Venezuela Country Report

Venezuela is a HIGH RISK country. Violent crime, arbitrary detention, crumbling infrastructure, and environmental disasters are the most severe risks to travellers in the country.

Essential Precautions:

• Avoid all travel within 50 miles of the Venezuela-Colombia and Venezuela-Guyana borders
• Do not display any obvious signs of wealth
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they can often turn violent and may result in detention
• Avoid street food and drink only bottled water
• Use only secure transportation
• Do not photograph government buildings, civil infrastructure, or military installations

Insurance becomes a priority if you intend to travel or work in Venezuela. Travelling to Venezuela involves significant risks due to political instability, economic crisis, crime, and shortages of essential goods and services. The situation can change rapidly, so it's essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your government or reliable sources like the U.S. State Department, UK Foreign Office, or your country's equivalent. Here are some factors to consider:

Political Instability

Venezuela has experienced political instability in recent years, marked by ongoing political tensions, protests, and demonstrations. The country is currently undergoing a deep political crisis with disputes over governance and leadership. Travellers should stay informed about the political situation and avoid areas where protests or unrest may occur.

Economic Crisis

Venezuela is facing a severe economic crisis, characterised by hyperinflation, shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods, and a declining infrastructure. The economic situation has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and social unrest. Travellers may encounter difficulties accessing basic necessities and should be prepared for the limited availability of goods and services.

Crime and Security

Venezuela has one of the highest rates of corruption, violent crime, and unrest in the world. The capital city of Caracas is a focal point for violent demonstrations, organised crime, robbery, kidnapping, and homicide. Most kidnappings are "express" and last less than 48 hours, frequently targeting people leaving hotels, travelling in taxis, or walking in wealthier areas. Travellers are unlikely to receive any protection from local police. Local authorities are often unreliable and may work alongside armed criminal gangs to kidnap or extort travellers. Violent unrest is common, though it has been trending down for several years. There is a threat of arbitrary detention, especially for Western travellers. Outside of cities, travellers should avoid Venezuela's border areas, especially the border with Colombia, due to the prevalence of drug traffickers, militant groups, and terrorism. Terrorist attacks are common along Venezuela's border with Colombia but do not typically target foreigners.

Health Risks

While adequate healthcare services exist through private clinics in Caracas and other major cities, Venezuela's medical care system generally does not meet international standards. There is a chronic shortage of equipment and medical supplies, and medical facilities are very limited outside of the capital. Ambulance services in Venezuela are limited and often unreliable. Venezuela also experiences periodic outbreaks of mosquito-borne viruses, including malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. Other common serious disease risks include typhoid, diphtheria, measles, hepatitis, and leishmaniasis. The tap water is not safe to drink.

Travel Restrictions and Safety

Some governments have issued travel advisories warning against non-essential travel to Venezuela due to safety and security concerns. Travellers should check for any travel advisories and follow the advice of their government and local authorities. Additionally, Venezuela's land borders may have restrictions or checkpoints, and travellers should be aware of entry requirements and border crossing procedures.

Civil Unrest and Protests

Political tensions and economic hardships have led to frequent protests and demonstrations in Venezuela. These events can escalate into violence or be met with a heavy-handed response from security forces. Travellers should avoid participating in protests or demonstrations and monitor local media for updates on the security situation.

Currency Issues

Venezuela's currency, the bolivar, has been subject to hyperinflation, leading to rapid devaluation. Travellers should be cautious when exchanging currency and be aware of the potential for scams or counterfeit currency. It's advisable to carry small denominations of U.S. dollars or euros for transactions.

Transport & Infrastructure Risk

Venezuela's infrastructure is in poor condition after deteriorating for more than a decade. The Venezuelan government is on high alert for criticism of the Maduro regime and closely monitors telecommunications in the country. Electricity and water rationing are common during the country's frequent nationwide power outages, and Caracas is often brought to a virtual standstill by traffic jams. While intercity highways are well-maintained, the quality of secondary roads varies greatly, from paved streets to dirt and gravel tracks. Some areas have no streetlights or signs, making damaged and unmarked roads difficult to see in the dark. Public transport is unsafe due to the high risk of violent crime. Ahead of major opposition protests, local authorities often shut down public transport systems, including the Caracas Metro, to safeguard the facilities and reduce protest turnout. Venezuela's electric grid is not always reliable.

Environmental Risk

Venezuela is prone to multiple environmental disasters, including severe flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The rainy season from May to December frequently brings torrential downpours and landslides. Due to years of economic decline, disaster relief personnel lack the resources and capacity to respond to most emergencies. Venezuela is also located in an active seismic zone, and periodic earthquakes regularly cause major structural damage to Venezuela's already-poor infrastructure. Earthquakes also pose the risk of causing tsunamis that could devastate the country's low-lying coastal areas. Venezuela is rarely affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, but passing systems may bring torrential rains, winds, and associated flooding.

Overall, travel to Venezuela is not recommended due to the significant risks posed by political instability, economic crisis, crime, and other factors. Travellers who must visit Venezuela should exercise extreme caution, stay informed about the situation, and take appropriate security measures to ensure their safety.

Choosing the Right Cover for Your Trip to Venezuela

Many insurers exclude cover for travel to Venezuela. It is vital to check that your policy includes journeys to this nation. Make sure your policy covers medical expenses, repatriation, crisis management, and kidnap for ransom. Venezuela's medical care system generally does not meet international standards. It may be necessary to evacuate you for medical or other critical care.

Required Vaccinations:

• Yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from or transiting for more than 12 hours through Brazil.

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Bring a necessary supply of prescription medication.
• Bring a copy of your prescription in case medication is lost or stolen.
• Consider bringing mosquito repellant, long sleeves, and long trousers.
• Bring a burner phone or laptop
• Use a VPN on all internet-connected devices and download the VPN prior to travel

LGBT Travel Advice for Venezuela

Travelling to Venezuela as an LGBTQ+ individual entails certain risks due to societal attitudes, legal considerations, and safety concerns. LGBTQ+ travellers should be aware of the potential challenges they may face and take steps to prioritise their safety and well-being during their visit. While Venezuela can be a beautiful and welcoming destination, it's essential to remain vigilant and informed about local attitudes and conditions.