Venezuela

Violent crime

There's a high level of violent crime in Venezuela. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to Venezuela:

• always pay close attention to your personal security
• monitor the media and other sources for new security risks

Actual crime rates may be higher than official figures indicate. 

Violent crime occurs throughout Venezuela. Incidents include:

• murder
• armed robbery
• kidnapping
• drive-by shooting
• carjacking

Many criminals carry firearms. They may kill or injure you if you resist.

Police response times are poor. Most murders and major crimes go unsolved.

On roads, the threat of serious crime is high. Australian Government officials take extra security precautions when travelling by car in Venezuela.

Crimes you could come across include:

• mugging and kidnapping, sometimes by criminals posing as taxi drivers at Maiquetia Simon Bolivar Airport
• violent street crime and robbery near ATMs, money changers or damaged vehicles
• armed motorcycle gangs robbing passengers in vehicles stopped in heavy traffic
• 'express kidnappings', where criminals force you to withdraw funds from ATMs
• harassment and extortion by criminals posing as officials
• drink or food spiking, often followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault
• widespread theft of credit card data.

Petty crime is also common. This includes:

• pickpocketing on public transport
• theft from hotel rooms, safe deposit boxes and rental cars

If you're in Venezuela, you should consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so. If despite our advice you remain in Venezuela, stay alert, keep stocks of essential supplies and be ready to leave at short notice.

Crime hotspots

Crime rates are high in Caracas, including in:

• central Caracas
• Sabana Grande district
• Avila National Park
• the Maiquetia Simon Bolivar Airport area, and the road between the airport and Caracas
• 'barrios' or 'ranchitos' slum areas, especially after dark 

Crime is also high in:

• poorer areas, such as Cumana, Maracaibo, Paraguana and Valencia
• on the islands of Los Testigos
• Margarita Island (Isla de Margarita)
• tourist and resort areas

If you go to Venezuela despite our advice, arrive and leave Caracas during the day. Organise your transport before you arrive at the airport.

If possible, have a friend, family member or trusted transport service pick you up on arrival. Only use official taxis that you have booked through your hotel or from the official taxi rank outside the airport arrival hall. Be cautious of fake 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. Stay alert at the airport car park.

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 carjackers and muggers waiting on the roads outside the airport. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, electronic items or other valuables. Don't bring large amounts of cash to Venezuela.

Avoid travelling on the road between Caracas and Maiquetia airport after dark. There have been armed robberies on buses travelling to Maiquetia airport.

If you're coming to Venezuela to work, bring a letter from your employer and details of your local contact organisation (including a Spanish translation).

There have been occasions where passengers have been asked for bribes at the airport.

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 people claiming to be security officials, if in doubt ask other airline or airport staff.

To stay safe when you're out and about:

• be alert to your surroundings and always pay attention to your safety and security
• carry only what you need — leave other valuables in a secure place
• keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• avoid walking or driving in secluded areas, especially at night
• exchange currency at official exchange booths only

If you're female, take extra care when dealing with strangers or people you've just met. Be especially wary about accepting rides or invitations.

Check the local situation before travelling to Canaima National Park and the Gran Sabana area of Bolívar State, as there may be protests and closures (sometimes for days) of Canaima airport and main roads.

Incapacitating drugs

Criminals may use drugs to subdue or incapacitate their victims. Robberies and assaults may occur after victims accept spiked drinks, food, cigarettes, chewing gum or paper handouts. 

Always check that your drink has been opened or prepared in front of you. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended and don’t accept anything from strangers. 

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

Incidents of kidnapping in Venezuela have increased since 2020, partly due to the increased availability of foreign currency, which acts as an incentive for perpetrators to engage in the crime. Kidnapping gangs operate throughout the country, including near the border with Columbia. Criminal and Terrorist groups are active. Express kidnapping also occurs.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.  

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location   
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information:  

• Kidnapping 

Protests and demonstrations

Demonstrations and other types of civil unrest are common, particularly in major urban centres, such as:

• Caracas
• Valencia
• Maracay
• Mérida
• San Cristóbal
• Maracaibo

The political situation is volatile and presidential elections planned for July 2024 have heightened tensions.

Disruptions to essential services can occur.

On-the-spot demonstrations and other ongoing unrest are a risk. Violent incidents, arbitrary arrest or detention, and military responses are possible.

Roads and highways are often blocked during demonstrations, disrupting public transport systems.

Days of national significance could motivate civil unrest. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

National strikes can be called at short notice, often causing disruptions to:

• air travel
• public transport
• banking services
• government services

The economic situation in Venezuela continues to be unstable. Shortages of basic food items and necessities, including water, electricity, petrol and medical supplies, are common. 

Power outages may impact communications, banking, and transportation, including airport operations and make international calls from Venezuela challenging.  

Shortages of basic items and long lines at grocery stores have previously led to:

• fighting
• looting
• theft

If, despite our advice, you travel to Venezuela:

• avoid all protests, political activity and large public gatherings
• leave affected areas as soon as it's safe
• monitor the media and other sources for news about possible unrest
• be particularly alert during days of national significance
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• keep spare supplies of food, medicines and other necessities
• keep enough bottled water supplies on hand. Tap water is not safe for drinking.

Border areas

Avoid border areas, as they can be dangerous due to the presence of terrorist groups. 

Most sea and air borders with Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao have re-opened. However, entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Monitor local media and contact your transport provider for updated information. 

In border areas, there are limits on the right to:

• free movement
• assembly
• protest

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat in Venezuela.

Terrorist groups are particularly active in the region within 80km of Venezuela's border with Colombia. This region includes parts of:

• Bolívar
• Amazonas
• Apure
• Táchira
• Zulia
• Barinas

Colombian armed groups, such as the ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) and criminal gangs, are active along Venezuela's borders with:

• Colombia
• Brazil

Hostages, including foreigners, have died after being kidnapped in these areas.

The Venezuelan military conducts searches and arrests in border regions, but threats remain. Troop movements and border closures can occur at short notice.

If, despite our advice, you decide to visit an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:

• find out about kidnapping before you travel
• seek professional security advice
• arrange effective personal security measures

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Venezuela experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• hurricanes
• flooding
• landslides

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family
• seek local advice before entering affected areas

Hurricanes and severe weather

The rainy season is from May to December, bringing:

• hurricanes
• flooding
• landslides

Tropical storms and hurricanes can also occur in other months.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• sea ports may close
• proper shelter may not be available

If a hurricane is approaching:

• know your hotel's or cruise ship's evacuation plan
• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from the US National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

You're likely to need a specialised insurance policy for travel to a 'do not travel' destination. Some Australian insurance policies may not cover you for travel to 'do not travel' destination.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Most pharmacies, including in hospitals, no longer stock basic medicine or supplies due to short supply.

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Venezuela with the nearest Venezuelan Embassy. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Rates of insect-borne and infectious diseases are increasing. Diseases not seen for many years are re-emerging.

Venezuela has yellow fever. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria occurs year-round in some areas of Venezuela. The risk is highest in rural areas including:

• Apure
• Amazonas
• Barinas
• Bolívar, including the Angel Falls
• Delta Amacuro
• Monagas
• Sucre
• Táchira

Strains of malaria that are hard to treat have been reported.

Other insect-borne diseases in Venezuela include:

• dengue
• Chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Zika virus is widespread.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Immunisation

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, and other widespread infectious diseases include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• Venezuelan haemorrhagic fever
• measles
• mumps
• rubella 
• rabies
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To reduce your risk of illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water 
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Visit a doctor if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

The standard of public medical facilities in major cities is poor. It's even poorer in rural areas.

Basic medical supplies and medicines are hard to find.

Caracas and other major cities have good private hospitals and clinics. These hospitals are expensive and often require up-front cash payment. Bear in mind that they may also be affected by medication and power shortages.

Most healthcare providers don't speak English.

Emergency and ambulance services are very limited. Response times are slow, especially in rural areas.

Find hyperbaric chambers at:

• Unidad de Buceo PDVSA in Lagunillas Norte
• Hospital Naval Raul Perdomo in Catia La Mar
• Compania Oriente marine Group in Puerto La Cruz
• Venezuela Divers in Ciudad Ojeda

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Caracas. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 (free of charge) from a landline or mobile phone.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

You must carry photo ID in Venezuela. You can carry a copy of your passport and keep the original passport in a safe place. Local security forces may ask you to show a form of ID at any time, particularly at police checkpoints.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long sentences in dangerous local jails that are among the worst in the world.

If you're found with even a small quantity of marijuana, you may face a prison term.

Drug trafficking in Venezuela is a serious problem. Advanced detection methods have been introduced to help identify drug traffickers.

You'll be screened for drugs when you arrive and depart. You may also be screened while waiting in the airport.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph:

• military buildings and surrounds
• sites of strategic importance, including the Presidential Palace and airports

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Australian-Venezuelan dual nationals must enter and leave Venezuela on a Venezuelan passport. This applies to children born to Venezuelans abroad, as they are assumed to be Venezuelan by local authorities. Contact the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate for further information.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Venezuela has national service obligations. You may have to comply if you're a male dual citizen aged 18 years or older.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visa-free travel for short stays

If you decide to travel to Venezuela despite our advice, you won't need a visa for tourist visits of less than 90 days. However, you'll need:

• a passport valid for at least 6 months after you plan to depart the country
• proof of return or onward travel

You can be detained or deported if you don't comply with your visa conditions.

Ensure your visa status is up to date by contacting the Venezuelan migration department (Spanish).

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel via the United States

If you're transiting via the USA, you must meet US entry and transit rules.

Check your visa requirements with the nearest US embassy or consulate well in advance of travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for Chile

Border measures

We recommend that you do not travel to border areas or cross borders due to a high risk of terrorism and violent crime.

Do not attempt to cross Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana's borders by land.

Flights to and from Venezuela continue to be limited. 

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Venezuela. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

• Embassy or consulate of Venezuela

Travel with children

To enter and leave Venezuela, children of any nationality under 18 years who travel alone or with one parent will need a certified copy of their birth certificate and a notarised permit. The permit must be obtained through the nearest local SAREN office or the respective Court for Children and Adolescents. It must include all the relevant travel details.

If the child resides overseas, the permit and birth certificate must be certified by a 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. Both documents must be translated into Spanish.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Departure tax

You'll have to pay a tax if you leave the country via an international airport.

Payment can be made in cash, in Venezuelan Bolivar.

The cost of your ticket sometimes includes the departure tax. Check with your airline.

Don't make any non-official payments at airports and ask for a receipt for any customs duty payments you make.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte (VEF).

It's not easy to exchange Australian dollars for local currency. Accessing money from an Australian bank account may be challenging.

There are 2 official exchange rates as well as black market rates. It's only legal to change money at the official government rate. 

Differences in exchange rates can mean you need much larger amounts of Australian dollars for small purchases.

US dollars are widely accepted. 

Money changers will exchange US dollars and travellers' cheques for VEF but generally can't convert them to other currencies. 

The inflation rate is high.

Demand for large-value notes remains high, and notes are hard to obtain.

You are required to declare to authorities if you are entering or leaving Venezuela with more than US$10,000.

Credit cards and ATMs

Credit card transactions are charged at the official exchange rate.

Local EFTPOS machines don't always accept international credit cards. You may be prompted to enter your passport or identity document number when paying with a credit card.

ATMs have low limits for cash withdrawals on international cards. Don't rely on ATMs as your main way to access money.

With the shortage of banknotes, the local card payment system is under extra strain. Debit or credit card transactions may take longer than expected or require several attempts.

Credit card fraud is common. Always keep your card in sight.

Driving permit

You can drive in Venezuela for up to 1 year if you have both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

After 1 year, you'll need to apply for a local driver's licence.

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Driving in Venezuela is dangerous.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• drunk drivers
• drivers ignoring red lights, particularly at night

Fuel shortages are common across all parts of the country.

Rural roads are often unmarked. They have little or no street lighting.

Make sure you have copies of insurance documents, driving licence and passport with you always. Failure to produce documents can result in your vehicle being seized by police.

There's a risk of extortion on roads outside major cities. Armed groups may pose as police and set up illegal roadblocks. Beware of attacks in tunnels. See Safety

At regular police and National Guard checkpoints:

• drive slowly
• stop if you're asked

Checkpoint officials might ask for bribes.

If you plan to drive in Venezuela:

• check you have the right insurance cover
• get to know local traffic laws and practices before driving
• get local advice and monitor local media about routes you plan to travel

Avoid hitchhiking and cycling.

There is a risk of theft on both inner city and inter city buses, especially at night.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your insurance policy covers you to ride a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Crimes involving taxis occur. See Safety

If you need a taxi, use either:

• a pre-booked, licensed, radio-dispatch taxi
• a limousine service

Arrange these through your hotel. Don't hail taxis on the street.

Public transport

Avoid public transport. Theft is prevalent in public transport, including subway stations. Public transport providers, including state-owned companies, may not carry out routine maintenance. Services could be cancelled or delayed.

Your safety may be at risk.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Ferry companies may not look after their fleets properly. This could make them unsafe. Services could be cancelled or delayed.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Venezuela. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

More information:

• Piracy
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Venezuela's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Tours and adventure activities

Tour operators don't always meet the safety standards you might expect.

They may not take safety precautions or follow maintenance schedules. Safety gear, such as life jackets and seatbelts, may not be provided.

If you plan do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurer covers it
• check the operators' credentials and safety equipment before booking
• ask about or insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, even if others don't

If standard safety equipment is not available, use another provider.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

Police

Call 911 or visit the nearest police station.

Phone operators may not speak English.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Venezuela. Contact the Australian Embassy in Colombia for assistance.

Australian Embassy, Bogota

Edificio Tierra Firme
Avenida Carrera 9 No. 115-06
Oficina 2003
Bogotá, Colombia

Phone: +57 6016578030
E-mail: consular.bogota@dfat.gov.au
Website: colombia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Colombia y Venezuela
X: @AusEmbCO

Check the embassy websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia