Venezuela Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Venezuela.
Healthcare System
Venezuela's healthcare system has deteriorated significantly due to economic crisis. Public hospitals face severe shortages of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, and staff. Many healthcare professionals have left the country. Private clinics offer better care but require immediate cash payment in US dollars.
Hospitals
Private clinics in Caracas include Clínica El Ávila, Centro Médico de Caracas, and Policlínica Metropolitana. These require upfront payment in US dollars (cash). Public hospitals should be avoided except in life-threatening emergencies. Medical facilities outside major cities are extremely limited.
Pharmacies
Severe medication shortages affect both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Bring all necessary medications from home with prescriptions. Pharmacies (farmacias) exist but often have empty shelves. Some medications are only available on the black market at inflated prices. Chronic disease medications are particularly scarce.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete medical kit including antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and any prescription drugs you might need
- Carry at least 3 months supply of any prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions
- Have US dollars in cash available for medical emergencies as credit cards often don't work
- Register with your embassy and ensure they have your medical information and emergency contacts
- Consider arranging medical evacuation services in advance through specialized companies
- Avoid elective medical procedures in Venezuela
- Water-borne diseases are common; only drink bottled or purified water
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping (including express kidnappings), and murder occur frequently throughout Venezuela. Criminals often operate in groups and are typically armed. Violence is often used even when victims comply.
Victims are kidnapped for short periods (hours to days) and forced to withdraw money from ATMs or arrange money transfers from family. Taxis and ride-shares are common sites for these kidnappings.
Theft of bags, phones, cameras, and wallets is extremely common. Thieves work in teams and may use distraction techniques. Motorcycle-mounted thieves snatch bags and phones from pedestrians.
Political protests and demonstrations occur frequently and can turn violent with clashes between protesters, security forces, and government supporters. Protests can block roads and disrupt transportation.
Frequent checkpoints operated by various security forces. Corruption is common, and travelers may be subject to searches, document checks, and requests for bribes. Fake checkpoints operated by criminals also exist.
Frequent power outages (blackouts lasting hours or days), water shortages, fuel shortages, and telecommunications disruptions. These affect hotels, hospitals, ATMs, and daily operations.
Food shortages, contaminated water supplies, and poor food handling standards increase risk of foodborne illnesses. Restaurants may have limited menus due to shortages.
Border regions experience armed conflict involving illegal armed groups, drug traffickers, and smuggling operations. Kidnappings and violence are common.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals pose as police officers or other officials, stop tourists, claim to need to check documents or investigate counterfeit money, and then steal valuables or demand bribes. They may wear uniforms and show fake credentials.
Unlicensed or criminal taxi drivers, sometimes working with accomplices, rob passengers or take them to ATMs for express kidnapping. Additional criminals may enter the taxi during the ride.
Due to hyperinflation and currency controls, black market money changers offer better rates but may use counterfeit bills, shortchange tourists, or work with criminals who rob victims after the exchange.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings. Often targets tourists at restaurants or tourist sites.
Hotels, tour operators, or transportation providers quote extremely inflated prices to foreigners, especially in US dollars. The complex currency situation makes it difficult to know fair prices.
Individuals approach tourists offering help with directions, finding taxis, or carrying bags, then either demand payment, lead victims to accomplices, or steal belongings.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to steal card information, or simply rob people using ATMs. Some ATMs are rigged to dispense less cash than shown on receipts.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Keep photocopies of passport and documents separate from originals
- Have emergency cash in US dollars hidden in multiple locations
- Maintain a low profile and don't display wealth, expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics
- Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken
- Keep your hotel room number private and verify staff identity before opening doors
- Have a communication plan with family/friends and check in regularly
- Download offline maps before arrival as internet can be unreliable
Transportation
- Never use public transportation, street taxis, or ride-share apps
- Only use pre-arranged, vetted transportation through trusted hotels or tour operators
- Avoid traveling after dark under any circumstances
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times when driving
- Don't stop for apparent accidents or people flagging you down
- Be extremely cautious at Simón Bolívar International Airport, which has high crime rates
- Fill up fuel tank whenever possible due to frequent shortages
- Avoid driving outside major cities; roads are poorly maintained and dangerous
Money and Documents
- Bring sufficient US dollars in cash (small denominations); credit cards rarely work
- Keep most cash and passport in hotel safe, carry only what you need
- Have a 'mugger's wallet' with small amount of cash to hand over if threatened
- Exchange money only at official locations despite poor rates
- Don't flash cash when making purchases
- Keep emergency funds separate from daily money
- Have digital copies of all documents stored securely online
- Carry a photocopy of your passport, not the original when possible
Accommodation
- Stay only in established international hotels or well-vetted accommodations with security
- Choose hotels in safer neighborhoods (ask embassy or trusted sources)
- Don't share your room number or hotel name publicly
- Use hotel safes for valuables and passport
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Have hotel arrange all transportation
- Keep emergency supplies in room (water, food, flashlight, first aid)
- Know emergency exits and have evacuation plan
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card but be aware of frequent service disruptions
- Have backup communication methods (WhatsApp, satellite phone if possible)
- Share your itinerary with embassy and family/friends
- Be cautious using phones in public as they're theft targets
- Keep embassy contact numbers saved offline
- Monitor news and social media for security updates
- Join expat or traveler groups for real-time security information
- Don't discuss travel plans or criticize government publicly
Health Precautions
- Get all recommended vaccinations including yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A/B
- Take malaria prophylaxis if visiting risk areas (Amazonas, Bolívar states)
- Bring comprehensive medical kit and 3+ month supply of any medications
- Only drink bottled water and avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food; avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can't peel
- Use insect repellent constantly to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
- Have medical evacuation plan and insurance in place
Cultural Awareness
- Learn basic Spanish; English is limited outside tourist hotels
- Be respectful when discussing politics; avoid criticizing government publicly
- Understand that locals face severe hardships; be patient and empathetic
- Dress conservatively and blend in; avoid looking obviously foreign
- Be aware of photography restrictions near government buildings and military sites
- Venezuelans are generally warm and friendly; distinguish between genuine hospitality and scams
- Tipping in US dollars is appreciated given currency situation
- Be prepared for shortages; don't complain about limited services or food options
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face significant additional risks in Venezuela. Machismo culture is prevalent, and sexual harassment (catcalling, unwanted comments) is common. The high crime rate, combined with cultural attitudes, creates particular vulnerabilities. Solo female travel is strongly discouraged. Women have been targets of violent crime, sexual assault, and kidnapping. The breakdown in rule of law means reporting crimes is often ineffective.
- Strongly reconsider traveling to Venezuela alone as a woman; if you must go, travel with trusted companions
- Dress very conservatively to avoid attention; cover shoulders and knees
- Wear a fake wedding ring and carry a photo of a 'husband' to deflect unwanted attention
- Never accept drinks from strangers and watch your drinks being prepared
- Don't go out after dark under any circumstances
- Book accommodations with 24-hour security and reception
- Ignore catcalls and harassment; don't engage or respond
- Be extremely cautious of men offering help or showing excessive friendliness
- Keep hotel room number private and verify staff identity before opening door
- Have your phone charged and embassy numbers readily accessible
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels wrong, leave immediately
- Avoid isolated areas including empty streets, beaches, and parks even during daytime
- Use only trusted, pre-arranged transportation; never accept rides from strangers
- Consider hiring a local female guide through reputable agencies
- Be aware that reporting sexual assault may be difficult and ineffective
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Venezuela and the constitution includes some anti-discrimination protections. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. However, legal protections are largely theoretical given the current breakdown in rule of law and institutional functioning.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance
- Be aware that police may not be supportive if you report hate crimes
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations for advice before traveling (though many have ceased operations due to crisis)
- Be especially cautious in rural and conservative areas
- Consider safety over visibility; the current security situation affects everyone but LGBTQ+ travelers may face additional risks
- Have emergency plans and embassy contacts readily available
- Be aware that access to HIV medications and PrEP is extremely limited due to medicine shortages
- Some LGBTQ+ venues exist in Caracas but verify they're still operating and safe before visiting
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for travel to Venezuela. The collapsed healthcare system means serious medical issues require evacuation to another country, costing $50,000-$100,000+. Many standard policies exclude Venezuela or require special riders. The high crime rate also increases likelihood of needing emergency assistance, trip cancellation, or emergency evacuation for security reasons.
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