K Hayes
FCDO advises against all travel to within 80km of the Colombia border, within 40km of the Brazil border, and the entire state of Zulia. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Venezuela, including Caracas. The advisory is based on the ongoing economic and political crisis, which has led to high levels of crime, civil unrest, and the breakdown of basic infrastructure. FCDO warns of a high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery, and carjacking. Healthcare is in a state of collapse, with chronic shortages of basic medicines and equipment. If travel is not considered 'essential' by the insurer's definition, coverage for these areas may be voided. Travellers are warned of the risk of arbitrary detention by security forces without due process.
Venezuela is characterized by significant political instability, a severe and prolonged economic crisis, and one of the highest rates of violent crime globally. The rule of law is weak, with high levels of corruption and the potential for arbitrary detention of foreign nationals, particularly those with high public profiles or involved in research. Public services, including electricity, water, and healthcare, are prone to frequent and extended failures.
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Widespread business closures, significant military parades, and potential for large-scale political rallies in Caracas.
Risk implication: Increased risk of civil unrest if rallies turn into protests; significant transport disruption and heightened security presence which may increase surveillance of foreign researchers.
Residual security presence following July 5th celebrations; potential for 'flash' protests or strikes regarding economic conditions.
Risk implication: Localized transport delays and the potential for travellers to be caught in unpredictable crowd movements.
The traveller's high public profile combined with a research role in Venezuela creates a significant risk of state surveillance, harassment, or arbitrary detention, as the authorities often view foreign researchers with suspicion. The self-declared human rights personal safety factor suggests the traveller may be perceived as an activist; Venezuela has no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and a culturally conservative environment where 'human rights' work is often criminalized as foreign interference. The heart condition is the most acute risk; the collapse of the Venezuelan medical system means that even minor cardiac episodes could become fatal due to the absence of specialized medication and functional ICU facilities. As a vegan, the traveller faces nutritional risks and potential health secondary to food scarcity. The traveller's 'prefer not to say' gender status may lead to complications or harassment at checkpoints where documentation is heavily scrutinized.
Violent Crime
Armed robbery, carjacking, and 'express kidnapping' are common in Caracas and other urban centers, often targeting those perceived as wealthy or foreign.
Medical Emergency (Heart Condition)
Total lack of reliable emergency cardiac services and chronic medicine shortages mean a medical incident cannot be adequately treated in-country.
Political Detention/Surveillance
High-profile researchers are at risk of being accused of espionage or destabilization efforts by the SEBIN (intelligence service).
Infrastructure Failure
Frequent power outages and lack of running water can disrupt communication, security systems, and food safety.
- 1.Obtain explicit written confirmation from AIG that 'Essential Travel' status is accepted for this itinerary to ensure policy validity.
- 2.Engage a professional, vetted close-protection security team with an armoured vehicle for all movements in Caracas.
- 3.Ensure the traveller carries a full supply of all heart medications in original packaging, plus a 50% surplus, along with a doctor's letter.
- 4.Register with the 'Tell the Embassy' service or equivalent via the FCDO prior to arrival.
- 5.Maintain a low profile: do not discuss research topics in public and avoid using professional camera equipment in the street.
- 6.Download and activate the AIG MyLifeline app; ensure the emergency number +44 1273 065 120 is on speed dial.
- 7.Carry a satellite communication device (e.g., Garmin InReach) as local mobile networks and internet are unreliable.
- 8.Only stay in pre-vetted international hotels with independent power and water filtration systems (e.g., Eurobuilding or Intercontinental).
Consult a GP upon return for a check-up regarding the heart condition, as the stress and environmental factors of Venezuela may have had an impact.
The traveller will remain in a vetted, secure international hotel with 24/7 onsite security. All transport must be via pre-arranged private security drivers; under no circumstances should public transport or street taxis be used. No-go areas include all 'barrios' (slums), the 80km border zones, and Zulia State. Meetings should be conducted within secure hotel premises where possible.
Evacuation will be triggered by: a significant spike in civil unrest, a direct threat to the traveller's safety, or a worsening of the traveller's heart condition. The decision will be made by the Chatham House ELT in coordination with AIG Crisis Management and the UK Embassy. The primary evacuation route is via commercial air from Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS).
If CCS airport is closed, relocation to a secure 'safe house' or the UK Embassy will be required. Overland evacuation to Colombia is extremely high risk and only to be considered as a last resort under armed escort due to border violence and illegal checkpoints.
In the event of total civil breakdown or airport closure, the traveller will hibernate at the pre-vetted hotel. The hotel must have at least 10 days of food/water reserves and independent power generation. Communication will be maintained via satellite phone.
Daily check-ins via WhatsApp/Signal at 09:00 and 18:00 UK time. Additional check-ins required: 1. Upon landing at CCS; 2. Upon arrival at the hotel; 3. Before and after any external meeting. A final 'safe in room' check-in each night is mandatory.
If a check-in is missed by 30 minutes, the CH base contact will attempt to call the traveller and the security driver. If 60 minutes pass with no contact, AIG MyLifeline (+44 1273 065 120) and the UK Embassy will be notified. In medical emergencies, the traveller must contact AIG first for repatriation authorization.
AIG MyLifeline: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular: +44 20 7008 5000; UK Embassy Caracas: +58 212 263 8411; CH Base Contact: [REDACTED]; Security Driver: [TBC].
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Personal Travel Safety Brief
PDF document with traveller safety guidance
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Report
Full security analysis and risk assessment
Security Plan (Annex A)
Security approach, evacuation & hibernation protocols
Communications Plan (Annex B)
Check-in protocol, escalation & contact numbers