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located? What is the current weather in Venezuela?
What countries border Venezuela?
People

Government - Politics Caracas, VE

clear sky
Geography
Details
Economy

64°F
Feels like 64°F
Wind 1.1 m/h
News - Weather
Humidity 88%
Precip
History Pressure 1012 hPa

National Symbols 05:44 Mar 7

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Venezuela Facts and Culture
What is Venezuela famous for?
En Español

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United States Edition
Cultural Attributes: Venezuelans tend to be tolerant of cultural and racial differences.
Venezuelans tend to have a more relaxed view of time.... More
Family: To Venezuelans, the family is at the center of their lives. Most spend a great
deal of their free time... More
Personal Apperance: Venezuelans take pride in their clothes and appearance. Being
neat, clean, and properly groomed is important. Venezuelans may wear traditional...
More

Recreation: Venezuelans enjoy baseball, and soccer is also popular, particularly in

the Andean region. They like to spend their vacations on... More

Diet: Instead of bread, most Venezuelans eat arepas. Arepas are fried or baked corn
or wheat pancakes, often filled with meat,... More

Food and Recipes: The largest meal in Venezuela is eaten between noon and 3 PM.
Many Venezuelans go home to eat lunch with... More

Visiting: When a visitor arrives at a home or business, a small cup of strong thick
coffee is usually offered. Table... More

Venezuela Facts
What is the capital of Venezuela?
 Capital Caracas

Government Type federal presidential republic

Currency Venezuelan Bolivar (VEF)

Total Area 352,143 Square Miles

912,050 Square Kilometers

Location Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea

and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and
Guyana

Language Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

GDP - real growth rate -10%

GDP - per capita (PPP) $16,100.00 (USD)

Venezuela Demographics
What is the population of Venezuela?

Ethnic Groups Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African,

indigenous people

Nationality Adjective Venezuelan

Nationality Noun Venezuelan(s)

Population 28,644,603

Population Growth Rate 1.44%

Population in Major CARACAS (capital) 3.242 million; Maracaibo 2.31

Urban Areas million; Valencia 1.866 million; Barquisimeto 1.245
million; Maracay 1.115 million; Ciudad Guayana
799,000

Predominant Language Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Urban Population 93.5%

Venezuela Government
What type of government does Venezuela have?

Executive Branch: chief of state: Notification Statement: the United States recognizes
Juan GUAIDO as the Interim President of Venezuela President Nicolas MADURO
Moros... More

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal More

Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent: yes dual citizenship

recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years More

National Holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1811) More

 Constitution: history: many previous; latest adopted 15 December 1999, effective 30
December 1999 amendments: proposed through agreement by at least 39% of...
More

Independence: 5 July 1811 (from Spain) More

Venezuela Video
YouTube, Expoza Travel Venezuela

Venezuela Vacation Travel Video Guide

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Join CountryReports YouTube Channel (Click Here)

Venezuela Geography
What environmental issues does Venezuela have?

Overview: Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, between 0

degrees 5’ and 12 degrees 15 N, and... More

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands More

Border Countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km More

Environment - Current Issues: sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban
pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and
industrial... More

Environment - International Agreements: party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer... More

Terrain: Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains

(llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast More

Venezuela Economy
How big is the Venezuela economy?

Economic Overview: Venezuela, a country located in South America, has been

grappling with an economic crisis for years. The situation has been... More

Industries: petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food processing,

textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly More

Currency Name and Code: Venezuelan Bolivar (VEF) More

Export Partners: US 45.1%, Netherlands Antilles 12.8%, Dominican Republic 2.8%

More
 Import Partners: US 32.1%, Colombia 8%, Brazil 6.2%, Germany 4.6%, Mexico 4.4%,
Italy 4.1% More

Venezuela News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Venezuela?
Source: Google News

Venezuela decides: Presidential showdown set for July 2…

Venezuela is gearing up for its presidential election on July 28, a significant announcement made by…
Mar 7, 2024 5:54 AM

Did Venezuela order a gruesome political killing in Chi…

Colombia wants to rescue a 300-year-old sunken ship. A mysterious murder raises suspicions about the…
Mar 7, 2024 4:16 AM

Venezuela slams U.S. for extending sanctions-Xinhua

CARACAS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela denounced the U.S. government Wednesday for maintaining sanct…
Mar 7, 2024 2:05 AM

Illegal brother of Laken Riley murder suspect linked to…

Federal prosecutors found evidence that the brother of the illegal immigrant suspected of Laken Riley'…
Mar 7, 2024 2:03 AM

New court documents claim brother of Laken Riley murder…

ATHENS, Ga. — A new motion requesting the detention of the brother of a man accused of murdering a 2…
Mar 7, 2024 1:59 AM

Venezuela Posts Monthly Deflation for the First Time Si…

Venezuela's consumer prices slipped into deflation in February for the first time in 17 years, a…
Mar 7, 2024 1:17 AM

Chevron Restarts Drilling in Key Venezuela Oil Field - …

Work has been under way at the heavy crude area of the Orinoco Belt since mid-February, people with …
Mar 7, 2024 1:14 AM

Cassidy, Rubio, Durbin, Cardin Released Statement Follo…

Maduro has disqualified the leading opposition candidate, María Corina Machado, from participating i…
Mar 7, 2024 1:01 AM

Venezuela Travel Information

What makes Venezuela a unique country to travel to?

Country Description
Venezuela is a medium-income country with a large and important petroleum sector.
Venezuela’s political leadership maintains an anti-U.S. government discourse, and its
political climate is highly polarized and fluid. Violent crime is a serious problem, and the
capital city of Caracas has one of the highest per capita homicide rates in the world.
Kidnappings, assaults, and robberies occur throughout the country; no areas are safe.
Scheduled air service and all-weather roads connect major cities and most regions of the
country. Venezuela’s tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and
price.

Crime
Venezuela and its capital, Caracas, have among the highest per capita murder rates in the
world. According to the VVO, a rate of 122 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in the Capital
District and a rate of 100 per 100,000 inhabitants in the state of Miranda, which
incorporates most of the greater Caracas metropolitan area, were recorded in 2012.As
noted above, the vast majority of murders and other violent crimes go unsolved. Armed
criminal gangs often operate with impunity throughout the urban areas. Poor
neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas are extremely dangerous. These
"barrios" are seldom patrolled by police and should be avoided. They are off limits to U.S.
Embassy employees.Armed robberies are common in urban and tourist areas throughout
Venezuela, even areas presumed safe and visited by tourists. Crimes committed against
travelers are usually economic crimes, such as theft and armed robbery. Incidents occur
during daylight hours as well as at night. Many criminals are armed with guns or knives
and will use force. Jewelry of all sorts, even inexpensive but flashy jewelry, and expensive
electronics attract the attention of thieves. Travelers are advised to leave jewelry items,
including expensive-looking wristwatches, at home. Gangs of thieves will often surround
their victims and use a chokehold to disable them, even in crowded market areas where
there is little or no police presence. Theft from hotel rooms and safe deposit boxes is a
problem, and theft of unattended valuables on the beach and from cars parked near
isolated areas or on city streets is a common occurrence. A guarded garage or locked
trunk is not a guarantee against theft. Pickpockets concentrate in and around crowded bus
and subway stations in downtown Caracas. Subway escalators are favored sites for "bump
and rob" petty thefts by roving bands of young criminals. Many of these criminals are well
dressed to allay suspicion and to blend in with crowds using the subways during rush hour.
Travelers should not display money or valuables.

Kidnappings: Kidnappings, including "express kidnappings" in which victims are seized in

an attempt to get quick cash in exchange for their release, are a serious problem. One
common practice is for kidnappers to follow potential victims into building garages and
kidnap them at gunpoint, although the majority of kidnappings occur while traveling in
vehicles. Kidnappings of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals from homes, hotels,
unauthorized taxis and the airport terminal do occur, and are more frequently being
reported to the embassy. As a recent example, in March 2012, a U.S. citizen, currently
residing in Caracas was traveling home in his vehicle when he was overtaken and then
blocked by a single vehicle. Several armed men exited the blocking vehicle and forced the
victim out of his car and into a separate vehicle. The kidnappers held the victim while
driving throughout Caracas conducting other kidnappings and robberies. The victim was
eventually released unharmed.“Virtual kidnappings,” in which scam surveys are conducted
to collect contact information on minors, which is then used to call parents for ransoms
without the children being taken, and “inside kidnappings,” in which domestic employees
are being paid large sums of money for keys and information in order to enter and kidnap
children for ransom, have also been reported to the embassy. U.S. citizens should be alert
to their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

The Embassy also has received reports of robberies during nighttime and early morning
hours on the highways around and leading to Caracas. Reports have specifically involved
cars being forced off the La Guaira highway leading from Caracas to the Maiquetía
International Airport, and the "Regional del Centro" highway leading from Caracas to
Maracay/Valencia. Once the victims are stopped on the side of the road they are robbed.
The Embassy recommends avoiding driving at night and in the early morning when
possible.

Police responsiveness and effectiveness in Venezuela vary drastically but generally do not
meet U.S. expectations. U.S. travelers have reported robberies and other crimes committed
against them by individuals wearing uniforms and purporting to be police officers or
National Guard members. Police investigations into kidnappings have revealed that police
officers have been involved, and corruption within police forces is a concern. U.S. citizens
are encouraged to stay away from police activity, as they may be handling an investigation
of a crime.

The Embassy is aware of several instances where women lured U.S. men to Venezuela
after establishing “relationships” with them over the Internet. Some of these men were
robbed shortly after they arrived in Venezuela. Others were recruited to act as narcotics
couriers or “drug mules.” In three instances, the U.S. citizens were arrested at the airport
with narcotics in their possession and served extended jail terms in Venezuela.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the
bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local Venezuelan law, too.

Incidents of piracy off the coast of Venezuela remain a concern. While the majority of
reports involve local fisherman, foreigners have been targeted in previous years. Some of
these attacks have been especially violent, including the murder of a U.S. citizen on his
boat in November 2008 and the killing of a French yachter in September 2008. Previous
violent attacks include the severe beating of a U.S. citizen in 2002, the fatal shooting of an
Italian citizen in January 2004, and a machete attack on a U.S. citizen in 2005. U.S. citizen
yachters should note that anchoring off shore is not considered safe. Marinas, including
those in Puerto la Cruz and Margarita Island (Porlamar), provide only minimal security, and
U.S. citizens should exercise a heightened level of caution in Venezuelan waters. Public
safety announcements, directives and specific information concerning piracy can be found
at the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website. Boaters may also consult the U.S. Coast Guard
website for additional information on sailing in Venezuela.

In addition to security concerns, yachters should be aware of registration and other

required permits in order to anchor in Venezuelan marinas. U.S. citizens docking in
Venezuela are strongly encouraged to check with local authorities regarding the proper
documentation for their vessels and themselves.

Furthermore, rules governing the sale of fuel to foreign sailors in Venezuela vary by state.
U.S. citizen yachters should inquire about specific state procedures prior to attempting to
purchase fuel in any given location.

Private aircraft companies and operators are strongly encouraged to consult with the
Venezuelan Civil Aeronautical National Institute regarding current Venezuelan laws and
regulations, such as those pertaining to tail markings, registrations, and other required
authorizations. Failure to comply with national or local requirements can result in arrest
and criminal charges, as well as property seizures.

Criminal Penalties
While you are traveling in Venezuela, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S.
citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some
places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. For
example, in Venezuela it is illegal to take pictures of sensitive installations to include the
presidential palace, military bases, government buildings, and airports. Just as in the
United States, driving under the influence can land you immediately in jail. Criminal
penalties will vary however. There are also acts that might be legal in the country you visit,
but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated
goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child
pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. Drug
trafficking is a serious problem in Venezuela and treated as such by Venezuelan
authorities. Convicted traffickers receive lengthy prison sentences, usually eight to ten
years. If you do something illegal in Venezuela, your U.S. passport won’t help. It’s very
important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Security within Venezuela’s prisons is lax to nonexistent. Prison populations are largely
under the control of prison gangs with little or no interference from prison authorities.
Drugs and weapons are freely available, and prison authorities generally do not provide
even basic protections and amenities, including food, so individual prisoners must deal
with gang leaders through payments or other mechanisms just to survive. Additionally, the
Embassy has received reports from U.S. citizens incarcerated in Venezuelan prisons
claiming to have been beaten as well as having had their medication withheld.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain
countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Venezuela, you have the
option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S.
embassy of your arrest and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest
U.S. embassy.

Consular Access: Although Venezuela is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Consular

Relations, the Venezuelan government sometimes fails to notify the U.S. Embassy when
U.S. citizens are arrested, and/or delays or denies consular access to arrestees. Therefore,
U.S. citizens cannot assume a consular officer will visit them within 24-72 hours of an
arrest.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical care at private hospitals and clinics in Caracas and other major cities is generally
good. Public, government-funded hospitals and clinics generally provide a lower level of
care and basic supplies at public facilities may be in short supply or unavailable. Cash
payment is usually required in advance of the provision of medical services at private
facilities, although some facilities will accept credit cards. Patients who cannot provide
advance payment may be referred to a public hospital for treatment. Private companies
that require the patient to be a subscriber to the service or provide cash payment in
advance generally provide the most effective ambulance services. Public ambulance
service is unreliable. U.S. citizens should be aware that due to the currency restrictions in
effect in Venezuela they might find it difficult to receive wire transfers from abroad,
whether through a bank or Western Union. Such wire transfers cannot be used reliably as a
source of emergency funds. U.S. citizens traveling to Venezuela may also find it difficult to
obtain certain prescription drugs, particularly name brands, and should ensure that they
have sufficient quantities of all medications for the duration of their stay.

Dengue fever is common in Venezuela, as it is in other tropical and subtropical parts of the
world. Also called "breakbone fever" due to the muscle and bone pain it causes, dengue
fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness. There is no vaccine available for prevention, and
there is no specific treatment available. However, it is usually a self-limited illness. Typical
symptoms are fever, pain behind the eyes, and body aches. More serious cases involving
bleeding and shock do occur; the fatality rate is one or two per ten thousand cases. Seek
medical care if you believe you are seriously ill, as supportive care greatly reduces the risk
of dying. Avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellant or clothing to cover skin is the
best prevention.

Chagas disease also occurs in Venezuela and in other parts of South America. Chagas is a
parasitic disease carried by the triatomine insect or "kissing bug" or "chipo," as it is called
in Venezuela. It is difficult to treat and can cause permanent heart damage and lead to
death. The Pan American Health Organization estimates that 1,500 new cases of the
illness are recorded in Venezuela each year and that 789 people die from the disease every
year. It is uncommon for travelers to contract Chagas disease, but those staying in older
adobe and thatch buildings or sleeping out in the open are at risk. In Venezuela, Chagas
disease occurs mostly in the rural states of Trujillo, Lara, Portuguesa, and Barinas, but
cases have been reported throughout the entire country and sporadic outbreaks occur in
Caracas. It can be transmitted either through the bite of the "chipo" or through ingestion of
food contaminated with the insect's feces. Outbreaks in Caracas have been traced to non-
commercially prepared fruit juices. Symptoms vary and are often undetectable, but when
symptoms occur they often include fever, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Those experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. Avoiding
insect bites by using insect repellant or clothing to cover skin is the best prevention.

Malaria is present throughout the states of Amazonas, Bolivar, and Delta Amacuro, and
rural areas of certain municipalities within the states of Sucre and Monagas.
Chemoprophylaxis with atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine is
recommended in addition to insect precautions.

Leishmaniasis, another insect-borne parasitic disease, is present in some areas. Insect

precautions are recommended.

Schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasite that penetrates intact skin, is present in some

areas. Avoiding contact with fresh water in pools, streams, and lakes is recommended.

Safety and Security

Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The
country’s overall per capita murder rate is cited as one of the top five in the world.
According to the non-governmental organization, Venezuelan Violence Observatory (VVO),
there were 21,692 homicides in 2012, a rate of 73 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants,
among the highest in the region. This number is up from VVO’s reported rate of 67 per
100,000 inhabitants in 2011. In Caracas, the rates were even higher, with VVO reporting a
rate of 122 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in the Capital District.

According to the Venezuelan National Counter Kidnapping Commission official statistics

have shown alarming increases in reported kidnappings throughout the country since the
commission's founding in 2006. According to Venezuelan government statistics, 583
kidnappings were officially reported to officials. Police sources indicate that as many as
80% of kidnappings go unreported, meaning that the official figure of 583 kidnappings in
2012 is likely much lower than actual numbers.

Armed robberies take place throughout Caracas and other cities, including in areas
generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Well-armed criminal gangs operate
widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Only a very small percentage of crimes
results in trials and convictions. VVO estimates that less than 10% of homicides result in
prosecutions. It names impunity as one of the major factors for the increase in crime.

Maiquetía International Airport: Travel to and from Maiquetía Airport, the international
airport serving Caracas, can be dangerous. Both arriving and departing travelers, including
foreigners, have been victims of personal property theft and muggings in the airport. The
Embassy has received multiple, credible reports that individuals wearing what appear to be
official uniforms or other credentials are involved in facilitating or perpetrating these
crimes. For this reason, U.S. citizen travelers should be wary of all strangers, even those in
official uniform or carrying official identification, and should not pack valuable items or
documents in checked luggage. Valuable documents and personal items should be kept in
carry-on luggage; numerous travelers have reported valuable gifts and other items being
stolen from their checked luggage, especially around the holiday season. The Embassy has
also received several, credible reports of victims of “express kidnappings” occurring at the
door of the airport, in which individuals are kidnapped and taken to make purchases or to
withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint. Furthermore, there
are known drug trafficking groups working from the airport. Travelers should not accept
packages from anyone and should keep their luggage with them at all times.

The Embassy also has received reports of uniformed airport officials attempting to extort
money from travelers, including U.S. citizens, as they go through the normal check-in and
boarding process for departing flights. Other information provided by U.S. citizens and U.S.
government officials indicates that uniformed individuals have approached travelers
immediately upon entering the terminal when exiting Venezuela through Maiquetía Airport.
These uniformed individuals reportedly may ask travelers where they are traveling and then
escort them to a separate area to inspect their bags for illegal drugs or money. In certain
cases U.S. citizens have reported that they were forced to sign documents in Spanish that
they did not understand. Travelers should not sign documents that they do not understand,
but if they feel they must, they should sign “I do not understand this document” or “I cannot
read the above statement” as part of their signature.

The road between Maiquetía Airport and Caracas is particularly dangerous. Visitors
traveling this route at night have been kidnapped and held captive for ransom in roadside
huts that line the highway. Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are
encouraged to arrive and depart only during daylight hours. If not possible, travelers should
use extra care both within and outside the airport. The Embassy strongly advises that all
arriving passengers make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place
of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone
who is known to them or at least try to caravan in known groups en route to Caracas.
Travelers should be aware of chokepoints inside tunnels and avoid obstacles in the
road.As a note to travelers, all U.S. direct-hire personnel and their family membersassigned
to U.S. Embassy Caracas are required to take an armored vehicle when traveling to/from
Maiquetía airport.

The Embassy has received frequent reports of armed robberies in taxicabs and “express
kidnappings” going to and from the airport at Maiquetía. There is no foolproof method of
knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport is reliable. The fact that a taxi driver presents a
credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked “libre” is not an
indication of reliability. Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing, and
injuring passengers are common. Travelers should try to use radio-dispatched taxis or
those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service
from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a
licensed cab company for them. Ask the hotel concierge or other responsible individual to
write down the license plate numbers of the cab that you entered. Avoid “libre” taxis or any
taxis hailed on the street.

When traveling by bus, visitors should travel only during daylight hours and only by first-
class conveyance. There have been several reports of bus hijackings & armed robberies of
entire busloads of passengers.

The Embassy recommends avoiding the use of the metro (subway). Metro robberies are
frequent in Caracas, especially during crowded rush hours. If riding the metro or the city
bus system, travelers should take extreme care with valuables and belongings.

While visiting Venezuela, U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry as little U.S. currency as
possible and to avoid wearing expensive or flashy watches and jewelry. Due to the poor
security situation, the Embassy does not recommend changing money at the international
airport. Visitors should bring a major credit card, but should be aware of widespread
pilfering of credit card data to make unauthorized transactions. Travelers’ checks are not
recommended as they are honored in only a few locations. It is possible to exchange U.S.
currency at approved exchange offices near major hotel chains in Caracas (personal
checks are not accepted) and at commercial banks with some restrictions. Due to currency
regulations, hotels cannot provide currency exchange. There are ATMs throughout
Venezuela. Malfunctions are common, however, and travelers should be careful to use only
those in well-lit public places. ATM data has also been hacked and used to make
unauthorized withdrawals from user’s accounts. ATMs are also targeted by street gangs in
order to rob people making withdrawals.

Popular tourist attractions, such as the Avila National Park, are increasingly associated
with violent crime. U.S. citizens planning to participate in outdoor activities in potentially
isolated areas are strongly urged to travel in groups of five or more and to provide family or
friends with their itineraries prior to departure.

Colombian Border: Cross-border violence, kidnapping, drug trafficking, smuggling, and

cattle-rustling occur frequently in areas along the 1,000-mile long border between
Venezuela and Colombia. Some kidnap victims have been released after ransom
payments, while others have been murdered. In many cases, Colombian terrorists are
believed to be the perpetrators. Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) and the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are active in kidnapping for ransom and
have been known to operate with near impunity inside Venezuela. Common criminals are
also increasingly involved in kidnappings, either dealing with victim's families directly or
selling the victim to terrorist groups. In-country travel by U.S. Embassy employees, both
official and private, within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border, is
strongly discouraged. The State Department warns U.S. citizens not to travel within a 50-
mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border. U.S. citizens who elect to visit areas
along the border region with Colombia despite this warning could encounter Venezuelan
military-controlled areas and may be subject to search and arrest, in addition to
encountering danger from the Colombian terrorist threat. The U.S. Embassy must approve
in advance the official travel to Venezuela of all U.S. government personnel. Private travel
by U.S. military personnel to Venezuela requires advance approval by the U.S. Embassy’s
Defense Attaché Office. Please consult the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance
Guide for further information. Non-military employees of the U.S. government do not need
Embassy approval for private travel.

Political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas and elsewhere in Venezuela.
Travelers should be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire and tear gas, has
occurred at political demonstrations in the past. Demonstrations tend to occur at or near
university campuses, business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and
plazas. Marches generally occur on busy thoroughfares, significantly affecting traffic. Most
major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts and Margarita Island, have not
in the past been generally affected by protest actions. The city of Merida, however, a major
tourist destination in the Andes Mountains, has been the scene of demonstrations, some
of them violent, including the use of firearms and tear gas.

Travelers should stay informed of local developments by following the local press, radio
and television. Visitors should also consult their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan
business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers. As circumstances warrant,
the Embassy sends out messages to U.S. citizens who have registered online. These
messages and demonstration notices are also posted on the U.S. Embassy’s web site. U.S.
citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are advised to take common-sense precautions
and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, no matter where or for what reason they
occur.

Harassment of U.S. citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities, and

some segments of the police is uncommon, despite the fact that Venezuela’s most senior
leaders regularly express strong anti-U.S. government sentiment.

Venezuela is an earthquake-prone country and is occasionally subject to torrential rains,

which can cause landslides, such as those that occurred in early 2011. Travelers who
intend to rent or purchase long-term housing in Venezuela should choose structures
designed for earthquake resistance. Such individuals may wish to seek professional
assistance from an architect or civil/structural engineer, as does the Embassy, when
renting or purchasing a house or apartment in Venezuela. U.S. citizens already housed in
such premises are also encouraged to seek a professional structural assessment of their
housing.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in Venezuela, U.S. citizens will encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States. Driving regulations in Venezuela are similar to those in the
United States, although many drivers do not obey them. Defensive driving is a necessity.
Motorcyclists often weave in and out of lanes and cars, so caution is advised. 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 hand held cell phones while driving.
Outside the major cities, night driving can be dangerous because of unmarked road
damage or repairs in progress, unlighted vehicles, and livestock. Even in urban areas, road
damage is often marked by a pile of rocks or sticks left by passersby near or in the pothole
or crevice, without flares or other devices to highlight the danger. Severe flooding,
construction projects, traffic accidents, and other such disruptive occurrences can shut
down primary and secondary roads for unexpectedly long periods of time, and detours are
often not well-marked or easy to follow. Traffic jams are common within Caracas during
most of the day and are frequently exploited by criminals. Armed motorcycle gangs often
operate in traffic jams and tend to escape easily. Cases of armed robbery by motorcyclists
and theft of other motorcycles have increased and may result in death if the victim does
not comply. Stops at National Guard and local police checkpoints are mandatory. Drivers
should follow all National Guard instructions and be prepared to show vehicle and
insurance papers and passports. Vehicles may be searched. Inexpensive bus service is
available to most destinations throughout the country, but the high incidence of criminal
activity on public transportation makes bus travel inadvisable. Peak holiday travel occurs
during summer and winter school breaks and major civil and religious holidays, including
Carnival, Easter, Christmas, and New Year's holidays. Lengthy delays due to road
congestion are common during these peak periods.

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