U.S. Issues Severe ‘Do Not Travel’ Warning for This Country

. . . The United States has renewed its “do not travel” warning for Venezuela, urging American travelers to understand that their government “has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens” who run into trouble.

Officials blamed the notice — the most severe the Department of State can issue — on civil unrest, a “slide towards dictatorship,” ongoing threats of terrorism, and anti-American bias.

“Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela,” the agency added.

The threat is so dire that the U.S. government advises travelers who insist on going to first “establish a ‘proof of life’ protocol with your loved ones.

“If you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax),” officials explained. (Read more from “U.S. Issues Severe ‘Do Not Travel’ Warning for This Country” HERE)