Canadian Min. of Foreign Affairs publishes statement on Nov. 29 advising against travel to Venezuela

On November 27 the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement advising citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the country due to the significant level of violent crime, the unstable political and economic situation, as well as the decline in basic living conditions, shortages of medication, food, and drinkable water. Click here to see the full statement detailing various assessments and recommendations.

Coupled with the advisory, travelers should remain cognizant that the government is introducing new regulation to discriminate between nationals and foreigners while conducting business and everyday transactions. On November 26 President Nicolas Maduro announced that foreign nationals would be required to pay for lodging, travel and touristic services in USD or in Petros, the government-sponsored cryptocurrency. Venezuela is highly unlikely to boost tourism to the country, and the introduction of a dual currency system similar to the one installed in Cuba is not poised to help the government finance mounting debts.

Those traveling or operating in Venezuela are advised to limit non-essential travel in the country owing to political instability and growing crime.