The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing significant risks such as crime and civil unrest, and has also issued a Level 2 advisory for Panama, urging increased caution due to similar concerns. The ongoing safety issues in these countries have prompted the issuance of heightened travel warnings.
The United States State Department has recently issued travel advisories for Venezuela and Panama, reflecting heightened safety concerns affecting these nations. On September 24, 2024, a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory was issued for Venezuela, marking a significant warning, as it is only the second such advisory given to a country in the Western Hemisphere this year. This alert follows a similar caution for Haiti that was issued just the week prior. The advisory for Venezuela highlights substantial risks including wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnappings, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, rampant crime, civil unrest, and a notably poor health infrastructure. The department indicated that violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking are prevalent in Venezuela. Furthermore, it is essential to note that U.S. officials are unable to provide emergency assistance to American citizens in Venezuela, as all diplomatic staff were withdrawn from the U.S. embassy in Caracas in 2019.
This travel advisory development occurs amid global safety and security concerns that have prompted the State Department to issue over 100 advisories in 2024 alone, ranging from standard cautions to the most severe warnings. The Level 4 advisory for Venezuela is especially noteworthy, as it is one of approximately 20 such warnings issued worldwide this year, typically reserved for war zones or politically unstable regions. In a related advisory, announced on September 25, 2024, Panama received a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, which warns travelers about crime and possible civil unrest. The advisory specifically highlights issues including theft, residential break-ins, and street crimes prevalent in tourist areas, as well as disruptions caused by demonstrations.
In conclusion, the latest travel advisories from the U.S. State Department serve as critical alerts regarding the safety risks of traveling to Venezuela and Panama. With Venezuela under a severe Level 4 warning, the risks of significant crime and a lack of emergency support underscore the necessity for caution. Panama’s Level 2 advisory reminds travelers to remain aware of potential crime and civil unrest. The State Department continually encourages travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to stay informed about their travel destinations.
Original Source: travelnoire.com
