Venezuela: Authorities impose flexible COVID-19-related restrictions through at least May 30 /update 46

Event

Authorities will enforce flexible quarantine measures nationwide through at least May 30 as part of the nation's long-standing "7+7" COVID-19-related response. Flexible quarantine measures are generally alternated with strict quarantine measures on a weekly basis. Barring any unforeseen developments, Venezuela will likely return to strict restrictions for the week of May 31-June 6.

Under the general flexible quarantine, authorities allow multiple areas of the economy to operate, including lodging facilities, beaches, private clubs, theme parks, restaurants, cafes, furniture stores, hardware stores, transport, banks and financial services, barbershops and hair salons, car repair businesses, healthcare centers, and places of worship, among numerous other establishments and activities. Government offices, including the National Ground Transport Institute (Instituto Nacional de Transporte Terrestre, INTT) and the Identification, Migration, and Foreign Affairs Administration (Servicio Administrativo de Identificacion, Migracion y Extranjeria, SAIME), are also permitted to operate.

Unlike the rest of the country, the flexible quarantine periods do not apply to the border municipalities of Zulia, Apure, Tachira, and Bolivar. Generally, only essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, law enforcement, public utilities, and agriculture, can continue operating in these locations.

Under the strict quarantine, only essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, law enforcement, public utilities, and agriculture can continue operating. Moreover, all public events, including marches, are canceled.

Some nationwide measures remain in place regardless of which phase of the 7+7 plan is in effect. All residents must wear protective facemasks on public transport, inside grocery stores and pharmacies, and at healthcare facilities, airports, and ports. Bus services may operate at a maximum of 50 percent capacity. Local and regional governments could 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 restricted fuel distribution system since October 2020 amid the country's continued fuel shortage crisis. Private vehicles may only be fueled on certain days depending on the final digit of their license plate numbers. The schedule through May 30 is as follows:

• May 24: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4

• May 25: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6

• May 26: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8

• May 27: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0

• May 28: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2

• May 29: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4

• May 30: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6

International and Domestic Travel
Most international and domestic passenger flights remain banned until further notice. Only authorized commercial international flights to and from the Dominican Republic, Panama, Bolivia, Mexico, and Turkey are permitted. Cargo, emergency, and humanitarian flights are exempt from the ban. Flights for repatriating Venezuelan citizens from abroad are also permitted. Additionally, the land borders remain closed except for cargo transport.

All passengers entering Venezuela must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before arrival. Any person entering the country may be required to undergo additional testing upon arrival and could be subject to quarantine protocols.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice. Authorities could tighten restrictions in any location at any time 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Office of the President of Venezuela (Spanish)