According to youremailverifier, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency on the entire country on May 13, 2016. Violent clashes broke out during political protests. Given this current situation and the ongoing economic and supply shortages in the country, non-urgent travel to Venezuela is not recommended.
The following tourist destinations are excluded from this if they are visited as part of organized trips: Los Roques, Roraima, Canaima National Park, Isla Margarita and the Amacuro Delta. It should be noted that despite the start of the rainy season, there are still failures in the supply of drinking water and electricity throughout the country. As far as drinking water is available, it is not provided in the quality that is usual in Germany. This also leads to restrictions in the health and tourism sector. The medical care situation in Venezuela is deteriorating. Adequate treatment of emergencies in particular – e.g. in the course of traffic accidents – is not guaranteed everywhere and at all times.
Due to the deteriorating economic and supply situation, there are more and more demonstrations, some of which are announced and some of which arise spontaneously, especially in the cities. Firearms have also been used repeatedly in these in the past. Travelers are advised to pay close attention and are strongly advised to stay away from demonstrations and large crowds.
With regard to the widespread, high level of violent crime, to which foreigners also repeatedly fall victim, special care is required.
Germans who are in the country and have not yet entered the embassy list of Germans are advised to register electronically at External Link, opens in a new windowhttp: //elefand.diplo.de in order to prevent the security situation from deteriorating to be centrally accessible. This service can also be used by German citizens who only stay in the country for a short period of time.
Country-specific safety information
Demonstrations
It is strongly recommended that you stay away from crowds and demonstrations and that you follow media coverage and this travel advice regularly and carefully.
Border area with Colombia
Travel to the border area with Colombia is not recommended. In the areas along the Colombian border, particularly in the Venezuelan states of Amazonas, Apure, Barinas, Táchira and Zulia, there is still an increased risk of kidnappings and other violent crimes as a result of the Colombian internal conflict.
We also advise against leaving the country by land to and from Colombia. Temporary closings of the border with Colombia can be ordered at short notice at any time. Experience shows that border closings sometimes result in extremely long waiting times.
Holiday Island Margarita On the Holiday Island Margarita there is a risk of armed robbery, also in hotel complexes and during accompanied and organized group excursions. The center of Porlamar should be avoided especially after dark.
Piracy Sailors should note that robberies on anchored ships or ships close to the coast or cases of piracy along the Venezuelan coast occur sporadically and take appropriate measures (caution with spontaneous guests on board, self-protection at night).
Crime
The high crime rate in Venezuela poses a significant risk to both individual and group travelers. Kidnappings to extort money and armed attacks have increased. Germans were also affected. Street crime in large Venezuelan cities, especially Caracas, remains high. Violent crime and assaults can also be expected outside of the cities, for example on country roads.
In the past, during controls by uniformed officers (police, military) in the city, during roadside checks and even at the airport, travelers were robbed by uniformed controllers or forced to pay or exchange money. If possible, travelers should only hand over a copy of their passport and not the original document during such checks.
It is strongly advised to observe the following guidelines:
- Driving in the dark should be avoided for safety reasons. Especially on the highway between the airport and Caracas, there were several attacks during the dark. Passengers are therefore generally advised not to use this route at night.
- Travelers should not hitchhike or camp.
- On excursions without a local tour guide, travelers should find out exactly which places are absolutely to be avoided (e.g. poor areas, the so-called “barrios”).
- On arrival at Caracas Airport, there have been attacks in the past involving uniforms and taxi drivers. In the arrival hall of the airport, travelers should therefore in particular not accept transport offers from alleged taxi drivers or persons who appear to be authorized, but should only use the official airport taxis that are waiting in front of the arrival hall.
- When using taxis and buses, you should only choose vehicles in good technical condition that are in radio communication with their company headquarters. Taxis or minibuses can also be used, as recommended by the hotel. There is a high risk of robbery when using supposedly cheaper taxis and buses.
- If, despite all precautionary measures, an armed attack does occur, it is recommended that you do not resist.
- Money should only be exchanged at the designated counters.
- Valuable objects or large amounts of money should not be carried; this also applies to the journey to and stay at the airport on departure.
Greater caution is advisable when using credit / debit cards, as there are always cases of fraudulent debits.
