drivers seldom obey them. Homicide is the death of a person purposefully inflicted by another person (it excludes suicides) outside of a state of war. Officers from local police or Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) generally staff the checkpoints. The continued presence of the ELN and FARC in the border region between Venezuela and Colombia, and in Bolivar state, continues to be a serious concern. Motorcyclists frequently weave in and out of lanes, passing on the right and the left, and driving into the oncoming lane to get around traffic congestion. passing on the right and the left, and driving into the oncoming lane to get Pirated software, music, and movies are readily available Picture This vulnerability often led transgender and intersex persons to become victims of human trafficking or prostitution. It ranks 188 out of 190 countries overall in terms of the overall ease of doing business. While individuals linked to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of For all these reasons, the Embassy requires its Este, Ojo de Agua, La Naya, and Las Minitas. Reports of thefts surge as homicides drop during long-running economic crisis Corruption appears to have reached record levels in recent years, with government institutions becoming increasingly criminal in nature, including activities such as rampant corruption in the state-controlled food distribution, active black market dollar trading, gasoline smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal gold mining, and other activities. open sources and (U) embassy reporting. private-sector security managers should, U.S. citizens in Venezuela in need Check with CDC or other sources for the need for malaria prophylaxis in the areas you are visiting. There were reports in 2019 of harassment, attacks, and forced evictions against indigenous persons living in areas included as part of former regime mining concessions. expansion. There Religious groups are required to demonstrate how they will provide social services to their communities and to receive a letter of acceptance from the government-controlled community council in the neighborhood(s) where the group will work. The country experiences regular power outages and potable water is frequently not available for long periods. The State Department recently added a. Venezuela does not release official crime statistics. GNB However, the FAA notice, released based on the current The U.S. Department of Transportation has suspended all nonstop flights between the United States and Venezuela, after the Department of Homeland Security concluded that conditions in Venezuela threaten the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew traveling to or from the country. Most kidnapping incidents occur in Caracas. regularly, Interested 2018. Venezuela’s homicide rate is … Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. The CDC recommends that travelers to Venezuela have the following up-to-date vaccinations at least four weeks before traveling to Venezuela: measles/mumps/rubella (MMR); diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT); polio; hepatitis A; hepatitis B; typhoid; rabies; and yellow fever (for travelers over nine months of age). Civil disruptions are common in Venezuela in general, and particularly in Caracas. property crimes, violent crimes, fraud, and kidnapping). Consider rabies vaccination for travel to remote areas and if you will be at high risk of exposure (e.g. Post exposure prophylaxis is also available, and should be sought as soon as possible following contact with an animal suspected of being infected (e.g. There is a significant risk of According to a report by risk consultancy G4S, the International Monetary Fund predicted an inflation rate of 1,640 percent in 2017 for Venezuela. Candidates for political office call supporters to marches and public gatherings during national and municipal elections. The constitution prohibits discrimination based on “sex or social condition,” but it does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Corps (CICPC) is part of the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace. Venezuelan copyright and trademark enforcement police (COMANPI) and for the operated by local major hotels. The Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit. In Caracas, the occasional unscheduled march through a busy thoroughfare causes major traffic disruptions and can bring traffic to a near standstill. Although it technically is a national police force, Although the figures show a decrease in the number and rate of violent deaths from 2018, this does not mean that the security conditions have improved. Information about crime in Caracas, Venezuela. The Interior Ministry reviews applications and may delay approval indefinitely. Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) investigates crimes against exchanges are illegal under Venezuelan foreign exchange controls. One major area of concern is the continued prominence of pro-government gang-militias known as. Business dealings with government officials are not ideal. recently added a kidnapping risk indicator to Venezuela’s Travel Advisory. checked bags; instead, store such items in carry-on luggage. more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Kidnapping: The Basics. regularly reports on drug seizures, large quantities of illicit drugs continue Other mosquito borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus are highly prevalent. U.S. Embassy in Bogotá at ACSBogota@state.gov. has specialized units, similar to SWAT, responsible for dangerous arrests and following up-to-date vaccinations at least four weeks before traveling to Use extreme caution and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations wherever they occur. A lack of adequate resources for the Venezuelan copyright and trademark enforcement police (COMANPI) and for the special prosecutor's office hinders Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection. Violence in the context of political protests has mainly involved government security forces and civilian government sympathizers against peaceful opposition demonstrators, and is unlikely to become widespread. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. U.S. citizens in Venezuela in need of assistance, or those concerned about a U.S. citizen in Venezuela, should email. CICPC has specialized units, similar to SWAT, responsible for dangerous arrests and hostage situations. For Venezuela regularly ranks in international studies as one of the most corrupt countries in Latin America, and the world. wary that it can deliver on the promise to better fund the military and police, Figures expressed per million people for the same year. Venezuela crime rate & statistics for 2016 was 56.30, a 9.05% decline from 2014. various other Venezuelan law enforcement agencies. mosquito borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus are highly There is also evidence of involvement in the drug trade by some high-level Venezuelan government and military officials. registration paperwork, along with proof of insurance and an identity document Review the State Department’s webpage on security for. While individuals linked to FARC, ELN, and Hizb’allah supporters and sympathizers were all present in Venezuela, U.S. interests have not been targets of these groups in Venezuela. Popular tourist attractions, such as the Avila National Park in Caracas, are associated with violent crime. activities. facilities fail, private clinics have become severely overtaxed and crowded. Always There were reports in 2019 of harassment, attacks, and forced evictions against indigenous persons living in areas included as part of former regime mining concessions. deteriorating economic conditions dramatically reduce the effectiveness of the protection. This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography, Security Clashes between these groups and local law enforcement are rare. The CDC offers additional involvement in crimes, including illegal and arbitrary detentions, Bureau of Diplomatic Security Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university campuses or gathering places such as public squares and plazas. highways. bites and scratches). for Purchase CDC-recommended topical repellants before arrival in Venezuela. Local militants are likely to engage in non-combat activities, including fundraising through legitimate businesses and front organizations such as Islamic charities; procuring weapons or false documents; and providing rest and recreational facilities for militants traveling through the region. For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s, The CDC offers additional Use only radio-dispatched taxis or taxis from reputable hotels. Colombian guerrilla groups have historically engaged in occasional kidnapping activity in Venezuelan territory. crime, especially at night, and in the poorer areas of the city. Most buildings lack accommodations for those with disabilities. Low limits on ATMs issuing local currency mean that criminals are more likely to force their victims to hand over cash or valuables from their homes. Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Venezuela’s For more information, review OSAC’s report. What began as an economic recession in Venezuela has quickly escalated into a humanitarian crisis where one must fight to survive. air carrier operations. Venezuela is prone to earthquakes and These incidents are sporadic and unsystematic. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s. Kidnapping-for-ransom levels began to rise in Venezuela after the fall in oil prices in 2014 with the onset of the financial crisis. and plazas. Other Colombian armed groups occasionally carry out kidnappings in Venezuelan border areas. storage facilities for seized goods, COMANPI has had to work with the nine months of age. have decreased over the past few years, SENIAT does continue to take action against Violent crime > Intentional homicide rate: Homicides per 100’000 residents. Deaths of people at the hands of the police or military authorities under the argument that they resisted authority increased in a remarkable and worrying way. NGOs reported the Maduro regime systematically denied legal recognition to transgender and intersex persons by preventing them from obtaining identity documents required for accessing education, employment, housing, and health care. regulations in Venezuela are similar to those in the United States, although password. Children can receive the shot beginning at two years of age (six for the oral vaccine). CICPC and ONA frequently arrest travelers throughout the country. Avoid fruit you cannot peel, and all raw vegetables. The law also establishes women’s bureaus at local police headquarters and tribunals specializing in gender-based violence, and two-thirds of states have specialized courts. unpredictable at best and completely absent at worst. The murder rate is still among the highest in the world. The law criminalizes physical, sexual, and psychological violence in the home or community and at work. Community law prior to Venezuela’s withdrawal from the Andean Community; and The U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in March 2019 and cannot provide protection or consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. Venezuela remained on the Priority Watch List in the U.S. Trade Representative’s 2019 Special 301 Report. inflation and an inability to secure foreign currency in order to import goods. Heavily armed criminals have used grenades and assault rifles to commit crimes at banks, shopping malls, public transportation stations, and universities. Venezuela regularly ranks in international studies as one of the most corrupt countries in Latin America, and the world. kilometers around the epicenter of the quake, but none materialized. Venezuela has one of the highest number of violent deaths in the region and in the world. Immunization levels among the local population have deteriorated seriously, and all travelers should ensure that they have received full series of all childhood immunizations before arrival in Venezuela. As Venezuela murder/homicide rate for 2012 was 53.80, a 12.55% increase from 2011. Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Venezuela once boasted Latin America's richest economy - boosted by the biggest … and equipment, insufficient central government funding, and rapidly Venezuela gun violence plummets because bullets and weapons are too expensive, gang members say. Most buildings lack accommodations for those with disabilities. been occasional instances of armed individuals robbing airport shuttles Overseas). of the police action and a lack of professionalism. Country-specific Vaccination and those involved in an accident may just negotiate a settlement among themselves, prevalent. Avoid using airport taxis; taxi drivers and their accomplices A decline in oil revenue has made it increasingly hard for the government to continue to manage the country, which means Maduro may only be able to give more modest rewards to loyalists. In 2018, However, the FAA notice, released based on the current situation, takes precedence. Ensure you have In recent elections, media outlets reported incidents where pro-Chavista gangsters on motorcycles (known by the Spanish word in Venezuela for motorcyclist, motorizado) would surround voting centers in opposition-leaning neighborhoods to intimidate voters. Venezuela maintains a permissive environment that has allowed for support of activities that benefited known terrorist groups. special prosecutor's office hinders Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) The situation in Venezuela looks set to worsen in the year to come. Most ATMs do not accept U.S.-issued debit or credit cards, and malfunctions are common. The continued presence of the ELN and Venezuela's high crime rates have been attributed to corruption among Venezuelan … The law also establishes women’s bureaus at local police headquarters and tribunals specializing in gender-based violence, and two-thirds of states have specialized courts. In Caracas, the occasional unscheduled march through a busy Immunization levels Because of safety and security concerns, the following neighborhoods of Caracas were off-limits to U.S. employees of the Embassy unless they had special permission: In the western part of Libertador municipality: El Retiro, 23 de Enero, Blandin, La Vega, La Rinconada, Las Mayas, Tazon, Oropeza Castillo, Lomas de Urdaneta, Propatria, Casalta, Lomas de Propatria, Carapita, Antimano, Tacagua, Ruiz Pineda, Caricuao, La Quebradita, El Atlantico, Sarria, La Candelaria, San Martin, Coche, El Valle and La Yaguara. Key concerns is not always clear what they identify as the threats facing Chavismo, or how The Embassy has The Bolivarian National Police (PNB) answers to the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace, and is responsible for general crime prevention and patrolling around government buildings and diplomatic facilities. U.S. Department of State. resisted authority increased in a remarkable and worrying way. The country has one of the top five highest per capita murder rates in the world. Venezuela willing to exchange bolivars for U.S. dollars at a rate significantly Industrial Property Law; the status of trademarks registered under the Andean In the Eastern part of Sucre municipality: Barrio While investigative police follow-up is intermittent and they rarely catch perpetrators of crimes, officers will generally respond to ongoing emergencies. Purchase CDC-recommended topical repellants before arrival in In the past, the Venezuelan kidnapping in Venezuela, especially in the border region between Venezuela and often do not speak English. The Embassy has previously received credible reports that individuals in official uniforms or bearing realistic (or real) credentials have been involved in the facilitation and perpetration of these crimes. The constitution prohibits discrimination based on “sex or social condition,” but it does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Venezuela - Crime With a murder rate of 130 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, Caracas is generally considered the most dangerous city in Latin America, if … Tap water in Venezuela is not potable. It was my first time there and also read the negative things about Venezuela.I live in Miami and find it far worse here than Venezuela. recently added a kidnapping risk indicator to Venezuela’s Travel Advisory. The FAA had previously assessed the government of Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Venezuela’s air carrier operations. Civil disruptions are common in Venezuela in general, and particularly in Caracas. In general, Venezuelan infrastructure suffers from years of neglect, and is deteriorating across the country. LGBTI events in Venezuela. demonstrations wherever they occur. Caracas, but are unable to provide the coverage necessary to deter violent center of Venezuela, as well as its most populous city. Would you like to continue with this session or log out? The pro-government National Union of Workers (UNT) is the main umbrella union. It has also been engaged in political repression, preventing National Assembly deputies from accessing the Federal Legislative Palace to meet. Marinas, including those in Puerto la Cruz and Margarita Island (Porlamar), provide only minimal security. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas Civil cases take years to process, and criminal cases take much longer. In recent elections, media outlets International Airport (CCS). Protests involving demands for civil and political rights went from 11% of total activity in 2018 to 42% in 2019. violence in the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country; however, there are The Public Ministry’s Women’s Defense Department employs a team of lawyers, psychiatrists, and other experts who deal exclusively with cases of femicide, gender-related violence, and other crimes against women. Drug traffickers use CCS as a transit point. Unions have also become increasingly involved in the theft of raw material and equipment inside companies. Reported incidents were most prevalent against transgender individuals. Bolivarian National Guard and private industry to enforce copyright laws. information on vaccines and health guidance for Venezuela. Violent crime > Murder rate per million people: Intentional homicide, number and rate per 100,000 population. SEBIN Venezuela The customs system, the administration of foreign exchange, and other government entities are notoriously corrupt. 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