Venezuela: Authorities tighten the COVID-19-related international travel ban as Dec 14 /update 26

Event

As of Dec. 14, authorities in Venezuela have tightened the ban on most domestic and international passenger flights, currently in place until Feb. 11, 2021, as part of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. All commercial flights have been suspended except those authorized for travel to and from Bolivia, Mexico, and Turkey. All commercial flights to other previously authorized destinations have been suspended. Cargo, emergency, and humanitarian flights have been exempt from the ban. Officials have also permitted repatriation flights for Venezuelan citizens from abroad. Additionally, the land borders remain closed except for cargo transport.

All passengers entering Venezuela must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before arrival. All persons entering the country may be subject to additional testing upon arrival and may be subject to quarantine protocols.

Domestic Measures
Officials will continue to implement the flexible quarantine measures that form part of the nation's existing "7+7 Plus" pandemic-related response until the end of December. While the flexible quarantine measures are usually alternated with the strict quarantine measures on a weekly basis, the loosened measure is being applied for an extended period to allow for economic and commercial recovery, as well as to facilitate family reunification over the holiday period. Sectors that are permitted to operate under the flexible quarantine remain unchanged:

Flexible Quarantine: Authorities allow multiple areas of the economy to operate, including lodging businesses, beaches, private clubs, theme parks, restaurants, cafes, furniture stores, construction, hardware stores, transport, banks and financial services, barbershops and hair salons, car repair businesses, healthcare centers (including dental offices and veterinarians), clothing services, chemical industries, car washes, bookstores, sporting events without spectators and personalized services, as well as access to beaches and places of worship (at 40-percent capacity). Government offices, including the National Institute of Ground Transport (Instituto Nacional de Transporte Terrestre, INTT) and the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration, and Foreign Affairs (Servicio Administrativo de Identificacion, Migracion y Extranjeria, SAIME) are also permitted to operate.
Border Areas: Officials have announced that curfew measures imposed in the border municipalities of Zulia, Apure, Tachira, and Bolivar, will be lifted as part of December's recovery plan. Unlike the rest of the country, the border municipalities were excluded from the flexible quarantine, and stricter measures, including restrictions on nonessential business, are likely to continue to be enforced despite the lifting of curfew orders. Generally, only essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, law enforcement, public utilities, and agriculture, can continue operating.

Some nationwide measures remain in place regardless of which phase of the 7+7 Plus plan is in effect. All residents must wear protective facemasks while riding public transport, inside grocery stores and pharmacies, and at healthcare facilities, airports, and ports. Bus services have resumed nationwide, operating at a maximum of 50-percent capacity. Local and regional governments could, however, impose additional restrictions, including limiting intercity or interstate vehicular travel; enhanced measures are especially likely in border areas.

Fuel Distribution Restrictions
Officials have been enforcing a fuel distribution system since October amid the country's continued fuel shortage crisis. Individuals may only purchase fuel according to the last number of one's license plate number. The following schedule has been announced:

Dec. 14: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are permitted.
Dec. 15: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are permitted.
Dec. 16: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are permitted.
Dec. 17: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are permitted.
Dec. 18: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 are permitted.
Dec. 19: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are permitted.
Dec. 20: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are permitted.

By extension, precedent suggests that the restrictions are likely to continue according to the following schedule for the remainder of December:

Dec. 21, 26, and 31: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are permitted.
Dec. 22 and 27: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are permitted.
Dec. 23 and 28: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 are permitted.
Dec. 24 and 29: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are permitted.
Dec. 25 and 30: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are permitted.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice. Authorities may reapply or further ease restrictions within the flexible periods depending on local COVID-19 activity. In addition to the border municipalities, other states or localized communities could have highly targeted measures reimposed during the flexible quarantine period if confirmed case numbers increase significantly.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.