The unstable political situation and worsening security threats within the South American country have prompted Finnish authorities to issue the advisory.
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has advised citizens to avoid all travel to Venezuela for the time being due to the deteriorating security situation in the South American country.
Reports have emerged in recent months of several mass arrests and detention of foreigners, with the majority occurring in the nation’s capital, Caracas.
In a statement, the foreign ministry noted that the Finnish embassy has limited power to provide assistance if a citizen were to be detained.
If travelling to the country is unavoidable, the ministry advises Finnish citizens to steer clear of large gatherings or demonstrations, warning that they may turn violent very quickly and lead to clashes with the police and army.
“Keep in touch with your family and friends by informing them of your travel plans and how they can reach you during your trip,” the ministry advised, adding that disruptions to Venezuelan air traffic may also hamper travel to and within the country.
In September, the United States began attacking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean coming from the direction of Venezuela, as the country has been designated a transit hub for international drug trafficking.
More than 80 people have been killed in the attacks.
US President Donald Trump has also told Venezuela’s leader, President Nicolás Maduro, to leave the country, the BBC reports. Trump blames Maduro for the arrival of a large number of Venezuelan migrants in the US.
