23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 171.
Call 171 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 171 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Venezuela.
Do not travel
If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.
Do not travel to Venezuela due to the unstable political and economic situation, shortages of food, water, medicine and petrol, and high levels of violent crime.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's a high level of violent crime in Venezuela.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Venezuela:
Actual crime rates may be higher than official figures indicate. Venezuela has one of the world's highest murder rates.
Violent crime occurs throughout Venezuela. Incidents include:
Many criminals carry firearms. They may kill or injure you if you resist.
Police response times are poor. They don't solve most murders and major crimes.
On roads, the threat of serious crime is high. Australian Government officials take extra security precautions when travelling by car.
Crimes you could come across include:
Petty crime is also common. This includes:
Crime rates are especially high in Caracas, including:
Crime is also high in:
If you go to Venezuela despite our advice, arrive and leave Caracas during the day. Organise your transport before you arrive at the airport.
Only use official taxis that you have booked through your hotel or at the airport.
To stay safe when you're out and about:
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.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
More information:
Demonstrations and other civil unrest is common, often in major urban centres, such as:
The political situation is volatile.
Since January 2019, unrest has increased, often becoming violent. Many people have been killed, injured or arrested.
Disruptions to essential services occur.
On-the-spot demonstrations and other ongoing unrest is likely. Violent incidents and military responses are possible.
Days of national significance could motivate civil unrest.
National strikes can be called at short notice, often causing disruptions to:
Shortages of basic items and long lines at grocery stores have led to:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
If, despite our advice, you travel to Venezuela:
Venezuela's land borders with Brazil and Columbia reopened on 7 June 2019.
Some maritime borders are also closed until further notice, including those with:
In border areas, there's limits on the right to:
More information:
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:
Colombian terrorist groups, such as the ELN (El Ejército de Liberación Nacional), and criminal gangs are active along Venezuela's borders with:
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:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Venezuela experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If a natural disaster occurs:
The rainy season is from May to December, bringing:
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:
If a hurricane is approaching:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Venezuela.
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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
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.
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Venezuela.
For information on Venezuela's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health website (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
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 of:
Strains of malaria that are hard to treat have been reported.
Other insect-borne diseases in Venezuela include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Zika virus is widespread.
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Waterborne, foodborne and other widespread infectious diseases include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To reduce your risk of illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Visit a doctor if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
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.
Find hyperbaric chambers at:
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Caracas. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
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.
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:
It's illegal to photograph:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Australian-Venezuelan dual nationals must enter and leave Venezuela on a Venezuelan passport.
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:
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:
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.
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:
COVID-19 is present in Venezuela. Measures are in place to limit the spread of the virus, including community-wide quarantines. Travel between Venezuelan states is banned, with roadblocks in place and restrictions on internal flights.
Many commercial flight routes to and from Venezuela have been suspended due to travel and border restrictions. Websites contain limited information: remain in contact with your airline, tour operator or travel agent for further details.
If you’re staying in Venezuela, follow the advice of local authorities, make preparations for an extended stay and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.
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:
To enter and leave Venezuela, dual national children aged under 18 who travel alone or with one parent will need:
Both documents must be:
More information:
You'll have to pay a tax if you leave the country via an international airport.
Payment must be made in cash, in Venezuelan Bolivar.
The cost of your ticket sometimes includes the departure tax. Check with your airline.
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.
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:
The local currency is the Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte (VEF).
It's not easy to exchange Australian dollars for local currency. It may be hard to access money from an Australian bank account.
There are 2 official exchange rates and 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.
Money changers will exchange US dollars and traveller's cheques for VEF, but can't convert to other currencies.
The inflation rate is high.
In March 2017, the Venezuelan Government removed the 100 Bolivar note from circulation. Demand for large-value notes remains high. However, notes are hard to come by.
Credit card transactions are charged at the official exchange rate.
Local EFTPOS machines don't always accept international credit cards. You'll need to enter your passport number when using them.
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.
You can drive in Venezuela for up to 1 year if you have both:
After 1 year, you'll need to apply for a local driver's licence.
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Driving in Venezuela is dangerous.
Hazards include:
Rural roads are often unmarked. They have little or no street lighting.
There's a risk of extortion on roads outside major cities. Armed groups pose as police and set up illegal roadblocks. See Safety
At regular police and National Guard checkpoints:
Checkpoint officials might ask for bribes.
If you plan to drive in Venezuela:
More information:
Make sure your insurance policy covers you to ride a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Crimes involving taxis occur. See Safety
If you need a taxi, use either:
Arrange these through your hotel. Don't hail taxis on the street.
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:
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:
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:
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:
If standard safety equipment is not available, use another provider.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 171.
Call 171 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 171 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.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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. The Canadian Embassy in Caracas offers consular help to Australians in Venezuela, including issuing temporary travel documents.
To make an appointment for consular services email crcas@international.gc.ca.
Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur
Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela
Telephone: (58 +212) 600 3000; 600 3042 or 600 3043
Facsimile: (58 +212) 263 4981
E-mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/venezuela
The Australian Embassy in Colombia can also help.
Edificio Tierra Firme
Avenida Carrera 9 No. 115-06
Oficina 2003
Bogotá, Colombia
E-mail: consular.bogota@dfat.gov.au
Website: colombia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Colombia y Venezuela
Twitter: @AusEmbCO
Check the embassy websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.