Location: Venezuela
Event: Flight from Maracaibo; Updates on other Flights
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has learned Aerolíneas Estelar is planning a flight from Maracaibo to Cancun, Mexico, on May 26 departing at 6:00 a.m. The flight is pending approval from aviation authorities. All passengers must have a connecting flight out of Mexico; direct flights from Cancun to the United States are available. Numerous travel agencies are collecting lists of interested passengers and intend to sell tickets once flight permits are granted.
We understand that both flights on May 19 from Caracas to Toluca, Mexico, and from Caracas to Cancun, Mexico, are likely sold out. Potential passengers should contact travel agencies for the latest information on availability.
We are aware that Conviasa announced a potential flight from Caracas to Santiago, Chile. We currently have no further information about that potential flight.
We understand only certain travel agencies that have agreements with Conviasa are able to sell tickets for Conviasa flights. We are also aware that Conviasa announced potential flights to other countries, but those destinations would not be viable options for U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident travelers due to the lack of connections to the United States, or local policies prohibiting entry or transit of non-citizens. 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 and Cancun 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 AskACSMerida@state.gov (for Cancun) or ACSMexicoCity@state.gov (for Toluca/Mexico City), 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.
Information about transiting Chile: Onward flights from Santiago to the United States are limited and subject to last-minute changes. All passengers must have a connecting flight out of Chile. Passengers who may require emergency assistance while transiting the Santiago airport should contact SantiagoUSA@state.gov or call +56-2-2330-3000 as soon as possible. Passengers must be prepared to stay in the airport for the duration of their connection time. The Chilean government declared a 90 day state of emergency which took effect on March 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its borders to all non-residents. The use of a face mask is required in the airport. Chilean authorities routinely conduct health checks on arriving passengers.
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