Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/venezuel.tvl

Text File | 1995-12-13 | 18KB | 345 lines

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela
============================================================
Venezuela - Consular Information Sheet
 November 22, 1995

Country Description:  Venezuela is a middle-income country with a
well-developed transportation infrastructure.  Scheduled air service
and good all-weather roads, some poorly marked and congested around
urban centers, connect major cities and all regions of the country.
Its tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location
and price.

Entry requirements:  A valid passport and a visa or tourist card
are required.  Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to
Venezuela.  For current information concerning entry, tax, and
customs requirements for Venezuela, contact the Venezuelan Embassy
at 1099 30th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007; tel: [phone],
or the consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston,
Houston, San Francisco, and San Juan.

Areas of Instability:  Cross-border violence occurs frequently in
remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and
Amazonas states.  U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Embassy if
they plan to visit these areas.  There have been no recent terrorist
actions against visitors.  In July 1995, however, the U.S. Embassy
received information indicating that U.S. citizens in the region
bordering Colombia may be targets for kidnapping by Colombian
guerrillas.

Health and Medical facilities:  Medical care in Caracas is very
good at private hospitals and clinics.  Cash payment is usually
demanded.  Most hospitals and clinics, however, accept credit cards.
 In rural areas outside Caracas, physicians and medical supplies may
be minimal.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Medicare/Medicaid do not provide payment of medical
services outside the United States.  In some cases, medical
insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has
proven useful.  For additional health information, travelers can
contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
international travelers' hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Most crime is economically motivated.
Pickpockets concentrate in and around crowded bus and subway
stations, along with the area around "Parque Simon Bolivar" near the
"Capitolio" in downtown Caracas.  There have been cases of theft
from hotel safe deposit boxes.  The "Barrios" (the poor
neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas) and isolated
urban parks such as "El Calvario" in the "El Silencio" area of
Caracas can be very dangerous.  Most criminals are armed with guns
or knives, and will use force.  There is potential for theft of
unattended valuables on the beach, and from rental cars parked in
isolated areas or on city streets.  A guarded garage is not always a
guarantee against theft.

Highway Travel:  Outside the major cities, night driving can be
dangerous because of unmarked road damage or repairs in progress,
unlighted vehicles, and livestock.  Stops at national guard and
local police checkpoints ("Alcabalas") are mandatory.  Drivers
should follow all national guard instructions and be prepared to
show vehicle and insurance papers and passports.  Vehicles may be
searched.  Very economical but less safe bus service is available to
most locations.

Currency Restrictions:  In July 1994, currency restrictions were
imposed.  Foreign exchange transactions must take place through
commercial banks and exchange houses at the official rate.  There
are limits on the amount of local currency that can be exchanged for
dollars when leaving the country.  Credit cards are accepted at most
upscale tourist establishments.  Outside the major cities, a good
supply of Venezuelan currency is necessary.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use
and trafficking in illegal drugs in Venezuela are strict, and
convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.
Prison conditions are abject.

Other Information:  Sporadic political demonstrations occur in
urban centers.  These tend to focus primarily on or near university
campuses or secondary schools, and sometimes turn violent.  Most
tourist destinations, however, remain unaffected.  The number and
intensity of demonstrations have fluctuated widely.  Merida, a major
tourist destination in the Andes, is traditionally the scene of
regular student demonstrations.

Travelers may keep informed of local developments by following the
local press (including "The Daily Journal," an English language
newspaper), radio and TV, and consulting their local hosts,
including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour
guides, and travel organizers for current information on
demonstrations, the purpose and location of which are usually
announced in advance.

U.S. citizens visiting certain areas along the border with Colombia
may be subject to search and seizure, as well as restrictions as to
where they may travel in those areas, due to the suspension of
several constitutional guarantees in order to permit the military to
act expeditiously against potential cross-border guerrilla
incursions.  Constitutional guarantees have been restored in other
parts of the country, however.  For further information regarding
travel to these areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.  A
number of U.S. citizens have reported that Venezuelan officials at
airports, immigration offices, and police stations have demanded
bribes.  U.S. citizens should report immediately to the U.S. Embassy
any such demand.

U.S. citizens who do not have Venezuelan cedulas (national identity
cards) must carry their passports with them at all times.
Photocopies of passports prove valuable in facilitating their
replacement if lost or stolen.

Information on Venezuelan adoption procedures and the U.S.
immigrant visa application process is available from the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy, or the Office of Children's Issues,
CA/OCS/CI, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520,
[phone].

Civil Aviation Oversight:  As a result of an assessment conducted
by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 1995, the
FAA has found the government of Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority
not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards
for oversight of Venezuelan air carrier operations.  While
consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Venezuelan
air carriers are permitted to conduct operations to the U.S. subject
to heightened FAA surveillance.  For further information, travelers
may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Registration/Embassy Location:  U.S. citizens may register at the
consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, and may also obtain
updated information on travel and security within Venezuela.  The
U.S. Embassy is located at Calle Suspure and Calle F, Colinas de
Valle Arriba, tel. [phone].  A part-time Consular Agent has
been approved for western Venezuela to replace services lost when
the Consulate in Maracaibo was closed in February 1994.  The U.S.
Embassy anticipates that the Consular Agent will begin providing
services during the first quarter of calendar year 1996.

 No. 95-149

This replaces the consular information sheet dated September 2,
1994 to update information on aviation oversight, crime, areas of
instability, health and medical facilities, currency restrictions,
and the location of the U.S. Embassy.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela
============================================================
Venezuela - Public Announcement
 May 12, 1994

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

The U. S. Embassy in Caracas issued a notice informing U.S.
citizens that there are demonstrations and some looting in various
sections of Caracas.  U.S. citizens should avoid known trouble spots
such as the University and "Centro" areas.  Travelers should be
alert to their surroundings and turn around and go the other way if
they see a demonstration forming or in progress.  It is anticipated
that these demonstrations will continue.  Travelers may contact the
U.S. Embassy in Caracas for up-to-date information.

 No. 94-vvv




-----


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela
============================================================
Venezuela - Consular Information Sheet
 November 22, 1995

Country Description:  Venezuela is a middle-income country with a
well-developed transportation infrastructure.  Scheduled air service
and good all-weather roads, some poorly marked and congested around
urban centers, connect major cities and all regions of the country.
Its tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location
and price.

Entry requirements:  A valid passport and a visa or tourist card
are required.  Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to
Venezuela.  For current information concerning entry, tax, and
customs requirements for Venezuela, contact the Venezuelan Embassy
at 1099 30th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007; tel: [phone],
or the consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston,
Houston, San Francisco, and San Juan.

Areas of Instability:  Cross-border violence occurs frequently in
remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and
Amazonas states.  U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Embassy if
they plan to visit these areas.  There have been no recent terrorist
actions against visitors.  In July 1995, however, the U.S. Embassy
received information indicating that U.S. citizens in the region
bordering Colombia may be targets for kidnapping by Colombian
guerrillas.

Health and Medical facilities:  Medical care in Caracas is very
good at private hospitals and clinics.  Cash payment is usually
demanded.  Most hospitals and clinics, however, accept credit cards.
 In rural areas outside Caracas, physicians and medical supplies may
be minimal.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Medicare/Medicaid do not provide payment of medical
services outside the United States.  In some cases, medical
insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has
proven useful.  For additional health information, travelers can
contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
international travelers' hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Most crime is economically motivated.
Pickpockets concentrate in and around crowded bus and subway
stations, along with the area around "Parque Simon Bolivar" near the
"Capitolio" in downtown Caracas.  There have been cases of theft
from hotel safe deposit boxes.  The "Barrios" (the poor
neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas) and isolated
urban parks such as "El Calvario" in the "El Silencio" area of
Caracas can be very dangerous.  Most criminals are armed with guns
or knives, and will use force.  There is potential for theft of
unattended valuables on the beach, and from rental cars parked in
isolated areas or on city streets.  A guarded garage is not always a
guarantee against theft.

Highway Travel:  Outside the major cities, night driving can be
dangerous because of unmarked road damage or repairs in progress,
unlighted vehicles, and livestock.  Stops at national guard and
local police checkpoints ("Alcabalas") are mandatory.  Drivers
should follow all national guard instructions and be prepared to
show vehicle and insurance papers and passports.  Vehicles may be
searched.  Very economical but less safe bus service is available to
most locations.

Currency Restrictions:  In July 1994, currency restrictions were
imposed.  Foreign exchange transactions must take place through
commercial banks and exchange houses at the official rate.  There
are limits on the amount of local currency that can be exchanged for
dollars when leaving the country.  Credit cards are accepted at most
upscale tourist establishments.  Outside the major cities, a good
supply of Venezuelan currency is necessary.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use
and trafficking in illegal drugs in Venezuela are strict, and
convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.
Prison conditions are abject.

Other Information:  Sporadic political demonstrations occur in
urban centers.  These tend to focus primarily on or near university
campuses or secondary schools, and sometimes turn violent.  Most
tourist destinations, however, remain unaffected.  The number and
intensity of demonstrations have fluctuated widely.  Merida, a major
tourist destination in the Andes, is traditionally the scene of
regular student demonstrations.

Travelers may keep informed of local developments by following the
local press (including "The Daily Journal," an English language
newspaper), radio and TV, and consulting their local hosts,
including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour
guides, and travel organizers for current information on
demonstrations, the purpose and location of which are usually
announced in advance.

U.S. citizens visiting certain areas along the border with Colombia
may be subject to search and seizure, as well as restrictions as to
where they may travel in those areas, due to the suspension of
several constitutional guarantees in order to permit the military to
act expeditiously against potential cross-border guerrilla
incursions.  Constitutional guarantees have been restored in other
parts of the country, however.  For further information regarding
travel to these areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.  A
number of U.S. citizens have reported that Venezuelan officials at
airports, immigration offices, and police stations have demanded
bribes.  U.S. citizens should report immediately to the U.S. Embassy
any such demand.

U.S. citizens who do not have Venezuelan cedulas (national identity
cards) must carry their passports with them at all times.
Photocopies of passports prove valuable in facilitating their
replacement if lost or stolen.

Information on Venezuelan adoption procedures and the U.S.
immigrant visa application process is available from the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy, or the Office of Children's Issues,
CA/OCS/CI, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520,
[phone].

Civil Aviation Oversight:  As a result of an assessment conducted
by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 1995, the
FAA has found the government of Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority
not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards
for oversight of Venezuelan air carrier operations.  While
consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Venezuelan
air carriers are permitted to conduct operations to the U.S. subject
to heightened FAA surveillance.  For further information, travelers
may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Registration/Embassy Location:  U.S. citizens may register at the
consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, and may also obtain
updated information on travel and security within Venezuela.  The
U.S. Embassy is located at Calle Suspure and Calle F, Colinas de
Valle Arriba, tel. [phone].  A part-time Consular Agent has
been approved for western Venezuela to replace services lost when
the Consulate in Maracaibo was closed in February 1994.  The U.S.
Embassy anticipates that the Consular Agent will begin providing
services during the first quarter of calendar year 1996.

 No. 95-149

This replaces the consular information sheet dated September 2,
1994 to update information on aviation oversight, crime, areas of
instability, health and medical facilities, currency restrictions,
and the location of the U.S. Embassy.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.