venezuela
special advisory
All Chevron Travel* to Venezuela is restricted until further notice and is subject to pre-approval. Traveler approval will depend on primary work location and destination in Venezuela, in concurrence with Global Security (see contacts below).
*Chevron Travel applies to:- Travelers and all visitors on Chevron company business
- Expatriate employees on resident assignment (including both employees and their dependents)
- Expatriate employees on rotational assignment
Chevron travelers must forward a copy of the approval as noted below to CWT or their designated travel agent prior to tickets being issued.
Travel Approval- Caracas and PetroIndepencia/Puerto Ordaz approval by Country President Javier La Rosa (in transit travel to Caracas with final destination to Eastern or Western Venezuela will be approved by final destination GM – contact shown below)
- Western Venezuela/Maracaibo approval by GM Mariano Vela (MVEL)
- Eastern Venezuela/Puerto La Cruz/El Tigre approval by GM Martin Philipsen (MQKA)
- PetroIndepencia and Puerto Ordaz approval by GM Luis Alvarado (LUAL)
- Master Approver – Back-up Approver: The BSS Manager Juan Carlos Arenas (ACJU) has the authority to approve all personnel traveling to Venezuela and should be contacted if the Business Unit Managers are not available.
Exceptions to the traveler approval process are on file with Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT).
Travelers are advised to stay in close contact with their supervisors/hosts prior to departure and adhere to the travel advice provided before/upon arrival.
travel requirements
Please contact relevant travel approvers listed above before making travel arrangements.
Visas are required for all U.S. citizens entering Venezuela. Visa requirements for other travelers depends on the country of citizenship. Please check country specific visa requirements prior to booking travel to Venezuela. Personnel should be aware that the significant reduction in the number of U.S. consular officials in Venezuela could affect their ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in a timely manner.
Visitors are required to have all vaccinations current and travel with an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Travelers are advised to bring all necessary personal medications as most medications are not readily available in Venezuela.
The company provides transportation for all business travelers to Venezuela. When booking travel, travelers are advised to contact the Chevron Land Transportation Department in Caracas (contact shown below) to request transportation.
The Land Transportation Department will then confirm transportation details in an email sent back to the traveler, including the name of the Chevron security representative assigned to meet the traveler at the airport. Travelers cannot use public transportation, including taxis or vehicles on the street, due to local security concerns.
Contact the Caracas Central Control (CECON) if the Chevron security escort is not present upon your arrival at the airport.
Do not leave the airport and await instructions from CECON.
contacts
Click on the link below for all location specific contacts to support travel coordination, approvals, security and medical questions. Please save this information before you travel.
security risks
Venezuela has extremely high levels of violent crime, and the threat of opportunistic street crime and random violence is a concern in Caracas, Maracaibo, Puerto La Cruz, and El Tigre.
Street demonstrations can occur anywhere, and can often cause traffic disruptions and result in violence.
Travelers should be aware that the current power and water crisis in Venezuela has led to rationing and outages, which vary depending on the area of the country. There are shortages of food, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies throughout much of Venezuela.
healthcare infrastructure and disease risks
The Chevron healthcare infrastructure and disease risk level for Venezuela is B. Click here for International SOS health guidance.
guidance
All visitors coming to Venezuela should request authorization from the Country Manager and or the Business Services Manager to travel in. The request should include the business reason and sponsor in country. British and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Venezuela. However, it is strongly advised that visitors obtain a Business Visa before coming to the country. Employees, citizens, and residents from the US, should contact the Travel Visa Specialists (Travel Services), either in Houston or San Ramon to obtain this visa. Employee citizens of other countries should ask their Chevron travel agents or immigration facilitators, for Business visa requirements when traveling to Venezuela. Visitors will be required, in all cases, to have a valid passport, return ticket and hotel reservation.
In the case of nationalities where visas are not mandatory, and only if the travel timeframe does not give enough time to process a business visa or the Consulate of Venezuela in the country of origin indicate otherwise, visitors have the possibility to enter under tourist condition. These cases should be considered only as a last resort and must be approved by the HR Manager or the BSS Manager prior to travel. Once on the plane, travelers are provided with an immigration form, which includes fields to indicate the purpose of the visit to the country: Tourism or Business. Those visitors coming under Tourist status should check the Tourism box. This form is provided randomly in some flights. Proceed accordingly.
All visitors and employees in Venezuela must adhere to the curfew, which is in effect from 11 pm until 5 am daily at all Chevron locations, except El Tigre and Puerto Ordaz where the curfew is 10 pm until 5:30 am.
Visitors to Venezuela should exercise high levels of caution and situational awareness and take the following precautions:
- Follow security protocols at all times
- Avoid leaving the hotel premises on foot, especially at night
- Travel in groups when possible
- Use ATMs inside secure bank lobbies or hotels
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash
- Keep cell phones, tablets, cameras and other valuable electronic devices out of sight
- Never leave possessions unattended (even momentarily) in public places, including restaurants
- Only travel in approved company transportation
- All staff should ensure that their contact details are up to date before travel to Venezuela
- Monitor media and local information sources
- Minimize your profile by not displaying Chevron-related logos on your belongings
- Be prepared for additional security measures and potential travel disruptions
Employees should be aware that information security risks can be greater during travel, as third parties present in foreign countries may monitor communications and transmissions.
Employees are advised to avoid communications on sensitive matters and to travel with as little sensitive information as possible.
