U.S. issues ‘Level 4: Do not travel’ advisory for South American country, ‘Level 3: Reconsider travel’ for Asian nation

Travelers, be forewarned about your upcoming travel plans.

In recent weeks, the United States has issued, revised, or reissued multiple travel advisories, including warnings for popular European destinations like Italy and the United Kingdom, now classified under the “exercise increased caution” or “Level 2″ alert category, with “Level 4″ being the highest level of warning.

In addition, travel advisories to Denmark, Lesotho, and Haiti, were updated last week, with Haiti being classified as a “Level 4: Do not travel.”

The U.S. has released three new travel advisories including a “Level 2,” a “Level 3,” and a “Level 4: Do not travel” warnings.

Onn Sept. 23, the U.S. issued a “Level 2: Excercise increased caution″ advisory for Panama, recommending increased caution in Panama due to crime and potential for civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk, including theft, pickpocketing and purse snatching, in tourist areas.

On Sept. 10, the U.S. issued a “Level 3: Reconsider travel” advisory to Pakistan, due to terrorism. Travelers are advised to not avoid travel to Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.

On Sept. 24, U.S. issued a “Level 4: Do not travel” advisory for Venezuela, due to the high risk of wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnapping, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure.

The warning for Venezuela highlights high levels of violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking. Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent and often occur without warning. Authorities have responded to anti-Maduro protests with harsh crackdowns, which sometimes escalate into looting and vandalism.

Additionally, Colombian terrorist groups are active in Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Widespread shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies persist throughout much of the country. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for periods of up to five years.

If you are considering travel to Venezuela:

1. Avoid all travel to Venezuela, including through land border crossings, due to significant risks.

2. Nighttime travel between cities or from Simón Bolívar International Airport to Caracas is especially unsafe.

3. Entering Venezuela without a valid visa can result in indefinite detention without access to consular support.

4. U.S. citizens should draft a will and update insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney.

5. Establish a communication plan with family, employers, or host organizations, including a “proof of life” protocol in case of kidnapping to verify safety and avoid hoaxes.

6. Do not rely on U.S. government assistance in Venezuela; they cannot help replace lost or expired travel documents.

7. Avoid using unregulated taxis and ATMs around Simón Bolívar International Airport due to increased risks.

8. Consider hiring a professional security organization while in Venezuela.

9. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are scarce for U.S. citizens in Venezuela.

10. The U.S. government cannot assist in the event of a medical emergency; consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.