(DATE: 2014-06-04) Demonstrations have occurred throughout Venezuela since mid-February. Demonstrations and counter-demonstrations are expected to continue, and the majority of protests are not advertised in advance. Since February 2014, there have been at least 42 fatalities in connection with demonstrations, counter-demonstrations, and measures taken by the security forces.
Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. … there were 24,763 homicides in Venezuela in 2013. Kidnappings are also a serious concern throughout the country. In 2013, 625 kidnappings were reported to the authorities.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Venezuela, please see the State Department’s Country Specific Information. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ internet website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.