Genvisec advises that all travel to Venezuela should be done with security support. The country is not a place for the casual traveller at the current time. We advise against all travel to within 80km (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 state. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active in these states and there is a risk of kidnapping. The opening hours of the land border crossings with Colombia have been reduced as a measure to fight smuggling. Until further notice, borders will remain closed from 6pm until 5am.

 

Crime

Kidnappings occur in Venezuela. Although most kidnap victims are Venezuelan residents, foreigners have also been victims. Remain alert at all times.

 

‘Express kidnappings’ - short-term, opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from victims through their family or employer - also occur in Venezuela. Tourists and business visitors may be targeted. This type of crime has increased in all major cities within Venezuela but with higher levels reported in Caracas, particularly in and around the airport. Be vigilant at all times.

 

Sabana Grande is not a safe area in which to stay in Caracas; cheap hotels can be found in safer areas like Chacao, La Castellana and Altamira. Don’t visit ‘barrios’ (heavily populated slums), as many of these are unsafe. British nationals walking in the Avila National Park have been robbed at gunpoint.

 

Car-jacking is a problem by day and night. Car-jackers target expensive-looking vehicles, especially 4x4s. Armed gangs have rammed vehicles from behind, or flagged them down to rob them. Robberies occur frequently on buses.

 

There is a high risk of street crime (often armed) throughout Venezuela, especially in the major cities and on beaches, including on the popular tourist island of Margarita where there have been several incidents of armed robbery. Resistance to robbery has resulted in victims being shot dead. Take care at all times.

 

You should remain vigilant and be aware that common crimes such as mugging and pick pocketing are often accompanied by violence. Avoid displays of wealth, including visibly displaying your mobile phone. Take care if you make or receive calls. You can reduce the possibility of your phone being detected by criminals by switching off functions like Bluetooth and Wi-fi.

 

The risk of crime is higher after dark. Try not to go out alone. Don’t camp on or visit beaches after dark.

 

Don’t 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. Don’t accept food or drink from strangers.

 

Travelling to and from Maiquetia Airport (Caracas)

 

There are reports of criminal groups operating in the Maiquetia airport area. Members of these groups work inside the airport to spot passengers who appear to be wealthy and then inform car hijackers and muggers waiting in the roads outside the airport. Some passengers have been followed from the airport and assaulted on the way or on arrival to their destination in Caracas. You should avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronic items.

 

Avoid travelling on the road between Caracas and Maiquetia airport during the hours of darkness. There are fewer cars on the road during this time and the risk of crime is much higher. Stay in an airport hotel if your flight is arriving late at night, or leaving early in the morning.

 

There have been armed robberies on buses travelling to Maiquetia Airport, and along Avenida de La Libertador in Caracas. Consider travelling by licensed taxi instead.

 

The National Guard carry out random drug and security checks at Maiquetia Airport. Passengers are sometimes asked to accompany an officer to a local hospital for an x-ray. If you are travelling on an international flight arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to allow time for these checks. Beware of bogus security officials. If you are in any doubt ask other airline or airport staff.

 

Beware of bogus taxi-drivers at the airport. Don’t accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall and don’t board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car. If you have to take a taxi, use a licensed taxi from the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall. Ideally, arrange to be met by friends, business contacts, or tour operators.

 

Passengers have been robbed when returning to their cars at the airport car park. Be vigilant at all times. If you are coming to Venezuela to work, we advise that you bring with you a letter from your employer and your local contact organisation details (including a Spanish translation), as there have been occasions when passengers have been hassled for bribes. Exchange currency at official exchange booths only.

 

Road travel

 

Venezuela has suffered heavy rains over the last few years and this has affected road conditions. Shanty towns built on hillsides are particularly vulnerable to landslides. Several bridges and some inter-state roads in Venezuela have been badly damaged, with some bridges now being impassable. Seek local advice before you set out, leave plenty of time for your journey, and stick to the main roads. The most heavily affected states are Aragua, Carabobo, Capital District (Caracas) and Falcon.

 

You can drive in Venezuela using an EU driving licence for up to 1 year. After that you will need to get a Venezuelan driving licence. Make sure you have copies of insurance documents, driving licence and passport with you at all times. Failure to produce documents can result in your vehicle being seized by the police.

 

There are regular police and National Guard checkpoints throughout the country. 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 bribes. Ask for a written record giving details of the offence and the officer’s details.

 

All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack wrench and special reflector triangle.  

Driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially during weekends. Many vehicles are in poor condition and drivers routinely ignore red lights. In the event of an accident, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a traffic police officer arrives. Insurance companies won’t pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a police accident report.

 

Only use 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.

 

Don’t hitchhike.

 

Air travel  

 

Tourist travel can often involve flying in light aircraft. There have been several accidents in recent years on the main tourist routes, including Los Roques, Canaima and Merida - some with fatalities.

 

In 2009 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Venezuela.

 

The ban on Venezuelan airline Conviasa flying into the EU was lifted on 10 July 2013 following improvements in safety.

 

You may need to pay a departure tax before entering the security baggage check area for departures. This can only be paid in cash in local currency. Check with your airline before agreeing to pay anything extra.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against boats in and around Venezuela’s waters, especially east of Puerto La Cruz and in waters between Venezuela and Trinidad. Take suitable precautions and avoid these areas if possible.

 

Beaches

 

The waters of the Caribbean can be deceptive. There are strong currents and undertows in some areas that can make swimming hazardous. Lifeguards and warnings are not always in place.

 

Electricity

 

Power cuts occur and you may find yourself without water or electricity for short periods of time. Consider packing a torch.

 

Political situation

 

There are frequent political demonstrations in Caracas and other large towns. They may take place with little warning and can turn violent, including the use of guns. The police and National Guard (Guardia Nacional) are heavily armed. You should avoid large public gatherings.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t handle illegal 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 2 years on remand before sentencing and then a lengthy prison sentence of between 8 to 10 years). Conditions in Venezuelan jails are harsh and dangerous, and among the worst in the region.

 

It is an offence to photograph military or strategic installations including military airports and the Presidential Palace. Avoid plane spotting.

 

Certain types of groceries are sometimes rationed and you may only be able to buy limited quantities of these items in shops and supermarkets.

 

Money

Strict currency controls are in place in Venezuela. Bureaux de change will exchange US dollars and US dollar travellers’ cheques for Bolivars.

 

Use official currency exchange booths only. Don’t use the black market. You may be given counterfeit local currency. There is no facility for changing Bolivars to US dollars, or any other currency, when leaving Venezuela.

 

Credit cards are accepted in most towns and all major cities. It can be difficult to withdraw cash from ATMs with UK bank cards. Branches of Banco Mercantil and Banesco have worked for some travellers. Sometimes the ATM will ask you for a 2 digit identification number after you have selected the amount to withdraw. If you are asked for this, input 00. There is a serious problem with credit card fraud and cards being cloned. Take care whenever you are using your credit or debit cards.

 

If you run out of money and discover that your bank cards do not work, you can arrange with friends and family overseas to deposit funds into any Western Union, and pick up the deposited funds at any Grupo Zoom branch.

 

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. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Public health facilities are poor, with frequent shortages of medicines and funding. Ambulance services in remote areas are unreliable and hospitals often lack adequate medical supplies and equipment.

 

The Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Federation has reported that there is a shortage of 50% of medication supplies due to the economic crisis. Make sure you bring enough medication for your stay. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial one of the following numbers to ask for an ambulance:

 

from a land line - 911 or 171

from a mobile phone – Digitel: SOS (767); Movilnet: *1; Movistar: 911

Nationwide ambulance services like Primera Respuesta and AeroAm can help you get back to Caracas or other major cities in the event of an accident.

 

Contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Dengue fever and malaria are present throughout the country, although the central and southern states are the most affected, especially during or shortly after the rainy season between September and March.

 

Cases of Chikunyunga virus have been confirmed in Venezuela and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre.

 

Tap water is unsafe to drink. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. 

 

Natural disasters

The hurricane season runs from around 1 June to 30 November, and can affect parts of northern Venezuela. Keep an eye on weather reports on local TV and radio. You can also monitor weather updates on-line from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. See our tropical cylones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

 

During the rainy season from May to November there may be flooding in low-lying areas (eg the Llanos) and in some valleys in the Andes (Merida State). There may be disruption to transport, services and infrastructure.

 

Venezuela is vulnerable to earthquakes. Monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities 

 

Visas

 

If you are arriving by air, you can enter for up to 90 days on a tourist card issued on arrival. You must have a valid return ticket. If you are arriving overland, or by sea, you must get a visa in advance from your nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate.

 

Don’t overstay the 90 days or you may be arrested and fined when departing. Extensions of up to 90 days can be arranged at any SAIME (immigration service) office for a fee but you must before apply your tourist card expires.

 

If you are living in Venezuela, the only place where you can apply for or extend your residency permit is the main SAIME office in Caracas. Avoid companies offering residency permits as they may not be genuine.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Venezuela.

 

The Venezuelan authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Availability of flight tickets

 

Several international airlines have reduced their availability of flights to and from Venezuela as a result of the current economic situation and the control of exchange of foreign currency. This has made it more difficult to buy flight tickets, especially if you need to pay in local currency (bolivares). The availability of tickets denominated in foreign currency on international travel websites is higher, but still limited, and prices tend to increase quickly. Some flights have been cancelled or postponed at short notice. You should plan your trip well in advance and contact your travel company or airline for more information.

 

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 one. Some airlines travelling to Venezuela will insist you have a Yellow Fever vaccination. Check with your airline before you travel.

 

Dual nationality

 

Any dual national Venezuelan must use their Venezuelan identity documents to enter and leave the country.

 

Travelling with children

 

Children travelling unaccompanied, with a guardian, or with one parent must provide a letter from the non-travelling parent(s) confirming that they are satisfied for the child to travel without them. This letter must include all the travel details and must be notarised by a local notary public. If the child is resident overseas, the letter must be notarised by the nearest Venezuelan consulate/embassy. The child should carry this letter while travelling within in the country and also when leaving Venezuela. Children may be denied exit from the country if they do not have this letter.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Venezuela. The ETD must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Venezuela. Usual visa requirements for land and sea arrivals apply.