Travel Summary
- We advise against all travel to within 80 kms (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira and Apure. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Tachira and Apure states. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active in these states and there is a risk of kidnapping.
- A large scale protest march is scheduled to take place on Saturday 23 January. The demonstrators will gather in Plaza Venezuela, in the centre of Caracas, and march to Petare, in the east of Caracas. You are advised to avoid this route.
- The incidence of street crime in Venezuela is high. Armed muggings and ‘express kidnappings’ are a regular occurrence. You should exercise caution at all times, especially when arriving in, and travelling around, Venezuela. See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
- Where possible you should avoid travelling on the road to and from Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia) during hours of darkness when there are few vehicles on the road. See the Local Travel section of this Travel Advice.
- Around 13,000 British nationals visit Venezuela every year. 30 British nationals required consular assistance in Venezuela in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (5 cases); hospitalisations (1 case); and arrests, for a variety of offences (8 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (31 cases).
- Do not handle illicit drugs; penalties are among the most severe in the Americas, and the prisons among the most dangerous. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this Travel Advice.
- There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. In February 2008, there were four small explosions at various locations in the Caracas. These incidents are believed to be related to the internal and regional political situation. You should exercise vigilance and be wary of suspect packages and parcels.
For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.
Crime
We advise against all travel to within 80 kms (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachire and Apure. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Tachira and Apure states. Drug Traffickers and illegal armed groups are active in these states and kidnappings are common.
There is a high risk of street crime (often armed) throughout Venezuela, especially in the major cities and on beaches. We do not consider Sabana Grande a safe area in which to stay in Caracas; cheap hotels can be found in safer areas such as Chacao, La Castellana and Altamira - although these book up early. It is not advisable to visit ‘barrios’ (heavily populated slums), as many of these are unsafe. British nationals walking in the Avila National Park have been robbed at gunpoint.
The risk of crime is higher after dark. Try not to go out alone. It is inadvisable to camp on or visit beaches after dark. People carrying large amounts of money, wearing valuable watches or jewellery or using mobile phones in the street are especially vulnerable.
Car-jacking is also a problem by day and night. Car-jackers tend to target expensive-looking vehicles, especially 4x4s. We are also aware of reports of armed gangs that ram their intended victim’s vehicles from behind, or attempt to flag them down in order to rob them. Resistance to robbery has resulted in victims being shot dead. Robberies occur frequently on buses. Do not accept pamphlets in the street or major shopping centres, as there have been incidents of these having been impregnated with potent and disorienting drugs which permeate the skin. Tourists’ drinks have also been spiked – do not accept food or drink from strangers who may befriend you in bars or restaurants.
“Express kidnappings” – short-term, opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim – occur in Venezuela. Victims can be targeted or selected at random and held while criminals empty their bank accounts with stolen cash cards. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually released. Tourists and business visitors alike have been targeted.
There is growing concern at the prevalence of all the above types of crime on the island of Margarita. Travellers are advised to exercise particular caution there. There have also been reports of companies offering residency permits for Margarita Island. You should only obtain residency permits from the Venezuelan immigration authority - SAIME. See the Entry Requirements – Visas section of this advice for more details.
For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.
Political Situation
Political opinion in Venezuela is polarised and demonstrations are a regular occurrence. They may take place with little warning and can turn violent. You should exercise caution in Caracas and other major urban centres and avoid large public gatherings. Larger demonstrations are announced in advance in the local media. Please be aware that many Venezuelans carry guns and the police and Guardia Nacional are heavily armed when involved in crowd control situations. Merida, a popular tourist destination in the Andes, has been the scene of frequent demonstrations.
Political tensions between Venezuela and Colombia are particularly heightened. You are advised to monitor local news and regularly check this Travel Advice for any changes, particularly those affecting the frontier region with Colombia.
Local Travel
Travelling to and from Maiquetia Airport (Caracas)
We recommend that you avoid travelling on the road between Caracas and Maiquetia airport during the hours of darkness, particularly between 2300 and 0400hrs. There are fewer cars on the road during this time and the risk of crime is much higher. We advise that you stay in one of the hotels close to the airport if your flight is arriving late at night, or leaving early in the morning. Journey times between the city and the airport can be long and unpredictable and you are advised to allow plenty of time for your journey.
Since October 2008, the National Guard have increased random drug and security checks at Maiquetia Airport. Passengers are being asked by genuine officials to open their luggage for inspection or to accompany an officer to a local hospital for an x-ray. This is a routine security procedure but it has led to some passengers missing their flights. If you are travelling on an international flight you are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure in order to allow time for security procedures.
There have been cases of passengers being robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at the airport and being 'express kidnapped' (see the Crime section of this Travel Advice). You are advised not to board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car. Do not accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall. If you have no alternative but to take a taxi, ensure it is one of those parked at the official taxi rank outside. If possible, you should arrange to be met by friends, business contacts, or tour operators. Only licenced taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used.
The airport itself can be a dangerous place. Be on your guard for bogus officials luring you into a quiet corner on the pretence of carrying out extra security checks. If approached by an officer purporting to be an airport official, even if they are in uniform and/or present credentials, you should try to ensure that you remain in a busy area of the airport and, if possible, check with other airport or airline staff that the official is genuine.
There have been cases of passengers being robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at the airport and being express kidnapped' (see the Crime section of this Travel Advice). You are advised not to board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car. Do not accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall. If you have no alternative but to take a taxi, ensure it is one of those parked at the official taxi rank outside. If possible, you should arrange to be met by friends, business contacts, or tour operators. Only licenced taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used.
Travellers are approached at the airport by individuals offering to exchange foreign currency at black market rates, and those who have done so have in some cases been left with forged local currency. You are advised to exchange currency at official currency exchange booths.
When taking a taxi in Caracas, or other towns or cities, it is advisable to use only pre-booked taxis rather than hailing them in the street. Official taxis have yellow number plates. Hotels will normally book a taxi from a reputable company or supply their own limousine service.
When travelling in the interior of the country, especially in more remote rural areas, you should be aware that ambulance services are not reliable and hospitals often lack adequate medical supplies and equipment. It is advisable to have contact details for nationwide ambulance services, such as ServiMedic Venezuela: Tel: 0212 395 27 03; servimedicvzla@telcel.net.ve, who can help you get back to Caracas or other major cities in the event of an accident.
Road Travel
It is possible to drive in Venezuela on a British driving licence for up to one year. After that it is necessary to obtain a Venezuelan driving licence. You should ensure you have copies of insurance documents, driving licence and passport with you at all times. Failure to produce documents can result in the vehicle being seized by the police. There are regular police and National Guard checkpoints throughout the country. You should drive slowly through these and stop if asked to do so. There have been reports of attempts by the police and National Guard to extract money for spurious reasons. In such cases you may consider asking for a written record giving the basis of the offence and also for the penalising officer’s details. All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack wrench and special reflector triangle. In many areas roads are poor and potholed and a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially during weekends. Many vehicles are in poor condition and drivers routinely ignore red lights, especially at night. In the event of an accident, however badly traffic may be blocked, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives. Insurance companies are unable to pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a Traffic Police accident report.
For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.
Air Travel
Visiting tourist destinations in Venezuela can often involve flying in light aircraft. Safety standards are variable and there have been several significant accidents in recent years on the main tourist routes, including Los Roques and Merida - four with fatal consequences.
In general it is better to seek out established companies operating modern multi-engined aircraft. Local and International travel agents should be able to advise on whether or not the airline has a good safety record.
For more general information see our Airline Security page.
Sea Travel
There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships and small vessels in and around Venezuela's waters, especially east of Puerto La Cruz and in waters between Venezuela and Trinidad. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions and avoid these areas if possible.
For more general information see our River and Sea Safety page.
Local laws and customs
Do not handle illicit drugs. Drug trafficking is a serious problem in Venezuela. Detection methods are sophisticated and drug traffickers should expect to be arrested. Conviction leads to severe penalties, including up to two years being held on remand prior to sentencing. Drug traffickers receive lengthy prison sentences (usually eight to ten years). Conditions in Venezuelan jails are harsh and dangerous, and among the worst in the region. Many prisoners carry firearms and violence is common. It is an offence to photograph military or strategic installations (eg. military airports, and the Presidential Palace). Innocent pastimes such as plane spotting are not recognised as such in Venezuela and should be avoided.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.
Entry requirements
Visas
If you are arriving by air, you can enter for up to 90 days on a tourist card issued on arrival. You should also have a valid return ticket. If you are arriving overland, or by sea, you need to obtain a visa in advance from your nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate. You must not overstay the 90 days or you may be arrested and fined when departing. Extensions of up to 60 days can be arranged at any DIEX (Department for Foreigners of Ministry of Interior) office on payment of a fee plus presentation of passport, tourist card, photograph and return ticket.
If you are resident in Venezuela, the only location where you can apply for or extend your residency permit is the main SAIME Office in Caracas. There have been reports of other ways of obtaining a residency permit, including at least one company offering residency permits for the island of Margarita, but these permits may be of dubious legality and should be avoided.
Passport validity
Your passport should have at least six months’ validity on arrival.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not a requirement to enter Venezuela, but there have been cases where officials have illegitimately fined travellers who have been unable to produce such a certificate. Some airlines travelling to Venezuela will insist you have a Yellow Fever vaccination before boarding the plane unless you can produce your vaccination certificate. You are advised to check with your airline before travelling to Venezuela.
Dual nationality
The Venezuelan Nationality and Citizenship Law, requires any dual national Venezuelan to use their Venezuelan identity documents to enter, reside in and leave the country. Dual British/Venezuelan nationals entering, leaving or residing in Venezuela should ensure that they are in compliance with these Venezuelan Government requirements.
Travelling with children
Adults travelling alone with children should be aware that Venezuelan authorities usually require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before permitting the children to leave the country.
Health
Medical facilities in Venezuela vary widely in quality. In large cities, private clinics provide good quality care for routine treatments. More complex treatments may require evacuation to Miami so you should ensure that your insurance covers this. Public health facilities are poor, with frequent shortages of medicines and funding. This is a problem reflected nationwide, and exacerbated outside major cities by the great distances involved in reaching them.
Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. There has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue Fever across the region in recent years, and in Venezuela's western and south western states in particular.
There have also been cases of Yellow Fever in a number of different states of Venezuela. Many countries in the region, such as Brazil, require those arriving from Venezuela to have proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. You should check with the relevant embassy before you travel.
There have been reports of rabies in bats, in particular in the Amazonas region of Venezuela. If you are travelling to this area and are planning on sleeping or camping outside, it would be advisable to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations before travelling.
Tap water is considered unsafe to drink. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Venezuela you should seek immediate medical attention.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Venezuela and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Further guidance on precautions you can take to protect yourself can be found on the Health Protection Agency website and on the “Travel Health” and “Swine Flu” pages.
Natural disasters
During the rainy season (which runs from May to November, though heavy rains can occur outside this time) there is the possibility of flooding in certain low-lying areas of the country (e.g. the Llanos) and in some valleys in the Andes (Merida State). You should be aware that flooding may affect services and infrastructure, which has been the case on Margarita Island. There is also a higher risk of landslides which can affect transport links, such as roads and motorways.
Venezuela is vulnerable to earthquakes. On 13 September 2009 an off-shore earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck 65 miles from Caracas, causing a number of injuries and damaging buildings and power lines in the coastal town of Porto Cabellos, and in Caracas. If you experience an earthquake whilst in Venezuela, you should monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities..
General
Infrastructure
Water and electricity supplies across the country are currently being rationed so you may find yourself without either of these for short periods of time, sometimes with no notice. You may wish to consider packing a torch.
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all activities you wish to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Consular Registration
If you are staying in Venezuela for more than 90 days, you are advised to register at the British Embassy in Caracas on arrival (tel: 0212 263 8411) or online at the website of the British Embassy Caracas.
Purchasing property We have had reports of growing difficulties with Real Estate/Time-share investments, particularly on the Island of Margarita where title to land/property is not easily established. Potential purchasers are advised to take comprehensive legal advice and exercise caution in any investment transaction.
Money
Strict currency controls are in place in Venezuela, but Bolivars can be obtained in the UK through banks and some travel agencies. It is best to obtain local currency before travelling, where possible. Bureaux de change, including at the airport, will exchange US dollars for Bolivars, as will some major hotels. Some banks (e.g. Banco Mercantil) will buy US dollars for Bolivars or sell Bolivars against a foreign credit card. US dollar travellers' cheques are accepted at most Italcambios offices.
In most towns and all major cities, credit cards are accepted. However, it can be difficult to withdraw cash from ATMs. There is also a serious problem with credit card fraud and cards being "cloned."
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