Viewed for years as the most stable democracy in Latin America, Venezuela in the last year has been rocked by violence, scandal, coup attempts and hard economic times.
Widespread protests against government corruption and declining living standards occurred in March and helped lead to the downfall of President Carlos Andres Perez, who was removed from office in May to face corruption charges.
Most of the demonstrations took place on or near university campuses, and these are likely to be the locations of further incidents should tensions rise again. For the most part, tourist areas are unaffected by demonstrations, but visitors can obtain information about such events by following news reports or consulting local sources such as hotel personnel or tour companies. The locations of political protests usually are announced in advance.
An acting president was elected by the senate in June, and a relative calm has settled over the country. On July 21 a peaceful “takeover” of the presidential palace occurred, when about 100 university students and professors were allowed into the Miraflores palace under heavy security to present a letter to President Ramon Velasquez to protest university budget cuts.
The capital, Caracas, is a fast-paced city in a beautiful setting in a valley beneath a wall of green mountains. It is the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, and his first home, in the heart of town, is worth a visit, even though it is a reconstruction of the original.
Street crime is high, so guard against pickpockets while on public transportation or near bus and subway stations. Purse- and chain-snatching is common-avoid wearing jewelry. Traffic is often heavily congested, and motorcycles are known to drive on the sidewalks, frequently grabbing bags from pedestrians. Police are of little help to victims of street crime.
Travelers are required to carry identification at all times, and it is not uncommon for police to do spot checks. Always carry your passport and tourist card. If driving in the country, expect frequent stops at police or national guard checkpoints, and be prepared to show vehicle papers and passports. Cars may be searched.
In the interior, Venezuela has some of the wildest country in Latin America. The upper Orinoco River area is part of the Amazon basin and is sparsely inhabited by indigenous people. It can be explored on adventure tours by small boat. For less rugged adventures there is a fine system of national parks, ranging from marine environments to jungles to snow-capped peaks.
Worldwide updates
Australia: Women traveling in the Outback near the isolated mining town of Coober Pedy should be cautious, especially if traveling alone. A German woman backpacker disappeared July 14 about 20 months after the similar disappearance of an Italian woman. Each was traveling alone on an extended holiday, and had stayed in youth hostels. Coober Pedy, about halfway between Alice Springs and Adelaide, is a popular tourist destination because of its unusual underground housing. Police fear a killer is stalking young women travelers. Last year, two British women backpackers were murdered in New South Wales bush country. The murderer has not been found.
Costa Rica: Street crime has increased in urban areas, although there generally is less crime in Costa Rica’s cities than in large U.S. cities. According to the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, robberies average about three an hour around the bus station of a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, Zona Roja, Plaza de Cultura and in the central park across from the Melico Salazar Theater on Avenida 2. There has been a large increase in counterfeit dollars distributed by black market money changers. Travelers should avoid changing money on the street. Rental cars are recognized easily by their license plates and often are targeted for theft, so avoid leaving valuables in the trunk. Hotels receive many complaints about possessions missing from rooms. Police assistance usually is polite but ineffectual. Officers are poorly paid, and there have been cases of police taking money from wallets during searches. Another scam, which targets rental cars outside the city limits of San Jose, is traffic officers threatening a ticket along with a court appearance eight days hence unless the fine, usually double the amount of the ticket, is paid on the spot. Refuse politely.
Former Yugoslavia: The U.S. Department of State issued a statement July 10 indicating the possibility of violence against Westerners by Iran’s Islamic militants, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and/or Hizbollah, in the former Yugoslavia. While there is no information on specific potential incidents, travelers throughout the region are advised to follow developments and contact the nearest American embassy or consulate for information.
India: Monsoons have caused flooding across northern India, Nepal and Bangladesh, leaving millions of people homeless and killing nearly 1,000. Hard hit were the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana in the northwest and seven states in the northeast, including West Bengal and Assam. Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a stronghold of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, reportedly was submerged. Travel to these regions should be avoided until the monsoon rains stop, usually in September. Receding waters will leave behind thousands of dead animals and the potential for infectious diseases.
Nepal: Protests in Kathmandu and other cities have claimed 15 lives since June 18; further unrest is likely. The demonstrations followed the deaths of two Communist Party leaders in a road accident May 16. Communist Party partisans say the men were murdered. More protests are planned, and a three-day national strike is scheduled for Aug. 9. Security forces are likely to use force to maintain order, and travelers should avoid all large gatherings.
Nigeria: Riots erupted in the capital city of Lagos July 6 following the action by the country’s military ruler to annul the June 12 election, which would have established democratic rule in Nigeria. After two days the military quelled the unrest and took control of the city. The government has scheduled a new election for Aug. 14, saying the previous election had been rigged, but the situation is so tense no one has come forward to run for office. The rivals in the June 12 election have been barred from running again. Avoid all travel to Nigeria.
Tibet: Traveling with a local Tibetan guide is the best way to see Lhasa and environs, but visitors should be aware that the Chinese security network is extensive. Authorities are sensitive to talk of Tibetan independence and the effects of Chinese rule, and travelers should avoid talking openly about political issues with Tibetans to avoid putting them at risk.
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Because conditions can change overnight, always make your own inquiries before you leave home. In the United States contact a Passport Agency office; abroad, check in with the nearest American embassy or consulate.
