Venezuela

U.S. Embassy Colombia 
Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50 
Bogotá, D.C. Colombia 
Telephone: +(57)(1) 275-2000 
Emergency: +(57)(1) 275-2000 
Fax: No fax 
Email: ACSBogota@state.gov 
Website

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel to Venezuela, and that U.S. citizens remaining in Venezuela depart immediately.  More information can be found in the U.S. Department of State’s Venezuela Travel Advisory.  

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations on March 11, 2019, and therefore cannot provide protection or consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.  The U.S. Embassy in Colombia assists U.S. citizens in Venezuela when possible.  

If you are a U.S. citizen in Venezuela in need of assistance, or are concerned about a U.S. citizen in Venezuela, please contact us in one of the following ways:

• Email ACSBogota@state.gov; or

• Call us at +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. & Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas).

All air passengers entering Venezuela must present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 (completed vaccination schedule) in either physical or digital format (with QR code), with the last dose administered at least 14 days prior to the entry date in Venezuela.  If more than 270 days has passed since the last dose of a completed vaccination schedule, proof of a booster dose is required.  In lieu of proof of vaccination, passengers must present a negative PCR-RT COVID-19 test result, taken within 72 hours of arriving.

Passengers over the age of 5 must take an additional PCR test upon arrival at the airport for a fee of $60 USD. Passengers with a destination of Caracas must pre-register for the test at pasedesalud.casalab.com.ve.  Note: Beginning December 31, 2022, Venezuela will eliminate this requirement and will no longer require passengers to take a PCR test upon arrival.

Please visit the U.S. Virtual Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Venezuela. 

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Venezuela. If you must travel to Venezuela, we recommend you avoid all land border crossings into Venezuela on the Colombian border.  Detentions of U.S. citizens at formal or informal border crossings into Venezuela are common.    

To enter Venezuela, you must have:

• A valid U.S. passport in good condition with at least six months of validity, and
• A valid Venezuelan visa.  Visas are not available upon arrival.

Visas:  The Venezuelan embassy and consulates in the United States are not open for visa processing.  Contact the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington for updates about the future availability of visa services.  You must have the proper visa class and appropriate accreditation before traveling to Venezuela or face refusal of admission, expulsion, or detention.

Immigration officials often require proof of accommodation while in Venezuela, adequate means of support, and an onward departure itinerary.  Use only official crossing points when entering Venezuela.  You must obtain an entry stamp upon entry.

If you reside in Venezuela as a non-citizen, you must obtain legitimate Venezuelan residency documentation and renew your residency visa well in advance of expiration.  Do not use intermediaries to purchase resident visas and/or work permits.  

Traveling with Children:  Venezuela’s child protection law mandates that minors (under 18) of any nationality who are traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a third party, must present extensive, specific, and notarized documentation granting permission for travel.  Consult the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate for further information.

Dual Nationality:  Venezuelan law requires Venezuelan citizens to enter and depart Venezuela using Venezuelan passports.  If you hold dual U.S. and Venezuelan nationality, you must plan to travel between the United States and Venezuela with valid U.S. and Venezuelan passports.  Dual-national minors are only allowed to depart Venezuela with both parents present or with a legal authorization signed by the absent parent in a family court. 

Immunizations:  Visit the CDC Traveler website for vaccination information, including Yellow Fever vaccination requirements.  Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (or yellow card) with you upon arrival or departure.

HIV/AIDS:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Venezuela.  Be aware that HIV/AIDS medications, like other medications, are often not available in Venezuela.

Find further information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is focused on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), Segunda Marquetalia, and the Colombian-origin National Liberation Army (ELN) have expanded in Venezuela in recent years.  We are aware of reports of cooperation between FARC dissidents and the ELN in the areas of road/border checkpoints, forced displacement of communities, and narcotics trafficking.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime:  Violent crime is pervasive throughout Venezuela.  Venezuela has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and kidnappings are a serious concern.  Be alert of your surroundings at all times and take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime.  Maintain a low profile, travel in groups of five or more, and provide family or friends with your itineraries prior to departure.

Avoid police activity.  Corruption within the police forces is a concern, and criminals may be posing as police officers or National Guard members.  National Guard members may target U.S. citizens, especially at remote land border crossings, for bribery, extortion, or detention, possibly in collusion with criminal organizations.  

Criminal gangs operate openly and with little repercussion, often setting up fake police checkpoints.  Armed robberies, including with grenades and assault rifles, take place throughout the country, including in tourist areas and institutions such as banks and ATMs, national parks, shopping malls, public transportation stations, and universities.

Drugs:  Do not attempt to bring any narcotics or controlled substances into Venezuela, or substances that may be confused with illegal drugs.  Do not accept packages from anyone and always keep your luggage with you.  U.S. citizens have been actively recruited to act as narcotics couriers or “drug mules.”  Arrestees can expect extended jail terms under extremely difficult prison conditions.

Transportation:  Do not use any taxis hailed on the street.  Some taxi drivers in Caracas are known to overcharge, rob, injure, and even kidnap passengers.  Use only radio-dispatched taxis from taxi services, hotels, restaurants, and airline staff.  Do not use public transportation such as city buses and the metro (subway) in Caracas.  If you drive, be aware of attacks in tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road.

Maiquetía International Airport:  Only travel to and from Maiquetía International Airport near Caracas in daylight hours.  Kidnappings, robberies at gunpoint, thefts, and muggings are common.  Do not pack valuable items or documents in checked luggage.  Individuals wearing seemingly official uniforms and displaying airport or police credentials have been involved in crimes inside the airport, including extortion and robberies.  Make advance plans for transportation from the airport to your hotel or destination using a trusted party or dispatch taxi service.

ATMs:  Most ATMs do not accept U.S. debit or credit cards, and malfunctions are common.  Use only those located in well-lit, public places.  ATM data is often hacked and used to make unauthorized withdrawals.  Criminals target ATM users for robberies.  Many ATMs do not have cash.

Demonstrations occur occasionally.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

•  Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

International Financial Scams:  See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Venezuela.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include: 

• Romance/online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/relative targeting 

Victims of Crime:  The U.S. government has extremely limited means of providing consular services to U.S. citizen crime victims in Venezuela.  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.  Report crimes to the local police at 171, and contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota by emailing ACSBogota@state.gov or dialing +57 (1) 275-2000 or +57 (1) 275-4021 after hours.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crimes overseas.

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home  
• If you are able to travel to a U.S. Embassy, we can replace a stolen or lost passport and provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota for assistance.

Colombian Border:  The area within a 50-mile radius along the entire Venezuela and Colombian border is extremely dangerous.  U.S. citizens near the border are at risk of detention by Maduro regime authorities.  U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Venezuela legally.  Visas are not available upon arrival.  U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods.  The Maduro regime does not notify the U.S. government of the detention of U.S. citizens and the U.S. government is not granted access to those citizens.  Additionally, cross-border violence, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and smuggling are common.  Some kidnapping victims are released after ransom payments, while others are murdered.  Do not attempt to cross the land border.

Tourism:  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level.  Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.  Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Serious medical issues require costly medical evacuation complicated by restrictions on air travel to and from Venezuela.  Air evacuations to the United States from Venezuela may not be possible.

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.  Application of local laws can at times be arbitrary and/or politically motivated.

In Venezuela, it is illegal to take pictures of sensitive buildings, including the presidential palace, military bases, government buildings, and airports.

Drug trafficking is a serious problem in Venezuela and treated as such by Venezuelan authorities.  Convicted traffickers receive lengthy prison sentences.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, attempt to have someone notify the U.S. Embassy in Bogota immediately.  See our webpage for further information. 

Please note that the U.S. Department of State may not be informed of your detention, particularly if you also hold Venezuelan citizenship.  Due to the suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, consular visits to detained U.S. citizens are not possible. There have been instances of U.S. citizens in recent years who have been detained without being afforded due process or fair trial guarantees, or as a pretext for an illegitimate purpose, often due to their U.S. citizenship.

Currency and Exchange:  Venezuela has started to allow dollarized commercial transactions and shopping, but policies and availability are subject to change.  Some local businesses accept U.S. credit cards and electronic transfers through certain online vendors.  “Black market” currency exchanges – often offering significantly favorable exchange rates – are technically prohibited under Venezuelan foreign exchange controls.  Violators may be detained by Venezuelan authorities and face criminal penalties.

Wire Transfers:  Wire transfers cannot be used reliably as a source of emergency funds, and receipt of funds is generally restricted to Venezuelan citizens and residents.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.  See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTIQ+ events in Venezuela.  

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Venezuela prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.  Accessibility is more prevalent in the capital city of Caracas than in the rest of the country. 

The availability of rental, repair, and replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices as well as service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, is limited.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

All air passengers entering Venezuela must present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 (completed vaccination schedule) in either physical or digital format (with QR code), with the last dose administered at least 14 days prior to the entry date in Venezuela.  If more than 270 days has passed since the last dose of a completed vaccination schedule, proof of a booster dose is required.  In lieu of proof of vaccination, passengers must present a negative PCR-RT COVID-19 test result, taken within 72 hours of arriving.  Please visit the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Venezuela.

For emergency services in Venezuela, dial 171.

Ambulance services are:

• not widely available, depending on the individual’s health insurance, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• unreliable in most areas. 
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. 

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Emergency medical evacuation flights between the United States and Venezuela may not be possible.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on types of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Before travelling to Venezuela with prescription medications, travelers should research current Customs and Immigration restrictions in place at Venezuelan ports of entry.

Vaccinations:  Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if coming from or transiting for more than 12 hours through Brazil.  Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (or yellow card) with you upon arrival.

Health Facilities in General:

• Do not depend on health care facilities in Venezuela for medical care. Serious medical issues require costly medical evacuation complicated by restrictions on air travel to and from Venezuela.  Air evacuations to the United States may not be possible.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies, including soap and water.  In recent years, hospital infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, and medical staff are in short supply.  Patients frequently must supply their own water, medication, and medical instruments to receive care.
• Adequate private health facilities are available in Caracas and other major cities, but health care in rural areas is well below U.S. standards.  Many private hospitals and clinics are increasingly overcrowded and experience shortages of public utilities such as electricity and running water.
• Some private hospitals and doctors require cash payment “up front” prior to service or admission.  Credit card payment and online transfers are sometimes available.  If you cannot provide an up-front payment, you may be referred to a public institution.
• Medical staff may speak little to no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight.  Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. 
• Patients may be required to bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

•  U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Venezuela. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Venezuela.   

 Pharmaceuticals: 

• Some medical supplies are unavailable in Venezuela, and you should not expect to find all necessary medications in Venezuela.  Travelers should carry over the counter and prescription drugs sufficient to cover the entire duration of their trips.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.   

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy 

•  If you are considering traveling to Venezuela to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page. 
• There is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Venezuela.  According to Venezuelan law, the birth mother of a child born in Venezuela is the legal mother.  Surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Venezuelan courts. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Venezuela via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship.  Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.  

Water Quality: 

• Tap water is not potable, even in major cities.  Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 
• Expect frequent shortages in running water.  
• Gastrointestinal illnesses such as severe diarrhea are common throughout the country.

Adventure Travel  

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel. 

General Health

The following diseases are prevalent:

• COVID-19
• Dengue
• Zika
• Chikungunya
• Chagas Disease (Trypanosomiasis)
• Measles (Rubeloa)
• Malaria
• Leishmaniasis
• Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)
• Travelers’ Diarrhea

• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.  
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Venezuela.

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Avoid driving in Venezuela.  If you do drive, drive defensively, as most drivers do not obey rules.
• Do not drive at night outside major cities.  Police and national guard checkpoints are mandatory, and criminals often set up fake checkpoints during nighttime to rob or kidnap victims.
• Road damage is not clearly marked.
• Traffic jams are common within Caracas during most of the day and are frequently exploited by criminals.  Armed motorcycle gangs operate in traffic jams.  Comply with demands as victims may be killed for not complying.
• Do not use buses due to high levels of criminal activity.
• Venezuela is experiencing severe shortages in gasoline, and you should plan accordingly.

Traffic Laws:

• Child car seats and seatbelts are not required and are seldom available in rental cars and taxis.
• Some Caracas municipalities have outlawed the use of handheld cell phones while driving.
• Stops at National Guard and local police checkpoints are mandatory.  Follow all National Guard instructions and be prepared to show vehicle and insurance papers and passports.  Vehicles may be searched.

Public Transportation:  Subways, buses, trains, and other means of public transport in Venezuela do not have the same safety standards as in the United States. 

 See our Road Safety page for more information.  

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Venezuela’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an order suspending all nonstop flights between the United States and Venezuela. The Department of Homeland Security concluded that conditions in Venezuela threaten the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew traveling to or from that country.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Venezuela, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices. Emergency medical evacuation flights between the United States and Venezuela may not be possible.

Maritime Travel: 

Mariners planning travel to Venezuela should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts.  Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website.

Incidents of piracy off the coast of Venezuela remain a concern.  Yachters should note that anchoring offshore is not considered safe.  Marinas, including those in Puerto la Cruz and Margarita Island (Porlamar), provide only minimal security, and you should exercise a heightened level of caution in Venezuelan waters.