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4,660 mi away
£1 VES 981.50
Today
7:44 am
-4h from you
Travel warning
The country has areas you must completely avoid, major earthquakes have caused serious damage, and basic services like power and water are unreliable across the country.
Weather & climate
Weather in Venezuela
Venezuela
29°
Moderate drizzle
Thu
19°
29°
Fri
21°
29°
Sat
21°
27°
Sun
21°
26°
Mon
21°
27°
Tue
20°
29°
Wed
18°
27°
SPF level in Venezuela
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Venezuela
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Venezuela.
When arriving by air, you can stay for up to 90 days visa-free on a tourist card issued on arrival, for which you must show your return or onward travel ticket.
If you are arriving overland or by sea, you may need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling.
You can apply for an extension of your stay for up to 90 days before your tourist card and entry stamp expire at any SAIME office.
If you overstay your allowed time, you may be arrested and fined when trying to leave the country.
Good to know:
To enter Venezuela from Brazil, you must carry a certificate proving you have had a yellow fever vaccination.
Declare cash or travellers cheques worth 10,000 US dollars or more when entering the country, as you must pay tax on the excess.
Safety in Venezuela
Tips when travelling
Venezuela is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be especially vigilant at Maiquetia airport and its car park due to the risk of criminal activity.
Use only pre-booked taxis from reputable companies, ideally arranged through your hotel.
Always carry identification, such as a copy of your passport, as security forces may ask for it at checkpoints.
Avoid photographing military installations or strategic sites, including military airports.
Expect frequent power outages that can cut mobile signals and internet, and check with your airline as flights can be cancelled.
Bonus tips:
There are strong currents and undertows in some Caribbean coastal areas, and lifeguards are not normally present.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal but common, and many drivers ignore red lights.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Venezuela
A valid UK driving licence is accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
80 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Venezuela drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Venezuela
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Medical facilities, especially outside major cities, may be limited. Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover any medical expenses upfront, as payment may be required before treatment.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date recommendations on vaccinations and preventative measures. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Mosquito-borne diseases are a risk, so use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep under a mosquito net.
Cards & payments
Low
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Low
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +14105819994
Tipping in Venezuela
Tipping is customary in Venezuela, though the amounts are often small due to economic conditions. While service charges may be added to bills, it's still common to leave an additional tip for good service.
Restaurant
10% of the bill, if service is not included. If service is included, an additional 5-10% for exceptional service.
Bar/Café
5-10% for good service, or rounding up the bill.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, especially for longer rides or assistance with luggage.
Hotel Porter
10-20 VES per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 VES per night, left daily.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Mobile roaming in Venezuela can be expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider about roaming charges before you travel. EU roaming agreements no longer apply to the UK post-Brexit, so standard international roaming rates will apply. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM
5 GB for 250 VES (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Venezuela
Voltage
120 V / 60 Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited
Average speed
10 Mbps
WiFi is available in major hotels, some restaurants, and cafes, but it's not as widespread as in other countries. Internet speeds can be slow and unreliable. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for more reliable internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Venezuela
Country code
+58
To call the British Embassy in Caracas from the UK, you would dial 00 58 212 201 8100.
Venezuela's country code is 58. Mobile phone numbers usually start with 4. When calling a Venezuelan mobile number from abroad, you typically drop the initial '0' from the area code.
Languages in Venezuela
UK Embassy
British Embassy Caracas
Torre Centro Seguros La Paz, Piso 12, Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Urbanización La California Norte, Caracas 1071, Venezuela
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
14 days ago
Air travel
- Simón Bolívar International Airport serving Caracas is now specified as closed only to commercial flights, not all traffic.
- A list of four alternative airports (Valencia, Barquisimeto, Barcelona, Maracaibo) with continuing commercial international flights has been added.
Safety and security
15 days ago
Regional risks
- Venezuelan authorities declared a 'state of external commotion' on 3 January due to air strikes on targets across the country.
- La Guaira was declared a 'disaster zone' and is under military control with strict access controls following the earthquakes on 24 June.
Natural disasters
- Venezuela suffered two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude on 24 June, causing significant damage in La Guaira, parts of Caracas and elsewhere.
Warnings and insurance
15 days ago
Safety
- The section on the 'state of external commotion' announced on 3 January has been completely removed.
- Warnings about potential border and airspace closures linked to that state have also been removed.
Travel disruption
- The earthquake impact description now specifies significant damage in 'La Guaira, parts of Caracas and elsewhere'.
- A new safety instruction advises to 'stay away from damaged buildings'.
Warnings and insurance
18 days ago
Travel disruption
- Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport is now named and confirmed as temporarily closed, instead of 'International airports in Venezuela'.
- Walk-in appointments at the Embassy are now unavailable.
Warnings and insurance
20 days ago
Travel disruption
- International airports in Venezuela are now temporarily closed after 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes near Caracas on 24 June.
- New advice following earthquakes: follow local authorities, contact UK government if affected, and let others know you are safe if unaffected.
Airports in Venezuela
Beaches in Venezuela
Frequently asked questions
The FCDO advises against all travel to Venezuela. If you decide to travel against this advice, be aware of the risks of petty crime, armed robbery and express kidnapping, especially in major cities. Protests and political instability can occur. Monitor local media and avoid large gatherings.
British citizens generally do not require a visa for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, it's crucial to confirm current visa regulations with the Venezuelan Embassy in London before your trip, as entry requirements can change. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
The dry season, from December to April, is generally considered the best time to visit Venezuela. Temperatures are usually warm and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring the country's diverse landscapes.
The official currency is the Bolívar Soberano (VES). However, US dollars are widely used and sometimes preferred, especially in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, so it's advisable to bring US dollars in cash. Exchanging money can be complex due to currency controls. Check current regulations before exchanging.
Try arepas (cornmeal cakes filled with various ingredients), pabellón criollo (Venezuela's national dish consisting of shredded beef, rice, black beans, and plantains), and empanadas. Popular drinks include papelón con limón (a refreshing drink made with unrefined cane sugar and lime) and local beer.
Venezuela is generally a casual country, but dressing modestly is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. When dining in upscale restaurants, smart-casual attire is appropriate.
Be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always negotiate the fare in advance. Beware of scams involving currency exchange and be sure to exchange money only at authorised locations, if you must exchange. Scams involving alleged fake police officers are also a risk.
It is generally not safe to drink tap water in Venezuela. Drink bottled or purified water. Be cautious of ice in drinks and ensure that food is properly cooked and from reputable sources to avoid stomach problems.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.