Canada Updates Guyana Travel Advisory Amid Venezuela Border Dispute Referendum

04 Dec, 2023

Canada Updates Guyana Travel Advisory Amid Venezuela Border Dispute Referendum

Canada has issued an updated travel advisory for Guyana amid concerns surrounding a referendum affecting neighboring Venezuela's claim over a portion of Guyana's territory. The advisory urges caution for travelers near the border region, considering Sunday's referendum as a cause for concern.

The updated federal government advisory for Canadian travelers in Guyana highlights the potential for deteriorating security conditions at the Venezuela-Guyana border due to ongoing tensions over the Guyana Essequibo region and the impending referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023.

Travelers venturing into the Guyana Essequibo region near the Venezuela border are advised to exercise caution, stay updated through local media, and adhere to directives from local authorities.

The forthcoming referendum in Venezuela seeks public opinion on establishing a state in the disputed Essequibo territory, which constitutes a significant portion of Guyana's landmass. Guyana views the referendum as a step toward annexation and had previously sought International Court of Justice intervention to halt parts of the vote.

While the court did not halt the referendum, it directed Venezuela on Friday to refrain from actions altering Guyana's control over Essequibo. Venezuela's actions indicate intentions to acquire and administer the disputed territory, raising tensions further.

The long-standing dispute traces back over a century, originating from differing claims to the Essequibo region's ownership. Rich in minerals and providing access to an oil-rich area in the Atlantic, the region's significance intensifies the territorial dispute.

The referendum comprises five questions, including one about rejecting the 1899 boundary established by the United Nations' top court. The practical and legal consequences of the referendum remain uncertain.

Venezuela already carries an "avoid all travel" advisory from Canada, citing violent crime, political and economic instability, and essential shortages. For Guyana, prior to the heightened border concerns, the advisory recommended a "high degree of caution" due to elevated crime rates.

The advisory advises Canadians in Guyana to only utilize official border crossings with Brazil and Suriname, emphasizing the risks associated with areas near the Venezuela-Guyana border due to cross-border violence and gang-related issues.