Terrorism

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.  A handful of terrorist incidents took place in Caracas in early 2003 (these involved small improvised explosive devices).  These incidents were related to the internal political situation.  You should exercise vigilance and be especially wary of suspect packages and parcels.

Terrorist and narcotic gangs are active in regions bordering Colombia, where there is a risk of kidnapping. 

Crime

There is a constant risk of street crime (often armed), especially in Caracas and other cities.  Contrary to the advice in at least one widely used travel guide, Sabana Grande is not a safe area in which to stay in Caracas.  Budget hotels can be found in the safer areas such as Chacao, La Castellana and Altamira.  It is not advisable to visit barrios, as many of these are heavily populated slums with very high crime rates.

There have been recent instances of robbery and assault after tourists’ drinks were spiked with potent disorienting drugs.  You should also avoid the offer of pamphlets in the street or major shopping centres, as there have been incidents of these having been impregnated with similarly potent and disorienting drugs, which permeate the skin.

In most of Caracas outside the Los Chorros/Sebucan/Los Palos Grandes/Altamira/La Castellana/Country Club districts and residential parts of Baruta there is a high threat of crime, especially at night.  It is risky to walk alone, especially after dark.  People carrying large amounts of money, wearing valuable watches or jewellery or using mobile phones in the street are especially vulnerable.  Car jacking is also a problem by day and night.  Car-jackers tend to target expensive-looking vehicles, especially 4x4s.  You should not resist if you are subject to an armed hold-up.

“Express kidnappings” (kidnappings for immediate financial gain) occur in Caracas and other cities.  The victims are usually deliberately targeted rather that selected at random.  You should remain aware of who is around you at all times, and avoid appearing conspicuously wealthy.

There have been cases of violent attacks against British and other foreign nationals around the country, though the motive is normally economic rather than because of any anti-foreign feeling.  British nationals have been murdered on the island of Margarita in October 2005, in Bolivar State in November 2005 and in Tachira State in December 2005.

Political Situation

Political opinion in Venezuela is polarised.  Political demonstrations may take place with little warning.  Demonstrations have sometimes turned violent.

On 5 April 2006, there were widespread public protests in Caracas over the rise in crime and worsening security situation.  You should exercise caution whilst travelling in Caracas and other major urban centres and avoid large public gatherings.

Many Venezuelans carry guns and the police and Guardia Nacional are often heavily armed when involved in crowd control situations.  You should therefore avoid demonstrations.  Larger demonstrations are announced in advance in the local media, including the English language newspaper "Daily Journal".

Local Travel

On 19 March 2006, a major bridge carrying the main motorway linking Maiquetia International Airport with Caracas collapsed.  The motorway was closed to traffic on 5 January 2006, but partially re-opened on 26 February 2006, with the completion of an emergency relief road creating a two-kilometre route rejoining the motorway either side of the bridge.  You should expect significant delays on this route, particularly at peak times, as the road is single lane in each direction.  Alternative routes between the airport and Caracas are poor, overcrowded and insecure and transit times are lengthy.  If possible, you should avoid using these routes at night.  You should consult your tour operator or airline ahead of departure for further advice.  You should allow for extra time on your journey to and from the airport.

There have been cases of passengers being robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at Caracas airport (Maiquetia) and being "express kidnapped", whereby the victim is robbed after having boarded the bogus taxi.  You are advised not to board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car.  It is best not to accept offers of assistance within the arrivals hall, only at the official taxi rank directly outside.  If possible, you should arrange to be met by friends, business contacts, or tour operators.  Only licensed taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used.  There is a taxi service using black Ford Explorers, often with tinted windows, which is widely regarded as being the most reliable.

When taking a taxi in Caracas or other towns/cities, it is advisable to use only white cars with yellow plates (or the Black Explorers at Caracas Airport).  Hotels will normally book a taxi from a reputable company or supply their own limousine service.

British tourists have been robbed on public buses travelling from Puerto Ordaz airport to the city centre.  This kind of bus, although cheap, can be risky throughout Venezuela - especially for tourists who normally give the appearance of being significantly better off than most of the local people.

When travelling in the interior of the country, especially more remote rural areas, you should be aware that ambulance services are not reliable and hospitals often lack adequate medical supplies and equipment.  It is advisable to ensure you have contact details for nationwide ambulance services, such as ServiMedic Venezuela:  Telephone 0212 395 27 03; e:mail: servimedicvzla@telcel.net.ve, who can help you get back to Caracas or other major cities in the event of an accident.

Road Safety

It is possible to drive in Venezuela on a British driving licence for up to one year.  After a year in Venezuela it is necessary to obtain a Venezuelan driving licence.  You should ensure you have copies of insurance documents, driving licence and passport with you at all times.  Failure to produce documents can result in the vehicle being seized by the police.  There are regular police and National Guard checkpoints throughout the country.  You should stop if asked to do so.  There have been many reports of attempts by the police and National Guard to extract money for spurious reasons.  In such cases you may consider asking for a written record giving the basis of the offence and also the penalising officer’s details.

All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack wrench and special reflector triangle.  In general the main roads in Caracas and to the interior are good.  The quality of other roads is variable, but on some routes potholes are left unrepaired and a four-wheel drive is recommended.

Many vehicles are in poor condition and driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially during weekends.  In the event of an accident, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives (unless no one has been injured and both parties have agreed liability).  Otherwise the vehicles should not be moved, however badly traffic may be blocked.  Insurance companies are unable to pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a Traffic Police accident report.

Drivers routinely ignore red lights, especially at night.

Air Safety

In December 2004, the Venezuelan National Civil Aviation Institute suspended all international flights to six airports: Caracas (Metropolitan), Charallave, Coro, Cumaná, Maturin, and Puerto Cabello.  It is no longer possible to enter or leave the country at these airports.

Visiting tourist destinations in Venezuela can often involve flying in light aircraft.  Safety standards are variable and there have been several significant accidents on the main tourist routes, including Margarita and Canaima/Angel falls within the last three years, two with fatal consequences.  In general it is better to seek out established companies operating modern multi-engined aircraft.  Local and International travel agents should be able to advise on whether or not the airline has a good safety record.

Sea Safety

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships and small vessels in and around Venezuela's waters.  In March 2004, Venezuelan pirates forced a group of Trinidadian fishermen to abandon their fishing boat in the high seas off Trinidad, resulting in several deaths.  Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.  Small vessels such as private yachts should be aware of the risk of attack by criminals in coastal waters, particularly east of Puerto La Cruz, and should avoid the waters between Trinidad and Venezuela.

Join Our Mailing List

Email address


Are you a potential volunteer or eco-lodge/project?
Volunteer Eco-lodge/project

I have read and accept the Terms & Conditions.

How to Organise Your Placement

There are three easy steps to find a placement:

1. Search for a placement
2. Become a member and register your details via our Easy Pay system
3. Contact the placement and plan your travel arrangements

More