On February 5, 2009, U.S. Embassy Riga released the following Warden Message:

Travelers entering Venezuela from certain countries are required to have a current yellow fever vaccination certificate. The Venezuelan Ministry of Health recommends the yellow fever vaccine for those travelers departing Venezuela, whose final destination is a country that requires that vaccine. This vaccine needs to be given at least 10 days prior to travel. Yellow fever vaccine is effective for 10 years so please check your shot records to be sure they are updated as needed. In addition, per the Venezuelan Ministry of Health, travelers should carry their International Certificate of Vaccination (or yellow card) with them, as they may be asked to present it upon arrival or departure.  

Yellow fever vaccine has rare but potentially serious adverse reactions, and should be avoided by patients with underlying immune or thymic disorders. Persons over 60 have a two to four times higher rate of adverse complications of YF vaccine. Persons with chronic disease or who are in the older age group should consult their physician and consider the risk-benefit ratio of travel to Venezuela and other countries with endemic YF who require the vaccine.

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Venezuela: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Venezuela: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Venezuela: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in Venezuela should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Venezuela: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

We at Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services are happy to provide you free consultation and free quotes for the appropriate insurance plan that meets your needs. We invite you to visit our websites at: Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services