Venezuela

Equal or similar forms for Quarantine Declarations, Certificates of Fumigation, and Certificates of Vaccination, set forth in the appendix (not reproduced), are hereby adopted as standard forms.

Tap water is considered unsafe to drink. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is not a requirement to enter Venezuela, but there have been cases where officials have illegitimately fined travellers who have been unable to produce such a certificate. Some airlines travelling to Venezuela will insist you have a yellow fever vaccination before boarding the plane unless you can produce your vaccination certificate. You are advised to check with your airline before travelling to Venezuela.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial one of the following numbers – 171; Digitel – 112; Movilnet – 1; Movistar – 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Also see General.

The Venezuelan Coast Guard is a support entity for control and inspections. Their ships are painted grey, mostly because they are military vessels. The Coast Guard listens on VHF Channel 16 throughout 24 hours, although in reality, it can sometimes be difficult to get a response. No English speaking is reported by radio operators.

There are other entities that are also related with the control and inspection of vessels, such as the National Guard; its maritime division, known as Vigilancia Costera, is involved particularly with drug and Customs inspections.

Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions and avoid these areas if possible. The Venezuelan Coast Guard has substantial assets patrolling coastal waters.

Also see General.

You are advised to exchange currency at official currency exchange booths only and not to use the black market. Travellers may be approached at airports by individuals offering to exchange foreign currency and those who have done so have in some cases been left with forged local currency. There is no facility for changing VEB to USD, or any other currency, when leaving Venezuela; travellers should consider only changing the required amount to avoid having leftover VEB.

In most towns and all major cities, international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted. However, it can be difficult to withdraw cash from ATMs with foreign bank cards. Branches of Banco Mercantil and Banesco have worked for some travellers. Sometimes the ATM will ask you for a 2 digit identification number, after you have selected the amount to withdraw. If you are asked for this, input 00, and it should work. (This is a security measure as all Venezuelan bank cards are linked to an identity document). Travellers should be aware there is also a serious problem with credit card fraud and cards being "cloned." You are advised to exercise caution whenever you are using your credit or debit cards.

Also see General.

Kidnappings occur in Venezuela. Although most kidnap victims are Venezuelan residents, foreigners have also been victims. You are advised to remain alert at all times. ``Express kidnappings'' - short-term, opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from victims by obtaining a relatively small ransom also occur in Venezuela. This type of crime has increased in all major cities within Venezuela but with higher levels reported in Caracas. The duration of the captivity can vary from an hour to approximately 24 hours.

Incidents of violent armed muggings and express kidnappings have been on the increase in, and around, Caracas airport. Travellers should exercise caution when travelling through the airport.

There is a high risk of street crime (often armed) throughout Venezuela, especially in the major cities and on beaches, including on the popular tourist island of Margarita where there have been several incidents of armed robbery. Resistance to robbery has resulted in victims being shot dead. You should exercise caution at all times.

You should remain vigilant and be aware that common crimes such as mugging and pickpocketing are often accompanied by violence. When walking in urban areas, avoid any unnecessary display of wealth, including visibly displaying your mobile or smartphone. Exercise caution if you choose to make or receive calls. You can reduce the possibility of your phone being detected by criminals by switching off functions such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The risk of crime is higher after dark.

Do not accept pamphlets in the street or major shopping centres, as there have been incidents of these having been impregnated with potent and disorienting drugs which permeate the skin. Drinks have also been spiked – do not accept food or drink from strangers who may befriend you in bars or restaurants.

When taking a taxi in Caracas, or other towns or cities, it is advisable to use only pre-booked taxis rather than hailing them in the street. There have been cases of passengers being robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at Simon Bolivar Maiquetia Airport and being ``express kidnapped''. You are advised not to board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car.

Visitors should be aware that the waters of the Caribbean can be deceptive. There are strong currents and undertows in some areas that can make swimming hazardous. Lifeguards and warnings are not always in place. Caution is necessary.

Also see General.

The airport itself can be a dangerous place. Be on your guard for bogus officials luring you into a quiet corner on the pretence of carrying out extra security checks. If approached by an officer purporting to be an airport official, even if they are in uniform and/or present credentials, you should try to ensure that you remain in a busy area of the airport and, if possible, check with other airport or airline staff that the official is genuine. There have been reports of a number of passengers being attacked or robbed when returning to their cars at the airport car park. You are advised to remain vigilant at all times. If you are coming to Venezuela to work, we advise that you bring with you a letter from your employer and your local contact organisation details (including a Spanish translation), as there have been occasions when passengers have been hassled for bribes.

The Venezuelan Nationality and Citizenship Law requires any dual national Venezuelan to use their Venezuelan identity documents to enter, reside in and leave the country.