Location: Venezuela
Event: May 16 Update on Flights Departing Venezuela
Caracas-Cancun, May 19: The flight operated by Aerolíneas Estelar to Cancun, Mexico, on May 19 may already be sold out. Viajes Humboldt Travel Agency is organizing this flight; please contact them for information regarding availability and pricing. (Phone: +58-212-991-0110, WhatsApp: +58-412-261-4445, emailinfo@viajeshumboldt.com).
Caracas-Toluca, May 19: The flight operated by Conviasa to Toluca, Mexico, on May 19 may already be sold out. We understand this flight can only be booked through specific travel agencies selected by Conviasa.
Upcoming Flights: The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has learned Conviasa announced a potential flight from Caracas to Santiago, Chile. 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.
U.S. Embassy Bogotá assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, any of these travel agencies or airlines. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Conviasa in 2019. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who take these Conviasa flights 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 contactAskACSMerida@state.gov (for Cancun) orACSMexicoCity@state.gov (for Toluca), 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 contactSantiagoUSA@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’sTravel 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 Maiquetía International Airport. We cannot arrange for or provide transportation to the airport. We strongly recommend travel during daylight hours only to and from Caracas-Maiquetía International Airport.
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