South America and South Atlantic Islands
Venezuela
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Still current at: 03 July 2009
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Updated: 10 June 2009
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Health section (Swine Flu). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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There is a confirmed case of A (H1N1) (swine flu) in Venezuela (source: Venezuelan Health & Social Welfare Ministry). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
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We advise against all travel to within 80 kms (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira and Apure. Terrorist and illegal armed groups are active in these states and there is a risk of kidnapping.
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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. People carrying large amounts of money, wearing valuable watches or jewellery or using mobile phones in the street are especially vulnerable. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
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The road to and from the airport to Caracas is dangerous and there have been muggings and kidnappings by bogus taxi operators at Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia). Where possible you should avoid travelling on this route during hours of darkness, and particularly between 2300 and 0400hrs when there are few vehicles on the road. Journey times can be unpredictable and you should allow plenty of time for any journey to and from the airport.
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Since October 2008, the National Guard have increased random drug and security checks at Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia). This has led to some passengers missing their flights. We advise travellers on international flights to arrive at the airport three hours before departure, in order to allow time for security procedures. Please see the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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Around 13,000 British nationals visit Venezuela every year. The main types of incident for which British nationals have required consular assistance in Venezuela in 2007 were lost or stolen passports and arrests and detention for drug offences. 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 advice for more details.
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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. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been no significant terrorist attacks in Venezuela in recent years, but there have been a number of small explosions caused by improvised explosive devices, most recently in February 2008, when four small explosions occurred at various locations in the city of Caracas. These incidents are believed to be related to the internal and regional political situation. You should exercise vigilance and be especially wary of suspect packages and parcels.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
We advise against all travel to within 80 kms (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira and Apure. Terrorist and illegal armed groups are active in these states and there is a risk of kidnapping.
There is a constant risk of street crime (often armed), especially in Caracas and other cities, but also throughout Venezuela, including on beaches. Contrary to the advice in at least one widely used travel guide, we consider that Sabana Grande is not a safe area in which to stay in Caracas. Relatively 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.
There is a constant risk of street crime (often armed), especially in Caracas and other cities, but also throughout Venezuela, including on beaches. Contrary to the advice in at least one widely used travel guide, we consider that Sabana Grande is not a safe area in which to stay in Caracas. Relatively 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. You should not resist if you are subject to an armed hold-up. 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 – continue 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 quickly released. Tourists and business visitors have been targeted.
There are growing concerns about the incidence of all of the above types of crime on the island of Margarita. Travellers are advised to exercise particular caution there. We have also been made aware of companies offering residency permits for Margarita Island. You should only obtain residency permits from the Venezuelan immigration authority, Oni-Dex. See the Entry Requirements – Visas section of this advice for more details.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
There are growing concerns about the incidence of all of the above types of crime on the island of Margarita. Travellers are advised to exercise particular caution there. We have also been made aware of companies offering residency permits for Margarita Island. You should only obtain residency permits from the Venezuelan immigration authority, Oni-Dex. See the Entry Requirements – Visas section of this advice for more details.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Political opinion in Venezuela is polarised. Demonstrations are a regular occurrence in Venezuela. 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,. Many Venezuelans carry guns and the police and Guardia Nacional are heavily armed when involved in crowd control situations.
Venezuala Country Profile
Local Travel
Travelling to and from Maiquegtia Airport (Caracas)
Journey times on the road between Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia) and Caracas can be long and unpredictable. You are advised to allow plenty of time for your journey.
Journey times on the road between Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia) and Caracas can be long and unpredictable. You are advised to allow plenty of time for your journey.
We recommend that you avoid travelling on the road between Caracas and its international airport (Maiquetia) during the hours of darkness, particularly between 2300 and 0400hrs. There are fewer cars on the road at 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.
Since October 2008, the National Guard have increased random drug and security checks at Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia). 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 3 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 Caracas Internationl Airport (Maiquetia) and being “express kidnapped” (see Crime section). 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 licensed taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used.
There have been cases of passengers being robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at Caracas Internationl Airport (Maiquetia) and being “express kidnapped” (see Crime section). 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 licensed 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 several instances of travellers being overcharged when paying airport tax for both international flights and internal flights within Venezuela. You are advised always to check the amount printed on the receipt issued for the tax (normally a sticker affixed to the back of your ticket) before handing over any money. Currently the airport tax from Caracas to Margarita Island is US$8Since 1 March 2008 an International Departure Tax of BsF 115 for most destinations has to be paid in cash at the airport (approximately $60 but you should check the official exchange rate). Check with your airline before agreeing to pay anything extra.
We are aware of reports that travellers have been 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 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.
Travelling within Venezuela
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: Telephone 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.
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: Telephone 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 Driving Abroad.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
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 since 2003 on the main tourist routes, including Los Roques and Merida and more recently 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 Airline Security.
For more general information see Airline Security.
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 River and Sea Safety.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
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 Oni-Dex 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 jab 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, which came into force in January 2005, 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
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert phase to Level 6. See the WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html for further details.
There is a confirmed case of A (H1N1) (swine flu) in Venezuela (source: Venezuelan Health & Social Welfare Minsitry). Doctors are checking travellers at all ports and airports for signs of illness. As part of Venezuela's preventative measures passengers are required to complete health declaration form on arrival.
The British Government will not be in the position to offer evacuation to British nationals in the event of an influenza pandemic.
You should take personal responsibility for your safety in the event of a future pandemic, including access to adequate healthcare and ensuring that your travel documents are up to date.
Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.
Further guidance on precautions you can take to protect yourself can be found on the Health Protection Agency website and on the FCO website at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu
Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue across the region, a trend that has continued into 2008 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 especially if planning on sleeping or camping outside, it might be prudent 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 HIV and AIDS.
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.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
During the rainy season (which normally 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 4 May 2009 tremors radiating from an earthquake with an epicentre in Los Teques (just outside of Caracas) were felt in Caracas and elsewhere in the country.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
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.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
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 on-line at 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 remain 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 where possible before travelling. 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 withdrawing cash from ATMs. There is also a serious problem with credit card fraud and cards being "cloned."
In most towns and all major cities, credit cards are accepted. However, it can be difficult to withdrawing cash from ATMs. There is also a serious problem with credit card fraud and cards being "cloned."
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Venezuela, Caracas, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
Torre La Castellana, Piso 11
Avenida La Principal de la Castellana
La Castellana
Caracas 1061
Fax:
+58 (0)212 267-1275
Email: britishembassy@internet.ve
Office hours:
GMT: Mon-Thurs: 1200-2030; Fri: 1200-1715
Local Time: Mon-Thurs: 0800-1630; Fri: 0800-1315
Consular Section
GMT: Mon-Fri: 1200-1600
Local Time: 0800-1200
Passport/Notarial collection:
GMT: Mon-Fri 1200-1600
Local Time: 0800-1200
Emergency number for British Nationals who need Embassy assistance: Mobile Number: +58 416 610 2118 (Please call this number outside of the above Embassy Operating Hours)
Website: http://ukinvenezuela.fco.gov.uk/en
