November 22, 1995
Travelers may keep informed of local developments by following the local press (including "The Daily Journal," an English language newspaper), radio and TV, and consulting their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers for current information on demonstrations, the purpose and location of which are usually announced in advance.
U.S. citizens visiting certain areas along the border with Colombia may be subject to search and seizure, as well as restrictions as to where they may travel in those areas, due to the suspension of several constitutional guarantees in order to permit the military to act expeditiously against potential cross-border guerrilla incursions. Constitutional guarantees have been restored in other parts of the country, however. For further information regarding travel to these areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. A number of U.S. citizens have reported that Venezuelan officials at airports, immigration offices, and police stations have demanded bribes. U.S. citizens should report immediately to the U.S. Embassy any such demand.
U.S. citizens who do not have Venezuelan cedulas (national identity cards) must carry their passports with them at all times. Photocopies of passports prove valuable in facilitating their replacement if lost or stolen. [...]
This replaces the consular information sheet dated September 2, 1994 to update information on aviation oversight, crime, areas of instability, health and medical facilities, currency restrictions, and the location of the U.S. Embassy.
Thomas Zurek, Wed May 1 17:58:35 BST 1996