Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: VENEZUELA Avviso di sicurezza

TRAVEL ADVICE 
from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade 
Venezuela
This Advice is current for Monday 09 December 2002 EDT 
The Advice was issued on Monday 09 December 2002 17:12:25 EDT 
This advice has been reviewed. It contains new information or advice.
The overall level of the advice has increased 
Australians should defer non-essential travel to Venezuela.
Australians remaining in Venezuela despite this advice should avoid
large public gatherings, maintain a high level of personal security
awareness and keep themselves informed of developments that may affect
their safety. Australians should not travel to Amazonas state or to
any area within 75 kilometres along the Venezuelan border with
Colombia. 
Safety and Security 
Australians should defer non-essential travel to Venezuela. The
security situation in Caracas and other major cities has deteriorated
due to ongoing political tensions between the government and the
opposition. 
Australians remaining in Venezuela despite this advice should avoid
large public gatherings, maintain a high level of personal security
awareness and keep themselves informed of developments that may affect
their safety. The potential for demonstrations to turn violent
continues and Australians should remain indoors during rallies and
demonstrations. Prolonged strikes and demonstrations can result in the
closure of stores and as a precaution, Australians should maintain
supplies of potable water, medication and non-perishable food on hand.
Interruptions to various services are also expected. 
Australians should not travel to Amazonas state or to any area within
75 kilometres along the Venezuelan border with Colombia. The incidence
of kidnapping for ransom in this area has increased. 
The incidence of violent crime in Venezuela, including car-jackings
and armed robberies, has increased in recent months. Pickpocketing is
also prevalent. Travellers should exercise caution, secure their
valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth. 
Australians are advised to exercise caution when taking taxis. Given
the instances of robbery and violence in taxis, travel with a prepaid
registered Taxi Tour/Ticketaxi group upon arrival in Venezuela is
strongly recommended. 
Australians should ensure they keep their credit card in sight at all
times. There has been an increase in credit card fraud, whereby
hand-held scanners are used to copy the card's electronic coding onto
a false card. 
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Canadians should not travel to Caracas. The security situation in
Caracas is highly volatile due to the ongoing political conflict
between the government and the opposition. Demonstrations,
counter-demonstrations, and street confrontations have led to acts of
violence and disorder, resulting in deaths and injuries. While the
situation is mainly within the greater Caracas area, demonstrations
are also reported in other major cities. Opposition groups began an
indefinite nationwide strike on December 2. 
Various service interruptions can be expected. There are shortages of
some goods. Local transportation services could be disrupted due to
road closures. Travellers should plan ahead to avoid possible delays
when departing for the airport. Most of the country remains calm, but
violent incidents could erupt at any time. Although these activities
are not directed at foreigners, Canadians should maintain a high level
of personal security awareness, avoid gatherings and other public
areas where disturbances could occur, and monitor news broadcasts
closely.
For advice on travel to Venezuela, see the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade's Travel Report
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