| VENEZUELA |
| GENESIS-SCI TRAVEL WARNINGS & ALAERTS |
February 19, 2002
This Travel Warning is being issued to inform U.S. citizens that the tense political and security situation in
Venezuela has eased slightly, although shortages of goods and difficulty providing services continues. This
replaces the Travel Warning of December 10, 2002.
Although the Department of State has rescinded ordered departure for non-emergency personnel and
eligible family members, U.S. citizens should be aware that there are continuing concerns about the
situation in Venezuela. Businesses, schools and other services have re-opened but shortages of fuel and
key goods, and difficulty in providing essential services, are likely to continue for several weeks as the
country attempts to normalize economic activity in the wake of the general strike that crippled Venezuela
for over two months. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has not resumed normal operations and,
though fuel supplies have improved, fuel shortages continue to impact local public transport severely.
Opposition leaders have vowed to continue to disrupt oil production. Local airlines have resumed normal
service, but international flight schedules have been scaled back. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should confirm
their flights are on schedule before departing for the airport.
Tension between pro-Chavez and opposition supporters remains high and the potential for violent clashes
continues. Further demonstrations are expected. Additionally, the Government of Venezuela has
introduced rigid exchange control mechanisms in an attempt to protect the Bolivar, the national currency,
as economic conditions continue to deteriorate. The availability of U.S. dollars in Venezuela is very limited.
The Embassy's Consular Section will resume limited visa services to Venezuelan citizens in mid-February
as staff members return to post. Consular personnel are available to provide emergency information and
services to American citizens. In the case of an emergency or for the latest security information, the U.S.
Embassy can be reached at 58-212-975-6411.
This Travel Warning is being issued to inform U.S. citizens that the tense political and security situation in
Venezuela has eased slightly, although shortages of goods and difficulty providing services continues. This
replaces the Travel Warning of December 10, 2002.
Although the Department of State has rescinded ordered departure for non-emergency personnel and
eligible family members, U.S. citizens should be aware that there are continuing concerns about the
situation in Venezuela. Businesses, schools and other services have re-opened but shortages of fuel and
key goods, and difficulty in providing essential services, are likely to continue for several weeks as the
country attempts to normalize economic activity in the wake of the general strike that crippled Venezuela
for over two months. Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has not resumed normal operations and,
though fuel supplies have improved, fuel shortages continue to impact local public transport severely.
Opposition leaders have vowed to continue to disrupt oil production. Local airlines have resumed normal
service, but international flight schedules have been scaled back. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should confirm
their flights are on schedule before departing for the airport.
Tension between pro-Chavez and opposition supporters remains high and the potential for violent clashes
continues. Further demonstrations are expected. Additionally, the Government of Venezuela has
introduced rigid exchange control mechanisms in an attempt to protect the Bolivar, the national currency,
as economic conditions continue to deteriorate. The availability of U.S. dollars in Venezuela is very limited.
The Embassy's Consular Section will resume limited visa services to Venezuelan citizens in mid-February
as staff members return to post. Consular personnel are available to provide emergency information and
services to American citizens. In the case of an emergency or for the latest security information, the U.S.
Embassy can be reached at 58-212-975-6411.
