About Venezuela

Travel Advice

For security reasons, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• within 80 km (50 miles) of the Colombian border
• within 40 km (25 miles) of the Brazilian border
• to Zulia State

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of Venezuela, due to ongoing crime and instability.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active along the border area with Colombia and Brazil and there is a risk of kidnapping. See Crime.

Almost all states outside Caracas are experiencing increased crime and instability, including prolonged power cuts as well as water and fuel shortages and a general lack of essential services. Zulia State (bordering Colombia) is subject to prolonged power cuts, water shortages, violence and local conflict. See Crime.

In the event of prolonged power cuts and/or a deterioration on the political or security situation, the British Embassy may be limited in the assistance that it can provide. You should remain vigilant, avoid all demonstrations (tear gas and buck shot can be used), monitor developments closely and keep up to date with this travel advice. You should consider storing several days’ worth of dried/tinned food and water.

Power cuts also affect mobile signals and internet. Caracas International Airport is often affected during power failures, causing flights to be delayed or cancelled. This could affect your ability to depart Venezuela. You should remain in close contact with your airline or travel agent to see if your flight is affected.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Venezuela. See Terrorism

Consular support is not available in many parts of Venezuela. We cannot provide any support in areas where we advise against all travel.

If you’re in Venezuela and need urgent help, call the British Embassy Caracas on +58 (212) 3195800 or +58 (212) 2638411. If you have data access only, you can contact us online via our webform or via our Facebook or Twitter accounts. If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Venezuela, call the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Venezuela on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

Commercial flights to and from Venezuela remain very limited.

Websites contain very limited information. You should contact and remain in touch with your airline, tour operator or preferred local travel agent for further details on upcoming schedules, availability of seats (including onward connecting flights to the UK), and associated costs.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Venezuela.

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, quarantine is mandatory. You must follow the instructions of the local health authorities. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Venezuela

Social/community-wide quarantine and bans on inter-state travel measures have been lifted. Inter-state travel no longer requires a special permit or “salvoconducto” to be issued by the regional REDI or ZODI authorities.

The use of face covering is mandatory at all times, including when travelling via land in private vehicles.

Certain municipalities might be under stricter lockdown than others depending on the number of COVID-19 infections reported. Stay informed through local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Accommodation

Most hotels are open and able to receive guests. Private accommodation rental remains possible, although with reduced availability.

Some hotels may require guests to either be COVID-19 tested or provide proof of vaccination before allowing them to check-in into their premises, please confirm any specific requirements in advance.

Public places and services

Social/community-wide quarantine and bans on inter-state travel measures have been lifted.

The supply of fuel is severely limited.

Health

For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should call either of the designated local numbers 0800VIGILAN (0800844526) or 0800COVID19 (08002684319) for a medical assessment and advice on what steps you must take (Spanish only).

You may also seek private medical advice or attention if you consider appropriate. Bear in mind that private medical treatment is extremely costly in Venezuela. Private clinics often require individuals to have valid private medical insurance with sufficient coverage, or to pay costs in advance in order to receive treatment.

COVID-19 testing is mostly handled by private laboratories and costs must be covered privately.

Some COVID-19 testing remains possible, although with very limited availability, within the public health system through CDIs (centros de diagnóstico integral) and a designated network of public hospitals or “hospitales centinela” throughout the country. Testing using the public health system usually takes between 24 and 48 hours. If you test positive you must follow the instructions of the local health authorities.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

View Health for further details on healthcare in Venezuela.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Help and support

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Crime

There is a high threat from violent crime and kidnapping throughout Venezuela, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Armed robbery, mugging, carjacking, and burglary are all common and are often accompanied by extreme levels of violence – do not resist an attacker. These crimes can occur on the street or the beach, in supermarket queues or when travelling in private vehicles or public transport, or indoors. Remain alert and avoid using your mobile phone or displaying other electronic equipment or valuables on the street or in a vehicle.

Private security services, including the use of armoured cars, are increasingly becoming the standard for business and official visitors and residents. Use of armoured vehicles is now common in Caracas, especially after dark and for transport to/from the airport.

In Caracas, reasonably priced hotels can be found in safer areas such as Chacao district. Do not visit ‘barrios’ (heavily populated slums), not even on organised tours, as these are unsafe. British nationals walking in the Avila National Park have been robbed at knife/gunpoint. If you want to visit the Avila then stick to popular trails and times (usually the morning) and where possible, go in a group and with someone who knows the park.

Only use pre-booked taxis rather than hailing them in the street. Hotels will normally book a taxi from a reputable company or supply their own vehicle service.

Avoid public transport. A number of robberies at gunpoint have been reported on the Caracas metro. There are regular reports of passengers being robbed on public buses.

Travel

The borders with Bonaire (sea) and Curaçao (sea and air) re-opened on 3 April 2023, and borders with Aruba (sea) re-opened on 1 May 2023. The borders with Trinidad & Tobago (air) re-opened from 13 May 2023. There are no direct air services between Venezuela and the USA. The land borders with Brazil and Colombia can take time to cross and can be dangerous. If you’re planning travel in the region on any of these routes, contact your travel company for more information.

You should take particular care to check the local situation ahead of any travel to Canaima National Park and the Gran Sabana area of Bolívar State. Occasionally, protests by locals have led to the closure (sometimes for days) of Canaima airport and main roads (eg parts of Road 10 between El Callao and the Brazilian border). Some shortages of fuel and other essentials exist across parts of the country.

There have been reports of bribes being solicited by authorities at Maiquetia (Caracas) International Airport. Normal check-in for flights is 2-3 hours in advance. Police and immigration checks can be lengthy – passengers must ensure their bags pass a drugs enforcement check just after check-in. Departure taxes are normally included in the price of a ticket, except at Puerto Ordaz Airport. Check with your airline before paying anything extra.

Do not make any non-official payments at airports and ask for a receipt for any customs duty payments you make. If you bring any personal items or merchandise into the country with a total value of over US$1,000 which are considered to be “new”, you will need to pay import duty. Further details on import duty taxes can be found on the Venezuelan customs authority (SENIAT) website (in Spanish).

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. A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network. The International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out its most recent audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Venezuela in 2013.

Safety concerns have been raised about INSEL Air and Avior airlines ROI (Avior Venezuela) which is banned from entering the European Union. UK government officials have been told to avoid using both airlines.

Travelling to and from Maiquetia Airport (Caracas)

Criminal groups operate 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 on the roads outside the airport. Some passengers have been followed from the airport and assaulted on the way to or on arrival at their destination in Caracas. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, electronic items or other valuables; don’t bring large amounts of cash to Venezuela; and be alert at all times. Passengers have also been robbed when returning to their cars at the airport car park.

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. Don’t stay at an airport hotel unless you can make safe transport arrangements between the hotel and the airport.

There have been armed robberies on buses travelling to Maiquetia Airport, and along Avenida Libertador in Caracas. Ideally, arrange to be met at the airport by friends, business contacts, or your tour operator. If that isn’t possible, consider travelling by licensed taxi. If you have to take a taxi, use a licensed taxi from the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall.

Beware of bogus taxi-drivers at the airport. Don’t accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall and do not board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car.

If you’re coming to Venezuela to work, bring a letter from your employer and your local contact organisation details (including a Spanish translation). There have been occasions when passengers have been asked for bribes at the airport. Exchange currency at official exchange booths only.

The 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 bogus security officials; if you’re in any doubt ask other airline or airport staff.

Road travel

Heavy rains and lack of maintenance can affect road conditions. Seek local advice about your route before you set out, leave plenty of time for your journey and stick to the main roads. Avoid travelling after dark.

You should take particular care to check the local situation ahead of any travel and particularly to Canaima National Park and the Gran Sabana areas of Bolívar State. Fuel shortages are fairly common across all parts of the country although were not as severe during 2021. Fuel is best paid in a set amount of US dollars according to how much is needed, rather than simply filling up the tank. Change will normally not be given.

You can drive in Venezuela using a British 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 and reflector triangle. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal but 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 will not pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a police accident report.

You should avoid hitchhiking and cycling at all costs.

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.

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 normally in place.

Security incidents are common on beaches at any time of day. Beach clubs can offer better security as can going with people that know the area.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Venezuela.

There 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. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Do not handle illegal drugs. Drug trafficking is considered a serious crime 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 and 15 years. Conditions in Venezuelan jails are harsh and dangerous, and among the worst in the region.

You should carry identification with you at all times. You can carry a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport and keep the original document in a safe place. You may be asked to show a form of ID at any time by local security forces, particularly at police checkpoints.

Sex with a child (in Venezuela this means under 18 years old) is illegal. Offenders will face long-term jail sentences.

Homosexuality is not considered a crime in Venezuelan law. Public displays of affection, although not illegal, will most likely be frowned upon and may attract unwanted attention from locals and/or security forces, particularly at police checkpoints. Please note that local legislation does not recognise same sex partnerships/relationships in any capacity nor confer any civil rights to same sex partners as next of kin. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Venezuela is poorly equipped for disabled individuals. Wheelchair ramps are available only at a few upmarket hotels and restaurants, as hardly any office, shop, or bank provides special facilities for disabled people, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are virtually non-existent. Very few disabled parking spaces are available

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

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Venezuela set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Venezuela’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

From 4 May 2023, all COVID-19 specific entry requirements are suspended. Venezuela no longer requires any proof of vaccination, a negative test result nor a COVID-19 recovery certificate to enter the country, regardless of your vaccination status.

All travellers are still required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (Formulario de Localización de Pasajero) upon arrival at port of entry.

Transiting through Venezuela on your way to another country is permitted. See Check your passport and travel documents before you travel below.

For further information about transiting through Venezuela please contact your airline or tour operator.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

If you’re visiting Venezuela, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the day you plan to leave Venezuela.

If you’re a resident in Venezuela, your passport must be valid at the time of your arrival. Your residence visa/permit must also be valid.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

If you’re 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’re arriving overland or by sea, you must get a visa in advance from your nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate.

If you are overstay the 90 days you may be arrested and fined when departing. Extensions of up to 90 days can be arranged at any SAIME (immigration service) for a fee but you must apply before your tourist card and stamp expire. If you are living in Venezuela, the only place where you can apply for or extend your residency permit is the main regional SAIME office of the state where you are living in. Avoid companies offering residency permits as they may not be genuine.

Dual nationality

Any dual national Venezuelan citizens must use their Venezuelan identity documents to enter and leave the country. The authorities may not allow you to depart Venezuela otherwise.

Travelling with children

Children travelling unaccompanied, with a guardian, or with one parent must provide a travel permit from the non-travelling parent(s) confirming that they consent for the child to travel without them. This permit must include all the relevant travel details and must be obtained through the nearest local SAREN office, or the respective Court for Children and Adolescents.

If the child is resident overseas, the travel permit must be obtained through the nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate.

The 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.

Local banknotes are in short supply. Most people use card payments, local bank transfers (“hay punto”) and US dollars instead. Debit or credit card transactions may take longer to go through than expected, or require several attempts. Guard your PIN number and consider a well-recognised pre-payment card to protect you from fraud and theft.

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 branch, and pick up the deposited funds at any Grupo Zoom branch nationwide.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist are available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Local medical care

The Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Federation has reported that there is 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 unexpectedly delayed.

Medical facilities in Venezuela vary widely in quality. In large cities, private clinics provide acceptable quality 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. 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.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 from a landline or a mobile phone. Calls to this number are free of charge.

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.

Other risks

UK health authorities have classified Venezuela as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

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.

Since 2017 there have been reports of an increase in cases of malaria and diphtheria across Venezuela. See the TravelHealthPro website for more information, including this factsheet on how to prevent diphtheria.

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Venezuela. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Insect repellent can be difficult to purchase locally so you should bring enough for your stay.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Venezuela, mainly in the Andean region of the country: Merida, Tachira and Trujillo states. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro.

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

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 and follow the advice of the local authorities. 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. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.