2:35 pm
-4h from you
Travel warning
Border areas and many regions are very dangerous due to criminal and armed groups, and there's a recent government alert about potential border closures and airspace issues.
Weather & climate
Weather in Venezuela
Venezuela
26°
Thunderstorm
Thu
21°
26°
Fri
22°
25°
Sat
21°
26°
Sun
20°
25°
Mon
20°
26°
Tue
21°
27°
Wed
20°
25°
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:
Avoid public transport due to a high risk of robberies, including at gunpoint.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal but common, and many drivers ignore traffic lights.
There are strong currents and undertows in some Caribbean areas, and lifeguards or warnings are not usually present.
Be especially vigilant around Maiquetia Airport in Caracas, particularly when travelling at night, due to criminal activity.
Do not photograph military or strategic installations, including military airports and the presidential palace.
Bonus tips:
Always use pre-booked taxis, especially to and from airports, and do not accept rides from people already inside a car.
Carry your passport or copies of it at all times as local security forces frequently ask for identification.
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.
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
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.
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
Frequently asked questions
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.