
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Venezuela
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Venezuela - Caution
  April 13, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling
to Venezuela to exercise caution.  Since the unsuccessful coup
attempt of February 4, 1992, there have been occasional
demonstrations and disturbances which in some cases have resulted in
isolated violence.  Travelers should take standard precautions
against crime and cholera.  End summary.

Security:  Occasional demonstrations and disturbances continue to
occur mainly in greater Caracas and other urban centers in Venezuela
but not in coastal tourist destinations such as Margarita Island,
Puerto La Cruz, Morrocoy National Park or interior areas as Canaima,
Puerto Ayacucho, and Ciudad Bolivar.  Travelers should be aware of
the potential for violence and exercise appropriate caution by
staying well clear of public demonstrations, police lines, and
barricades they may encounter.  They should also cooperate with
authorities if asked to clear an area or to take a detour.
Travelers should also try to keep informed of developments by
following the local press and electronic media and consulting their
hosts in Venezuela, including U.S. and Venezuelan business concerns,
their hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers for current
information on political demonstrations, the general purpose and
location of which are usually announced in advance.

Crime:  U.S. citizens are advised of the potential for theft of
unattended items on beaches, from parked rental cars, and of money
and documents by pickpockets on public transportation as well as in
and near bus and subway stations.

Cholera:  Cholera has reached Venezuela.  Travelers should
substitute bottled beverages for potentially contaminated water.
Shell fish and vegetables should be well cooked; all cooked food
should be eaten while still hot and fruit should be peeled.  Most
cases of cholera have been reported in the western states of
Venezuela near the Colombian border.  For further information,
contact the Centers for Disease Control's International Travelers
Hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Information:  U.S. citizens may contact the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy in Caracas at Avenidas Francisco de Miranda and
Principal de La Floresta, La Floresta at telephones
285-2222/3111/2475 or the U.S. Consulate in Maracaibo at Avenidas 5
de Julio and 13, Edificio Banco Hipotecario de Zulia at telephones
83054/5 or 84253/4 register and obtain current information on local
conditions.

 No. 92-78

