Venezuela

The Land of Angel Falls
and Endless Beauty

Flag of Venezuela

Venezuela, located on the northern coast of South America, is celebrated for its striking natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse ecosystems. From the stunning beaches of the Caribbean coast and the vast Llanos plains to the towering Angel Falls in the Amazon jungle, Venezuela offers incredible scenery.

The culture is a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, showcased in music, dance, and colorful festivals. Venezuelan cuisine includes dishes like arepas, pabellón criollo, and fresh seafood along the coast. Known for its warmth and cultural pride, Venezuela is a land of natural wonders and spirited traditions.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Venezuela.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Venezuela.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from some nations, such as certain Latin American countries (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador), can enter Venezuela with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations outside the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Venezuela.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless specified by Venezuela’s visa policy.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless specified.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless specified.

ID Card Entry
The following citizens can enter Venezuela using only a valid national ID card:

  • None (Venezuela does not currently allow entry with national ID cards; a passport is required for all foreign nationals).

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules may apply for work, study, or long-term stays.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions at https://www.mppc.gov.ve/covid-19/.
Toll

Driving in Venezuela

Current Toll Roads
As of 2025, the main toll road in Venezuela is:

  • Autopista Regional del Centro (ARC): Connecting Caracas to Maracay, including the La Victoria Tunnel.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For the most current rates, visit the official Venezuelan Road Authority website: https://www.invias.gob.ve/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Venezuelan Bolívar (VES) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted at most toll booths, but availability may be limited due to economic conditions.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: An e-toll system is being implemented. Check https://www.gobiernoenlinea.ve/ for updates.

Driving in Venezuela

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 60 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 100 km/h
  • Road conditions: Vary; exercise caution, especially on rural or poorly maintained roads, which may be affected by economic challenges and weather conditions.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended alongside your national driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Venezuela is considering implementing a vignette system for road use. Check https://www.invias.gob.ve/ for the latest information.
  • Road Safety: Remain vigilant, especially at night or in rural areas, due to high crime rates, poor road conditions, and potential roadblocks or protests.
  • GPS and Maps: While GPS is generally reliable, keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.

Useful Links

Venezuela Currency

Official Currency
The official currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 VES
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 VES (though coins are less common due to inflation).
  • Symbol: Bs.S

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, airports, and major hotels, but rates can be volatile due to economic instability.
  • ATMs widely available in urban areas for direct Bolívar withdrawals, but international cards may face restrictions or high fees.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas, due to economic challenges and limited card acceptance.
  • Credit/debit cards accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments, but acceptance can be unreliable due to banking issues.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and rural areas, as cash is often necessary due to economic conditions.
  • Check for currency conversion fees and potential restrictions when using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Venezuela website: https://www.bcv.org.ve/ (though updates may be limited due to economic instability).
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Venezuela

Venezuela is generally challenging for travelers due to high crime rates and political instability, but understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travelers in Venezuela, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detention.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political topics, especially those related to the current government or opposition, insensitively.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted; public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention or harassment.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, or critical infrastructure. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent), but due to currency controls, large cash amounts may face scrutiny.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport.

Complaints

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., along the Caribbean coast) must allow free access within designated zones. Wheelchair access is legally mandated.

Key Resources

Venezuela Travel Safety

Venezuela poses significant safety challenges for travelers due to high crime rates, political instability, and economic difficulties, but travelers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Venezuela.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) and violent crime are common, especially in crowded areas like Caracas’s markets or public transport. Violent crime against tourists is frequent, so extreme caution is advised.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Venezuela is considered highly unsafe, particularly for solo travelers. Avoid isolated areas at all times, especially at night, and travel with trusted guides or groups.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is dangerous due to poor road conditions, reckless drivers, and potential roadblocks or protests.
    • Avoid night driving in all areas due to high crime rates, poor lighting, and road hazards.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety: Avoid tap water; drink bottled water. Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea, which is common due to sanitation challenges.
  • Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19, typhoid, and yellow fever (for rural areas). Yellow Fever vaccination is required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes (risk of malaria, dengue, and Zika) and ticks (risk of other diseases).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Mérida Andes). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Clínica El Ávila in Caracas offer higher standards, but public healthcare is severely limited. Rural areas often lack advanced care, and medical evacuations are common.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but carry limited essential medications due to economic challenges.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as facilities may be inadequate, and air ambulance transport to Colombia or Panama is often necessary.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 171 | Fire: 103 | Police: 911.
  • Tourist Police (Caracas): +58 212 578 4144.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural areas, but driving is highly discouraged due to safety risks. Check insurance coverage for rentals, if available.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Roraima Tepui), but avoid remote areas due to safety concerns.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or economic issues.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be high in Caracas; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Venezuela

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