The Central American country’s president has been captured and charged
Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gather along an avenue in Caracas, Venezuela(Image: Pedro Mattey/Anadolu via Getty Images)
UK officials have announced new travel advice for anyone thinking of travelling to Venezuela. Airstrikes were launched on the capital city Caracas early this morning (January 3).
The United States claimed responsibility and confirmed Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, had been captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores. They have since been charged by the New York state, amid allegations of ‘narco-terrorism’.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has now updated its travel advice for Venezuela in light of today’s events. It is advising against all travel to the country, adding that ‘no travel can be guaranteed safe’.
It says: “FCDO advises against all travel to Venezuela. If you are a British National already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should shelter in place, but be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary.
“Regularly review your departure options and make sure your travel documents are valid and accessible. You should have a ‘personal emergency plan’, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government.”
Regarding a ‘state of external commotion’, the FCDO adds: “On January 3, Venezuelan authorities announced a ‘state of external commotion’ due to air strikes on targets across the country. This could lead to closure of Venezuelan borders and airspace.”
Speaking earlier today, Sir Keir Starmer said the UK ‘was not involved in any way’ in the US operation on Venezuela and that he wanted to speak to President Donald Trump before coming to conclusions. He added that around 500 UK nationals are in Venezuela and work is ongoing to ‘safeguard’ them.
