Venezuela Travel Warning – ALERT! Attention Fulbright Scholars!

ClearCause Executive Director, Sheryl Hill has spoken with American Citizen Services, Andy Oneal, from the United States Embassy Caracas.  Chief of Missions has issued an order to expatriate Fulbright Scholars.  It would be prudent if all universities, particularly those receiving federal funds, would follow and expatriate students back to America.

The situation is serious. “The U.S. Embassy in Caracas informs all U.S. Citizens in Venezuela that the policy regulating the movements of U.S. Citizen Embassy employees and their family members in Caracas and elsewhere in Venezuela has been updated.  As always, the Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens living in and traveling through Venezuela to remain vigilant at all times and to practice good personal security,” the warning reads. “On March 21, the U.S. Embassy Movement Policy was temporarily amended to prohibit travel by Embassy personnel without permission from the Chief of Mission to the following cities because of ongoing unrest and incidents of violence:  San Cristobal, Merida, Valencia, Maracaibo, Maracay, Barquisimeto, Puerto Ordaz, Ciudad Guayana, Puerto La Cruz, and Lecheria.”

U.S. citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations and practice caution if near any large gatherings, protests or demonstrations. Even peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence, the Embassy warns.

Here are some recommendations from the Embassy for staying safe:

• Remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.
• Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
• Enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step.
• Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.
• Read the Country Specific Information for Venezuela at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/venezuela.html.
• For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.
• Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  
• Follow the State Department on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov for updates.

We urge all universities with study abroad programs in the area to follow suit with the Chief of Missions decision to expatriate Fulbright Scholars.