Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the Orinoco Mining Arc (‘Arco Minero’) region to the south of the Orinoco river. This includes:
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the area to the south of the Orinoco river.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Zulia state.
\n\nIf you are a British national already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary. You should have a ‘personal emergency plan’, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government.
\n\nBefore you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Venezuela’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor local media and stay in contact with your travel provider.
\n\nOn 24 June, Venezuela suffered two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, causing significant damage in La Guaira, parts of Caracas and elsewhere.
\n\nA significant humanitarian response is currently taking place. If in Venezuela, follow the advice of local authorities and stay away from damaged buildings.
\n\nAvailability of commercial flights to and from Venezuela is limited. Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, resumed commercial flight operations on 1 September with limited capacity.
\n\nCommercial international flights are also operating from Valencia (Arturo Michelena International Airport), Barquisimeto (Jacinto Lara International Airport), Barcelona (General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport) and Maracaibo (La Chinita International Airport). Stay in contact with your airline or travel agent/tour operator for the latest travel information and flight updates.
\n\nIf you are affected and need assistance from the UK government, call:
\n\nBe aware of the possibility of earthquake aftershocks. See further information about earthquakes.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance "},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Venezuela’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Venezuela set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Venezuelan Embassy in the UK (in Spanish).
\n\nTo enter Venezuela, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nIf you’re a resident in Venezuela, both your passport and resident visa or permit must be valid at the time of your arrival.
\n\nIf you arrive by air, you can stay for up to 90 days visa-free on a ‘tourist card’, issued on arrival. You must show your return or onward travel ticket.
\n\nIf you’re arriving overland or by sea, you may need to get a visa in advance. Contact the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate for advice.
\n\nYou can apply for an extension of up to 90 days before your tourist card and entry stamp expire. Apply and pay the fee at any SAIME (immigration service) office (in Spanish). If you live in Venezuela, you must apply at the main regional SAIME office of the state where you are living.
\n\nIf you overstay your allowed time, you may be arrested and fined when trying to leave Venezuela.
\n\nIf you aren’t visiting for tourism, you must get a visa before travelling to Venezuela. It must be related to the purpose and duration of your stay. This includes visits related to work of any nature, whether paid or unpaid, including for:
\n\nYou will also need a visa if you are coming to Venezuela to study or for an internship.
\n\nContact the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate for information on how to obtain a visa.
\n\nIf you’re a Venezuelan dual national, you must use your Venezuelan identity documents for entry and departure of the country. The authorities may not allow you to depart Venezuela if you are not in possession of a valid Venezuelan passport, as required by law.
\n\nChildren travelling unaccompanied, with a guardian, or with one parent, must provide a travel permit from the non-travelling parent(s). This permit is available from the nearest local SAREN (Servicio Autónomo de Registros y Notarías) office, or the respective Court for Children and Adolescents.
\n\nIf the child is resident overseas, you can get the permit from the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate.
\n\nThe child should carry this travel permit while travelling within the country and also at time of departure from Venezuela. Children may be denied exit from the country otherwise.
\n\nTo enter Venezuela from Brazil, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Venezuela guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Venezuela. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou must declare any goods, including personal luggage, worth more than 1,000 US dollars. You may have to pay import tax if your goods appear to be new.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques worth 10,000 US dollars or more when entering Venezuela. You must pay tax on the excess.
\n\nMost local businesses accept payment in local currency, US dollars or by international card. Some card machines do not work with international cards.
\n\nIf you find your bank cards do not work, you can arrange for friends and family overseas to deposit funds through Western Union and pick up the deposited funds at any Grupo Zoom branch.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Venezuela.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Venezuela cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe UK does not accept the legitimacy of the current administration in Venezuela.
\n\nOn 3 January, Venezuelan authorities announced a ‘state of external commotion’ due to air strikes on targets across the country.
\n\nThe political and security situation in Venezuela remains uncertain. Consular access and support to British nationals in Venezuela may be severely limited. If you choose to travel to Venezuela, monitor developments closely through local and international media and keep up to date with this travel advice.
\n\nFollowing the earthquakes on 24 June, La Guaira was declared a ‘disaster zone’ and is currently under military control with strict access controls.
\n\nThere is currently a visible security presence in major cities, including Caracas. Members of the security services are unlikely to speak English.
\n\nThere are regular police and security checkpoints throughout the country. Drive slowly through these and stop if asked. There have been reports of attempts by the police and security services to extract bribes at check points, including for traffic offences.
\n\nThere are strict controls at border crossings, both via land and at airports. Some foreigners, including British nationals, have been questioned extensively on the reasons for their visit. This can involve being held at the airport for hours or days and can result in deportation. Whilst checks are being carried out you may not be allowed to contact relatives, friends nor the British Embassy.
\n\nSome foreign nationals, including Europeans, have been detained and accused of terrorism in Venezuela. In some cases, the relevant embassy has not been able to support those detained. Support from FCDO to any British nationals who are detained may be severely limited.
\n\nPublic services – including healthcare and security, and the supply of electricity, water and fuel – can be limited, particularly outside of Caracas. Prolonged power cuts can affect living conditions and cut mobile networks and internet. Consider storing tinned food and water.
\n\nSome flights have previously been delayed or cancelled at short notice. Keep in close contact with your airline or travel agent to see if your flight is affected.
\n\nDemonstrations and gatherings can turn violent and could be dispersed by the use of force, including with the use of rubber bullets and tear gas. Avoid political rallies, demonstrations and crowds, and do not cross security-force lines or barricades.
\n\nArmed robbery, mugging, carjacking and burglary are common in parts of Venezuela and can be accompanied by extreme violence. Do not resist an attacker. Remain alert and avoid displaying electronics or valuables while on the street or in a vehicle. Avoid public transport. A number of robberies, including at gunpoint, have taken place on public transport.
\n\nUse pre-booked taxis only. Hotels will normally book a taxi from a reputable company or supply their own service.
\n\nIn many rural areas, the authority of the Venezuelan state is limited, and the British Embassy’s ability to help British nationals in trouble in these areas will also be limited. Mobile and internet connection in rural areas is often limited.
\n\nIllegal armed groups and criminal gangs are active in states along Venezuela’s borders and where illegal mining or drugs trafficking is common. The risk is particularly significant in:
\n\nZulia, Tachira and Apure states
\nthe Orinoco Mining Arc area of Amazonas, Bolívar and Delta Amacuro states, including the Orinoco River
\nAlways carry identification with you. You can carry copies of the photo page of your passport and your entry stamp. Keep your passport in a safe place where you can access it quickly if you need to. Local security forces may ask you to show ID at any time, particularly at police checkpoints. If you cannot produce it, you could be arrested and detained pending an investigation.
\n\nDrug trafficking is a serious crime in Venezuela. Detection methods are sophisticated, and drug traffickers should expect to be arrested. Conviction leads to a lengthy prison sentence of between 8 and 15 years. Conditions in Venezuelan jails are harsh, dangerous, and among the worst in the region.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph military or strategic installations, including military airports and the presidential palace. Avoid plane spotting.
\n\nInternet service is generally slow outside of major cities. Mobile network operators run modern 4G (LTE) networks in most major cities, while they also operate slower legacy 3G (WCDMA) networks for their nationwide voice and data services.
\n\nIn Venezuela, power outages are frequent and can occur without warning, often due to infrastructure challenges and weather conditions. These can be both localised and nationwide, and may vary in duration. Power cuts can affect mobile signals and internet across the whole country, including Caracas. Keep in contact with your airline or travel agent as flights can be delayed or cancelled when there are power cuts.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are not illegal. However, showing affection in public will most likely be frowned on by locals and may receive negative attention from the police and other security forces. Venezuelan law does not recognise same-sex partnerships, so same-sex partners have no rights as next of kin.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThe age of consent in Venezuela is 18 and sex with anyone 17 and under is illegal. Offenders face long jail sentences.
\n\nThe 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 normally in place.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nBe especially vigilant around Maiquetia airport due to the risk of criminal activity. Some travellers have previously been targeted at the arrival or departure terminals, at the airport’s car park and during travel to or from the airport. If you show signs of wealth this could lead to targeting by criminals.
\n\nYou are at most risk when travelling to and from the airport at night. There have previously been armed robberies on buses on this route. Ideally, arrange for friends, business contacts or your tour operator to meet you at the airport. If that’s not possible, consider travelling by licensed taxi from the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall. Do not accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall and do not get into a taxi if there are passengers already in the car.
\n\nThe National Guard carries out random drug and security checks at Maiquetia Airport, particularly on departure. Departing passengers are sometimes asked to accompany an officer to a local hospital for an X-ray. Beware of fake security officials. If you’re in any doubt ask other airline or airport staff.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Venezuela for up to one year, and after that you will need a Venezuelan driving licence. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nHeavy rains and lack of maintenance can affect road conditions. Get local advice about your route before you set out, leave plenty of time for your journey and keep to the main roads. Avoid travelling after dark. All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack and reflector triangle.
\n\nFuel shortages are common across all parts of the country outside Caracas. Not all petrol stations accept international cards so you may need to pay with local currency or US dollars. Pay the correct price, as petrol stations do not usually give any change. You should check the local situation ahead of any travel.
\n\nThere are regular police and National Guard checkpoints throughout the country. Drive slowly through these and stop if asked. There have been reports of attempts by the police and National Guard to extract bribes at check points, including for traffic offences.
\n\nDriving under the influence of alcohol is illegal but common, especially at weekends. Many vehicles are in poor condition and drivers routinely ignore red lights.
\n\nIf you’re in a traffic accident, you must stay at the scene until the traffic police arrive. Police can seize your vehicle if you cannot show them your insurance documents, driving licence and passport. You can show a copy of your passport as long as you can show both the photo page and the entry stamp. Insurance companies will not pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a police accident report.
\n\nAvailability of flights to and from Venezuela remains limited. Stay in contact with your airline or travel agent/tour operator for up-to-date information on your itinerary.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Venezuela that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the ASL when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nCheck whether your tour operator has concerns about airlines in Venezuela.
\n\nSome flights have previously been delayed or cancelled at short notice. Keep in close contact with your airline or travel agent to see if your flight is affected.
\n\nThere have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery in and around Venezuela’s waters, especially east of Puerto La Cruz and in waters between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.
\n\nIf you’re travelling by sea, read about the regional risks at sea.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe hurricane season runs from June to November and affects parts of northern Venezuela. Follow the weather reports on local TV and radio. You can also monitor weather updates online from the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center. Always follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nDuring the rainy season from May to November there may be flooding in low-lying areas (for example, the Llanos) and in some valleys in the Andes, mainly in Merida State. There may be disruption to transport, services and infrastructure.
\n\nOn 24 June, Venezuela suffered two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, causing significant damage in La Guaira, parts of Caracas and elsewhere.
\n\nThere is an ongoing risk of earthquakes in Venezuela. Monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Venezuela. It only covers regions where Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nDrug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active along the border areas with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.
\n\nAvoid crossing between Venezuela and Colombia by land.
\n\nCrossing the border from Brazil can be a lengthy process.
\n\nThere is no official land border crossing between Venezuela and Guyana, which is covered by dense jungle. Avoid crossing between Venezuela and Guyana by land.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the Orinoco Mining Arc (‘Arco Minero’) region to the south of the Orinoco river. This includes:
\n\nIllegal armed groups are active in the ‘Arco Minero’ and involved in criminal activities, particularly in remote areas.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to the area to the south of the Orinoco river, where drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Zulia state due to the presence of illegal armed groups and ongoing crime and violence.
\n\nAlmost all states outside Caracas are experiencing issues, including criminality, prolonged power cuts, water and fuel shortages and a general lack of essential services.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a pre-existing health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 911 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nNationwide ambulance services like AeroAm (in Spanish) can help you get back to Caracas or other major cities if you’re in an accident.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Venezuela, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Venezuela, mainly in the Andean region of the country: Mérida, Táchira and Trujillo states. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Federation has reported a shortage of 80% of medical supplies due to the economic crisis. Make sure you bring enough medication for your stay, including extra medication in case your return is delayed.
\n\nMedical facilities in Venezuela vary widely in quality. In large cities, private clinics provide acceptable care for routine treatments but are vulnerable to acute shortages of medical supplies and medicines. More complex treatments may require evacuation. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nPublic 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Venezuela where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Venezuela on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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