Brief
UK expands travel ban to Venezuela's Amazonas and border zones
The FCDO added new high‑level warnings for parts of Venezuela amid rising armed‑group activity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced on 14 October that it has extended its highest‑level travel warning to cover Venezuela's Amazonas state and any location within 25 miles of the Colombian border.
What happened
The updated advice comes alongside existing warnings for Zulia state, Maracaibo and the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo. The FCDO said British nationals already in Venezuela should have a personal emergency plan and be ready to leave quickly if needed.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that drug traffickers and illegal armed groups operate along Venezuela’s borders with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana, and specifically in the Orinoco Mining Arc, Cedeño, Sucre, Raul Leoni, Piar, Roscio, El Callo, Sifontes and Delta Amacuro municipalities. It also mentions recent looting of a house belonging to Humberto Martes, a criminal‑group leader, in Las Claritas, Bolívar state.
What was said
The FCDO statement said: “We only advise against travel if we think the risk to British nationals is unacceptably high,” and added that consular support could be severely limited.
How it came about
Earlier on 15 September, the UK upgraded diplomatic relations with Venezuela, noting some security improvements but warning that conditions remain uncertain. The new warning reflects ongoing concerns about armed conflict, crime and limited consular access.
Key facts
- The UK FCDO now advises against all travel to Amazonas state and within 25 miles of the Colombian border. (independent.co.uk)
- Existing warnings remain for Zulia, Maracaibo and the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo. (independent.co.uk)
- The FCDO highlighted activity by drug traffickers and illegal armed groups in multiple Venezuelan municipalities. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “UK issues ‘do not travel’ warning to Venezuela. Here’s everything you need to know”
