Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Personal Security Precautions

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that violent crime is pervasive throughout Venezuela. Be alert to your surroundings at all times and take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

U.S. Embassy employees are highly discouraged from walking outside from dusk to dawn due to the potential for robbery, including armed robbery. If you are a victim of robbery, do not fight back. This may increase your risk of physical harm.

Other personal security tips include the following:

Maintain a low profile.
Carry as little U.S. currency as possible.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Avoid having cell phones or other electronic devices visible.
Remain vigilant even in upscale residential areas.
Do not take public transportation.
Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
Travel in groups.
When traveling, provide your itinerary to a family member or friend.

For further detailed information regarding Venezuela and travel:

See the State Department’s travel website (http://travel.state.gov) for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Venezuela.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)(https://step.state.gov/step) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, located at Calle F con Calle Suapure, Lomas de Valle Arriba, at +58 212-975-64113:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 0212-907-8400.
Call 1-888-407-4747toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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