Venezuela

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Border areas: We strongly advise you not to travel within 80kms of Venezuela's border areas with Colombia, in particular the border states of Bolivar, Amazonas, Apure, Tachira, Zulia and Barinas, because of risks from terrorist groups and cross-border political tension.

Colombian terrorist groups, such as the FARC and ELN, and narcotic gangs are active along Venezuela's border with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana. Kidnapping for ransom in these areas has resulted in the death of victims, including foreigners. The Venezuelan military conduct search and arrest operations to maintain law and order in border regions.

Troop movements and border closures could occur at short notice.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Venezuela because of high levels of serious crime and ongoing political tensions. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Presidential elections are scheduled for 7 October 2012. Campaign activities have already begun. There is the potential for violence in the lead up to and in the period surrounding the elections. Australians should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Social and political tensions continue throughout Venezuela and could prompt unpredictable violent incidents. Prior notice of demonstrations is often included in the local English language newspaper 'Daily Journal'. National strikes can be called at short notice, causing disruptions to air travel, public transport and banking facilities.

Australians should be particularly vigilant during days of national or commemorative significance, as the likelihood of civil unrest may increase.

You should avoid all demonstrations and protests in Venezuela given their potential to turn violent.

Venezuela has one of the world’s highest crime rates. Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking, frequently occurs throughout Venezuela and has increased over the past year. If possible, you should avoid city streets in central Caracas and the Sabana Grande area. There are increasing levels of crime in poorer areas of Caracas, in Cumana, Maracaibo, Paraguana, Valencia, and on the islands of Los Testigos. The Avila National Park is a known target area for criminals. You should also avoid walking or driving in isolated areas, especially at night.

Crime rates are higher in 'barrios' or 'ranchitos' (slum areas) after dark. Tourist and resort areas may be targeted by criminal groups.

There has been an increase in reported incidents of violent crime on Margarita Island (Isla de Margarita). Hotels and tourist areas have been targeted. Travellers are advised to take extra security precautions on the island.

The road between the Maiquetia Simon Bolivar airport and Caracas is dangerous. The road should be avoided at night, particularly between the hours of 2300 and 0400 when there are fewer vehicles on the road. Incidents of muggings and kidnappings by criminals posing as taxi operators at the airport have recently been reported. Foreigners, including Australians, have been attacked and robbed. Licensed, radio-despatched taxis can be organised in advance by hotels or by telephone at the airport. You should avoid sharing taxis with strangers. If possible, travellers are advised to arrive in or leave Caracas during the day and to organise transport to the city through their hotel before they arrive at the airport.

There has been a recent increase in incidents of 'express kidnappings', where people are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release. Victims have been killed or injured while resisting perpetrators' demands.

For information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

We have received reports of harassment and extortion by criminals posing as officials. Australians should exercise care when dealing with those in official uniform or carrying official identification.

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted (including sexually assaulted) after accepting spiked food and drink. In some cases, hotel workers and taxi drivers have been implicated. Women should take particular care when dealing with strangers or new acquaintances and be especially cautious about accepting rides or invitations.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing is prevalent, particularly on public transport in Caracas. Thieves, sometimes armed, are known to target hotel rooms, safe deposit boxes and rental cars.

Motorists have been robbed after stopping to assess damage caused by objects thrown from a bridge or overpass. Drive with doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Incidences of piracy have occurred off the shores of Venezuela. See our Travelling by sea bulletin.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Venezuela.

The denomination of Venezuelan currency has changed from the bolivar to the bolivar fuerte (Bs. F). Travellers should be aware that 1,000 bolivares converts to 1Bs. F.

There are limitations on foreign exchange transactions throughout Venezuela and money exchange facilities may be difficult to locate on weekends. There are high levels of credit card fraud, whereby hand-held scanners are used to copy the card's electronic coding onto a false card.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery, bags and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our Travel Bulletin on Aviation Safety and Security for more information.

Under Venezuelan Nationality and Citizenship Law, Australian/Venezuelan dual nationals are required to enter and leave Venezuela on a valid Venezuelan passport.

Australian/ Venezuelan male dual nationals over 18 may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Venezuela.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Venezuela is in an active earthquake zone.

Many parts of Venezuela have experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall. Landslides and flooding may affect travel to some parts of the country. Travellers should monitor local media for the latest information and seek local advice before entering affected areas.

The rainy season extends from May to December when hurricanes, flooding and landslides can occur. However, tropical storms and hurricanes may occur in other months. We encourage Australians in affected areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest developments.

If you are travelling during hurricane season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. Information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions can be obtained from U.S. National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center or the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local information sources.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.