Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Venezuela
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 1992 17:33:52 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela
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Venezuela - Consular Information Sheet
 October 27, 1992

Embassy and Consulate Locations:  The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela is 
located in Caracas at Avenida Principal de la Floresta and Avenida 
Francisco de Miranda.  The telephone number is (58-2) 284-2111/2222. 
 There is also a U.S. Consulate located in Maracaibo at Edificio 
Sofimara, 3rd floor, Calle 77 and Avenida 13 at tel: (58-61) 
84-253/254.

Country Description:  Venezuela is a medium income country.  Its 
tourism, air, and surface transportation infrastructure is well 
developed.  Tourist facilities vary in quality.  Scheduled air 
service and all weather roads, some poorly marked and some congested 
around urban areas, connect major cities and regions of the country. 
 

Entry Requirements: U. S. citizens need a passport and a visa or 
tourist card in order to enter the country. Tourist cards can be 
obtained from airlines serving Venezuela.  Visas and current 
information concerning entry, tax, and customs requirements for 
Venezuela can be obtained from the Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th 
Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, tel: (202) 342-2214 or a 
Venezuela consulate general in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, 
Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, or 
San Juan.

Areas of Instability: Cross-border incidents have occurred recently 
in remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure, 
and Amazonas states.

Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available from local 
physicians, some public and most private hospitals and clinics in 
most major cities.  Quality of medical care varies.  Malaria is 
present in some remote areas of the Orinoco region.  Cholera is also 
present in Venezuela.  However, visitors who follow proper 
precautions about food and drink are not usually at risk.  Doctors 
and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health 
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the 
United States.  In some cases, medical insurance with specific 
overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  For additional health 
information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: The potential is high for theft of unattended 
items on beaches, from parked rental cars, and of money and 
documents by pickpockets on public transportation as well as in and 
near bus and subway stations.  Armed street robberies also occur, 
especially in poorer urban nieghborhoods and isolated public parks.  
Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe 
Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Other Information: Since the failed February 4, 1992 coup attempt, 
some significant and sometimes violent political demonstrations have 
taken place in urban centers, primarily on or near university 
campuses. Most tourist destinations remain unaffected.  However, 
Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has traditionally 
been the scene of frequent student demonstrations.  There have been 
incidents of assault reported in remote areas along the Colombian 
border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas.  The potential for 
harassment and petty crime is high during public demonstrations.  
Travelers can obtain information regarding such events by following 
the local media, and consulting local sources, such as U.S. and 
Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel 
organizers.  The purpose and locations of political demonstrations 
are usually announced in advance.

Driving Information:  Driving at night and on winding roads, where 
vehicles may pass on blind curves and in "no passing" zones, is 
risky.  Frequent stops at national guard and local police road check 
points are required.  Travelers may be asked to show vehicle papers 
and passports at any time.  Cars may also be searched. 

Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to Central and South America" provides details on travel 
to the area and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration: Americans who register with the Consular Section of 
the U.S. Embassy or consulate may obtain updated information on 
travel and security within the country.

 No. 92-91