DHS Suspends Air Travel Between the United States and Venezuela

At a glance

• Passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela have been suspended with immediate effect due to unstable conditions in the latter country. The suspension is indefinite.
• Individuals with a need to travel between the two countries will need to make alternate plans, including possible immigration arrangements.

A closer look

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan has determined that conditions in Venezuela threaten safety and security and thus is suspending all commercial and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela.  The flight suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place indefinitely.

The flight suspension follows the January suspension of U.S. consular services in Venezuela and the ejection of U.S. diplomats from that nation.

What this means for employers and individuals

Because the suspension is immediate, individuals with travel plans between the two countries will need to make alternate arrangements.  This could include the need for immigration permissions.

Employers with foreign employees in Venezuela should continue to plan for the safety of their workforce. As a reminder, countries throughout the Latin American Region have implemented policies concerning the entry and stay of Venezuelan nationals.

Affected employers and foreign nationals should contact their designated Fragomen professionals to discuss options.

Fragomen is closely monitoring the flight suspension and will provide updates as developments occur.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.