Venezuela Contingency Plan: Employee Safety & Security Protocols

Following a massive U.S. military intervention on January 3, 2026, which led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has entered a period of extreme instability and danger. Major international governments have issued Level 4 travel warnings, strictly advising all foreign nationals to avoid the country due to a complete security vacuum and the threat of civil unrest.

What are the current security risks for employees in Venezuela?

1.0 Immediate Directive & Current Threat Assessment

In this iPMI Global Travel Risk Management Advisory we provide safety and security protocols for all corporate personnel following the significant deterioration of the security situation in Venezuela. The military action known as "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and the subsequent declaration of a "state of external commotion" have created an environment of extreme volatility. The directives outlined herein are effective immediately and supersede all previous guidance.

The security landscape is defined by a dangerous power vacuum. While Interim President Delcy Rodríguez remains in Caracas, the capture of the former head of state has triggered widespread civil unrest and a high potential for violent clashes between regime loyalists, paramilitary factions, and shifting security forces. For all foreign nationals, the threat of indefinite detention for political leverage is critical and must be treated as a primary risk factor.

Reinforcing the severity of this crisis, the U.S. Department of State, the UK Foreign Office, and the Government of Canada have all issued their highest-level travel advisories: Level 4 – Do Not Travel. These warnings are not recommendations; they are critical directives reflecting a situation with grave risks to life and safety. These threats, combined with a catastrophic infrastructure collapse, demand the immediate implementation of the following protocols.

2.0 Operational Status: Infrastructure and Consular Services

A strategic understanding of the current state of regional infrastructure and support services is essential for all personnel. The cascading failure of these systems is the primary reason for the "Shelter-in-Place" directive. Collectively, the closure of airspace, suspension of commercial flights, and militarization of land borders mean all conventional exit routes are sealed. The ability to travel, communicate, or receive official assistance is severely compromised or non-existent.

Current Logistical & Support Status

How to implement an emergency evacuation plan in Caracas?

Recent airstrikes on military and infrastructure targets in Caracas, La Guaira, Higuerote, and Baruta have exacerbated these challenges. Personnel must anticipate and prepare for localized damage to communication towers and power grids, which will further disrupt contact with external support networks. This collapse makes self-extraction impossible and mandates our primary safety protocol: Shelter-in-Place.

3.0 Primary Protocol: Shelter-in-Place (SIP)

Given the current security vacuum and infrastructure collapse, Shelter-in-Place (SIP) is the sole, non-negotiable safety posture for all employees. This directive is designed to minimize exposure to the unpredictable and violent threats present throughout the country. Any movement outside of a secure location is a direct violation of corporate safety policy at this time.

All personnel must immediately adhere to the following directives:

Cease All Movement

Avoid all non-essential movement. Do not travel for any reason, including attempts to procure supplies or reach transportation hubs. The risks of transit far outweigh the potential benefits.

Secure Your Location

Remain within a secure, reinforced structure. Stay away from all windows and exterior walls to protect against potential street-level violence or collateral damage.

Adherence to this SIP protocol is paramount and must be maintained until you receive explicit, verified instructions from corporate security to the contrary. The next critical element of your safety is maintaining communication.

4.0 Mandatory Communication & Information Monitoring

In a crisis that restricts mobility, consistent communication and vigilant information monitoring become your primary tools for safety and eventual extraction. Maintaining a clear line of contact and staying informed of local developments is not optional—it is a mandatory component of this contingency plan.

All employees must enact the following "Proof of Life" protocol without delay:

Establish Daily Check-ins

You must set up and maintain a daily communication schedule with your designated corporate contact and/or family members outside the country. This regular check-in confirms your continued well-being.

Confirm Your Location

Ensure your external contacts have your exact coordinates. This information is critical for any future assisted departure or extraction efforts.

Concurrently, personnel must actively monitor the local information environment. Keep all electronic devices charged whenever power is available. Use these devices to monitor official updates from the interim government and credible international news sources. Staying informed is essential for understanding the evolving situation and being prepared for a sudden change in circumstances.

5.0 Evacuation Readiness Protocol

The primary corporate objective is the safe extraction of all personnel as soon as a secure opportunity becomes available. However, a successful evacuation requires that every individual be in a constant state of readiness. While no independent travel is authorized at this time, personal preparation is a critical and mandatory step.

All personnel must maintain a state of "Rapid Departure" readiness by taking the following steps:

Secure Documents: Ensure your original passport and all other essential travel documents are gathered and stored in a single, secure, and easily accessible location.

Prepare a "Go-Bag": This bag must be packed and ready at all times. It must contain a minimum of 72 hours' worth of essential supplies, including non-perishable food, potable water, and any necessary personal medication.

The following warning is the single most important directive regarding any potential movement:

Do not attempt to travel to any airport or border crossing unless you have received verified, official notification that a specific evacuation corridor has been opened and secured.

Uncoordinated travel is extremely dangerous and will place you at immense risk. Beyond physical preparedness, personnel must also address critical administrative matters.

6.0 Critical Administrative Advisory: Travel Insurance

During an unprecedented crisis of this nature, it is vital to understand the status of corporate and personal support systems, including insurance coverage. The extreme security situation and official government warnings have significant implications for standard policies.

It is highly probable that most standard travel insurance policies are invalidated for any individual operating in a country under a "Level 4 – Do Not Travel" advisory. This means that coverage for medical emergencies, security extraction, or other crisis-related events may not apply.

Therefore, the following action is required: any employee currently in-country must contact their insurance provider immediately to confirm the current status of their coverage.

Employee safety remains our highest priority. Further instructions will be disseminated as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.