At a Glance
- The Venezuelan government has ordered all Venezuelan diplomatic personnel in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru and Uruguay to return to Venezuela and has ordered these countries to remove their representatives from Venezuela. As a result, individuals with applications at consular posts in these countries, and in these countries' consular posts in Venezuela, should expect processing disruptions until further notice.
- There are flight disruptions between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, Panama and Peru.
- Ongoing protests in Venezuela are limiting access to government offices which may delay the processing of immigration-related applications filed in country.
- The situation is fluid, and we are updating this alert as new information becomes available.
- Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis.
The situation
The Venezuelan government has ordered all Venezuelan diplomatic personnel in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru and Uruguay to return to Venezuela and ordered these countries to remove their representatives from Venezuela. Travel and mobility have also been impacted by the suspension of flights with some affected countries, and ongoing protests in Venezuela. The situation is fluid, and we are updating this alert as new information becomes available.
A closer look - consular disruptions
- Argentina. Venezuelan consular posts in Argentina and Argentinian consular posts in Venezuela have indefinitely suspended all consular services. Diplomatic personnel in the Venezuelan embassy in Argentina have been ordered to depart Argentina on July 31, 2024.
- Chile. Venezuelan consular posts have indefinitely suspended all processing and all diplomatic personnel have been removed from the Venezuelan embassy in Chile. Chilean consular posts in Venezuela have suspended in-person services until further notice (applicants may email their inquiries to the consulate).
- Dominican Republic. Venezuelan consular posts in the Dominican Republic and Dominican consular posts in Venezuela have indefinitely suspended all consular services.
- Panama. The Venezuelan embassy in Panama has indefinitely suspended all consular services. Diplomatic personnel are expected to depart within the next two days. It is not yet clear if Panama's consular post in Venezuela will also close.
- Peru. The Venezuelan consulate in Lima has suspended all consular services and Venezuelan diplomatic officials have been ordered to depart Peru by August 1, 2024.
Though not yet confirmed, it is expected that the Venezuelan consular posts in Costa Rica and Uruguay, and the Peruvian and Uruguayan consular posts in Venezuela will soon close, following the personnel removal order.
A closer look - travel disruptions
- As of July 31, at 20:00 local time, all commercial flights to and from Venezuela and Panama, and to and from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are suspended until further notice.
- LATAM Airlines has suspended flights between Lima and Caracas until August 31.
Background
The July 28, 2024 Venezuelan election has been contentious as both incumbent President Nicolás Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo González have claimed victory. There are ongoing protests over the contested election results.
Impact
- Consular disruptions. Individuals with applications pending in Venezuelan consular posts in the affected countries, and these countries' consular posts in Venezuela should expect processing disruptions until further notice. These include applications for Venezuelan visas, apostille and legalization services and services for Venezuelan nationals (e.g., passports).
- Alternative application methods. The government of Venezuela has not yet announced any specific alternative routes for affected applicants. Where possible, these applicants should request the return of their documents directly with the relevant consular post and should contact other Venezuelan consular posts in the region for service availability. Countries whose consular posts were closed in Venezuela may announce alternative routes or measures for individuals in Venezuela in the coming days.
- Travel impacts. Travelers in the region should check with their airline for specific impacts on suspended or affected flight schedule and/or availability.
- General processing delays in Venezuela. Although government offices in Venezuela reportedly remain open, foreign nationals and employers should expect processing delays for all immigration-related applications processed in Venezuela, including notarization and legalization of documents, while widespread protests restrict mobility within Venezuela and until the situation stabilizes.
Looking ahead
Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the regional and international community remain fluid and may lead to additional immigration disruptions.
Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis. We will continue to monitor the situation and will report on relevant developments.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.