Travel to Venezuela is extremely
risky. Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas,
and in the interior. The country’s overall per capita murder rate is cited as
one of the top 5 in the world.
According to the non-governmental
organization Venezuelan Violence Observatory (VVO), there were 24,763 homicides
in Venezuela in 2013, amounting to a rate of 79 homicides per 100,000
inhabitants, among the highest in the world (the US equivalent is 4.7 per 100,000; Spain´s is 0.8 per 100,000). In Caracas, the homicide rate is even higher at 134 homicides per
100,000 inhabitants.
Monica Spear, far right, was murdered by road hijackers
with her husband while returning from the beach.
According to Venezuelan government
statistics, 583 kidnappings were officially reported to officials. Police
sources indicate that as many as 80% of kidnappings go unreported, meaning that
the official figure of 583 kidnappings in 2012 is likely much lower than actual
numbers.
Armed robberies take place throughout
Caracas and other cities, including in areas generally presumed safe and
frequented by tourists. Well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting
up fake police checkpoints.
Maiquetía International Airport:
Travel to and from Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving
Caracas, can be dangerous. Both arriving and departing travelers, including
foreigners, have been victims of personal property theft and muggings in the
airport.
The Embassy has also received several,
credible reports of victims of “express kidnappings” occurring at the door of
the airport, in which individuals are kidnapped and taken to make purchases or
to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint.
Furthermore, there are known drug trafficking groups working from the airport.
Road between the airport and Caracas.
Hijackers like to work at night, close to the tunnels.
The road between Maiquetía Airport
and Caracas is particularly dangerous. Visitors traveling this route at night
have been kidnapped and held captive for ransom in roadside huts that line the
highway. Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are
encouraged to arrive and depart only during daylight hours. Travelers should be aware of chokepoints
inside tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road.
The British government has similar warnings: International airlines in Venezuela
have recently reduced the availability of flights to and from the country. This
has made it more difficult and expensive to buy flight tickets, especially if
paid in local currency.
From Diario El Amanecer reports on crime in Caracas
Levels of street crime are high.
Armed muggings and ‘express kidnappings’ are a regular occurrence. Resistance
to robbery has resulted in victims being shot dead. Take care at all times,
especially when arriving in the country.
The Australian government warnings seem to mirror the UK´s: We advise you to exercise a high
degree of caution in Venezuela because of high levels of serious crime and
ongoing political uncertainty. Pay close attention to your personal security at
all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or
security risks.
Australians in Venezuela should be
aware that ongoing social and political tensions could prompt unpredictable
violent incidents. Since February 2014, demonstrations have occurred regularly
in major urban centres throughout Venezuela, particularly in Caracas, Valencia,
Maracay, Merida, San Cristobal. These have been associated with violence and
have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.
Several major international airlines
have reduced or suspended flights to/from Venezuela. Australians in Venezuela should
contact their airline or travel provider for information on possible
disruptions.
Venezuela has one of the world’s
highest crime rates. Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping
and carjacking, occurs frequently throughout Venezuela. Due to high levels of
serious crime in Venezuela, Australian officials have been instructed to
adopt enhanced security measures when travelling by car.
Genesis Carmona being taken to the hospital after being
shot in the head by a government official during a protest
The road between the Maiquetia Simon
Bolivar airport and Caracas is particularly dangerous due to violent crime.
There have been reports of muggings and kidnappings by criminals posing as taxi
drivers.
Australia does not have an Embassy
or Consulate in Venezuela.
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