Venezuela

Security Situation

If, despite our advice, you travel to Venezuela, you should remain vigilant. The security situation throughout remains volatile and tense, with an ongoing risk of political and economic instability. Unrest could lead to violence in all parts of the country. You’re at risk of kidnapping and arbitrary detention.

Do not travel to border areas; armed groups are active in border areas. Most sea and air borders are open; however, they could close at short notice. Movement restrictions could be implemented at short notice. You may be unable to leave for an extended period.

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

Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any land route. The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point. All travel options are at your own risk. 

If the security situation deteriorates rapidly, activate your security arrangements and consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to or remain in Venezuela, take all precautions for your safety:

• Get independent, professional security advice and consider hiring personal protection
• Adopt effective personal security measures and review them regularly
• Make contingency plans to leave.

Crime

There's a high level of violent crime across Venezuela, nowhere should be considered safe.

Violent crime occurs throughout Venezuela. It has one of the world’s highest murder rates and they often go unsolved. Other violent crime includes:

• street crime and armed robbery, including near ATMs, money changers or damaged vehicles
• kidnapping
• drive-by shooting
• muggings and carjacking, criminal groups operate in the airport and will spot targets who appear wealthy for attacks outside the airport
• 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, be aware of pickpockets. Many criminals carry firearms. They may kill or injure you if you resist. Police response times are poor. 

The threat is higher on the road. Criminals pose as taxi drivers at Maiquetia Simon Bolivar Airport. Armed motorcycle gangs rob vehicles stopped in traffic. Do not use public transport. Only use official taxis organised through your hotel. 

To stay safe from crime:

• be alert to your surroundings and always pay attention to your safety and security
• don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables, only exchange currency at official exchange booths only
• always keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving
• secure your hotel room against intruders, even when you're in it
• don’t walk or drive in secluded areas, especially at night

Incapacitating drugs

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

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert, don’t leave your food or drinks alone. Watch when your drink is being mixed. If you feel unwell, tell your friends immediately and get to a safe place. Keep an eye on your friends, if they feel unwell, stay with them. Get medical help if needed 

Methanol poisoning

People have died or become very sick from poisoned drinks overseas. This includes Australians. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol production. Only drink branded, sealed drinks. Get urgent medical help if you think you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber safety

You could face cyber threats in any country, anyone is a target. Your devices and data can be stolen, especially when using public Wi-Fi, computers, or Bluetooth. Criminals can use stolen information to conduct scams or to resell your personal information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to protect yourself online.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions or strict laws. People have been arrested for what they posted online. Check the laws of the destination you’re travelling to and think about what you post on social media. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you’re accused of breaking the law.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

The political situation is volatile.

Demonstrations, national strikes and other types of civil unrest are common, particularly in major urban centres. Days of national significance could motivate civil unrest.

Local authorities may use force to disrupt civil unrest. Violent incidents, arbitrary arrest or detention, and military responses are possible. They can disrupt travel plans, affect flights, traffic, and public transportation.

Roads and highways are often blocked during demonstrations, disrupting public transport systems. Disruptions to essential services can occur, including airports, banking and 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. Keep spare supplies of food, medicines and other necessities

Power outages may impact airports, banking and telecommunications, including the internet and can be disrupted at any time. 

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

• fighting
• looting
• theft

Stay away from protests, demonstrations and vigils, do not take photos. Be prepared to change your plans in case of disruptions. If civil unrest disrupts transport, ask your airline, travel agent or insurer for help. Check media for updates.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe.

Kidnapping is a serious threat in Venezuela. 

Kidnapping gangs operate throughout the country, including in Caracas. There’s a higher risk along airport routes and in border regions where criminal and terrorist groups are active. Foreigners have died after being kidnapped in these areas.

Express kidnappings are common.  Criminals force you to withdraw funds from ATMs or take valuables from your home.

If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is severely limited.  
 
You are responsible for your own safety. You can find more information on how to reuce our risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping.

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. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

Terrorism is a threat in Venezuela.

Armed groups, such as the ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) and criminal gangs, are active along Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil.

The Venezuelan military conducts searches and arrests in border regions. Border closures can occur at short notice.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so.

For more information on common targets for terrorists and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack read our Terrorism page.

Foreigners in Venezuela, including dual nationals are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Foreign and dual nationals have been detained without due process of law. 

You may be at greater risk of detention if authorities are suspicious of your activities or background. You could attract the attention of authorities if you:

• study or do other academic activity that would raise suspicion from authorities
• travel outside tourist areas
• are near crowds, demonstrations or sensitive sites
• take photos, except in major tourist sites
• have contact with Venezuelans who are of interest to authorities
• behave or express views perceived as anti-Venezuelan, anti-Venezuelan Government, or that could cause religious offence
• are affiliated with, or have links to, Venezuelan opposition or other political groups.

The Australian Government may not be notified if you're detained. We can't guarantee consular access to Australians detained or arrested. We also can't guarantee local authorities will allow access to legal representation.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals
• Advice for journalists
• Fact sheet: Arrested or jailed overseas  

Do not book a tourist trip to Venezuela, even if offered by reputable tour operators or promoted as a guided tour. A tour operator cannot guarantee your safety.

The risks of detention, kidnap and other security threats to foreigners remain high. You could die or be seriously injured while in Venezuela.

Travelling somewhere uncommon or unsafe can seem thrilling. Especially if you’ve seen others do it and return safely. But visiting locations where we advise ‘Do not travel’ can put your life in serious danger. Don’t get influenced into taking risks. No amount of likes are worth the risks.

If you do get into trouble, our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited. It’s also likely you won’t be covered by travel insurance. 

More information:

• Don’t be influenced into risking your life

Venezuela experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• hurricanes
• flooding
• landslides

More information:

• Staying safe when there's a natural disaster

You need special travel insurance if you’re going to a high-risk destination, which can be expensive. Most Australian travel insurance won’t cover you for these places. 

We can’t guarantee your safety and security in another country or pay for your medical expenses, including evacuation. If you don’t have insurance, you shouldn’t travel. 

If despite our advice you travel to Venezuela, think about your health before you travel, especially if you have any medical conditions.

See your doctor or a travel clinic to:

• get a basic check-up
• ask if your travel plans might affect your health
• find out what vaccinations you need.

If you're concerned about your mental wellbeing, or someone else's, read more about mental health support overseas.

More information:

• General health advice
• Managing your mental health

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some medicines may be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Basic medicine and supplies are in short supply in Venezuela.

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:

• the names of the medications
• your required dosage
• that the medications are for your personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne illnesses and infectious diseases are common throughout Venezuela, including:

• yellow fever
• malaria
• dengue
• Chagas disease
• leishmaniasis
• Zika virus
• HIV/AIDS

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, and other widespread infectious diseases include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• Venezuelan haemorrhagic fever
• measles
• mumps
• rubella
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To stay safe:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If despite our advice you travel to Venezuela, ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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. 

Most healthcare providers don't speak English.

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

If you become seriously ill or injured, you’ll need to be evacuated to Caracas or another country with better facilities. Medical evacuations are very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations. The Australian Government won't pay these costs. 

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter. You must carry photo ID in Venezuela. Local security forces may ask you to show a form of ID at any time, particularly at police checkpoints. Copies of your passport are accepted.

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

You’re at a high risk of arrest or detention.

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws while overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Australian-Venezuelan dual nationals must enter and leave 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 national, our ability to provide consular services if you're arrested or detained is severely limited.

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

If despite our advice, you travel to Venezuela, in most cases 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

Before you travel, check with Venezuelan migration authorities (SAIME - Servicio Administrativo de Identificación Migración y Extranjería) (Spanish).

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).

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.

Border measures

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

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 must carry this permit while in Venezuela and when departing, otherwise they may be denied exit. 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.

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.

Validity

Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transit.

Some airlines and governments may give you different advice.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel.

The Australian Government doesn’t make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to get a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable and can be used by others to commit crimes. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Always keep it in a safe place.

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

• In Australia: contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• Overseas: contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passport has an 'X' in the sex field, we can’t guarantee your entry or transit to other countries.

Ask the embassy or consulate of your destination if they’ll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte (VEF). US dollars are widely accepted. 

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

Road travel

Driving in Venezuela is dangerous.

Fuel shortages are common across all parts of the country.

Police and National Guards have checkpoints set up. Make sure you have copies of insurance documents, driver’s licence and passport with you. Failure to produce documents can result in your vehicle being seized by police. 

There's a risk of extortion on roads outside major cities. Checkpoint officials might ask for bribes. Armed groups may pose as police and set up illegal roadblocks.

Do not travel on roads after dark. Armed robbery is common. Beware of attacks in tunnels. Organise your transport before you arrive at the airport.

If possible, have a friend, family member or reputable transport service pick you up on arrival. 

The Australian Government can't offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points. All travel options are at your own risk. Consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any land route. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.

See Safety.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis and public transport

Crimes involving taxis occur. See Safety

If you need a taxi, use :

• a licensed, radio-dispatch taxi, pre-booked by your hotel
• a limousine service, or
• from the official taxi rank outside the airport arrival hall.

Don't hail taxis on the street.

Be cautious of fake taxi drivers at the airport. Don't accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall, and do not enter a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car. Stay alert at the airport car park.

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 give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

More information:

• Air travel

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.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Venezuela. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular help to Australians in Venezuela is severely limited

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Colombia.

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