Location: Venezuela
Event: Additional May 19 Flight to Toluca, Mexico
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has learned Conviasa just announced an additional flight from Caracas-Maiquetía International Airport to Toluca, Mexico, scheduled for tomorrow, May 19, at noon. All passengers must have a connecting flight out of Mexico. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents wishing to purchase a seat on this flight should immediately contact travel agencies for the latest information on availability.
Further, we also learned that Aerolíneas Estelar canceled their May 19 flight from Caracas to Cancun, Mexico. Please contact the airline or travel agencies for further information, including possible rescheduling of the flight.
We understand only certain travel agencies that have agreements with Conviasa are able to sell tickets for Conviasa flights. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Conviasa in 2019. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who take Conviasa flights for repatriation purposes due to COVID-19 are not subject to any sanctions or legal penalties, under a humanitarian exception.
Information about transiting Mexico: Flights from Toluca/Mexico City to the United States are increasingly limited and subject to last-minute changes. All passengers must have a connecting flight out of Mexico. Passengers who may require emergency assistance (including issuance of an emergency U.S. passport) while in Mexico or assistance with arranging onward travel from Mexico to the United States should contact ACSMexicoCity@state.gov or call +52-55-8526-2561, as soon as possible. The Mexican government has declared a health emergency through May 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has imposed restrictions on non-essential economic activities. Hotel availability for transit passengers is limited. Mexican authorities routinely conduct health checks on arriving passengers and those with symptoms may be subject to quarantine.
If you do not depart on these flights, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in Venezuela should be prepared for an indefinite stay in Venezuela. The Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Venezuela has been “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” since February 2019, and the U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in March 2019. The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.
Due to travel restrictions within Venezuela, we suggest that passengers give themselves ample time to reach the airport. We cannot suggest, arrange, or provide transportation. We strongly recommend travel during daylight hours only to and from Caracas-Maiquetía International Airport.
U.S. Embassy Bogotá assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, any travel agencies or airlines.
Please continue to monitor the Virtual Embassy website and social media accounts (@USEmbassyVE) for any updates. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive e-mail updates.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Bogotá, Colombia
+57-1-275-2000 or ACSBogota@state.gov
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444