Travelling to Venezuela: entry, safety and blackouts (FCDO)

Venezuela is a country of enormous landscapes, from the Caribbean to the Andes, and of a hospitality many travellers remember. It is also a destination about which almost every government issues serious warnings. This guide is neither an invitation nor a discouragement: it is a summary of what the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice says, consulted on 7 November 2026, so that you can decide with information. Your own government's advice may differ and changes at short notice. If, after reading it, you are still interested, start with Caracas or Margarita Island.

The advice level

The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Venezuela: Amazonas state, areas within 40 kilometres of the borders with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana, the Orinoco Mining Arc south of the river and the south of Delta Amacuro. It advises against all but essential travel to the rest, including Zulia state, Maracaibo and the eastern shore of the lake. Travelling against that advice can invalidate travel insurance, so check your policy.

Entry and documents

For British passports, the advice says the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond planned departure. Air arrivals get up to 90 days visa-free on a tourist card issued on arrival and must show a return or onward ticket; by land or sea a visa may be needed in advance. Extensions of up to 90 days are requested at a SAIME office before the card expires. Any non-tourist activity (work, volunteering, journalism, filming, study or internships) requires a visa before travelling. You must declare goods worth over 1,000 dollars and cash or cheques of 10,000 dollars or more. Minors travelling without both parents need permission. Overstaying can lead to arrest and a fine on departure.

Flights and the airport

Commercial flight availability is limited. According to the advice, Maiquetía, which serves Caracas, resumed commercial operations on 1 September with limited capacity, and international flights also operate from Valencia, Barquisimeto, Barcelona and Maracaibo. Maiquetía airport carries a higher crime risk, especially at night; there have been armed robberies on buses on the route. Use a licensed taxi from the official rank, do not accept offers in the arrivals hall or get into a taxi already carrying passengers, and beware of fake officials: the National Guard makes random checks.

Crime, checkpoints and detentions

Armed robbery, mugging, carjacking and burglary are common and sometimes extremely violent. The FCDO advises against public transport, against resisting and against showing electronics. There are police and National Guard checkpoints: stop when asked; attempts to solicit bribes have been reported. Some foreigners report lengthy questioning on arrival or departure, and security forces may ask for ID at any time; if you cannot produce it, you could be held. Drug trafficking carries 8 to 15 years in prison with harsh conditions. Photographing military or strategic installations is illegal. Avoid travelling after dark.

Power, water, fuel and communications

The advice describes frequent, sometimes nationwide, blackouts, water cuts and fuel shortages, especially outside Caracas, where some petrol stations do not accept international cards or give change. Internet is usually slow outside the big cities and power cuts can interrupt mobile and network service even in the capital. Carry reserve cash in hard currency, power banks, a torch and copies of your documents.

The June earthquakes

The FCDO reports two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 on 24 June that caused significant damage in La Guaira and parts of Caracas; the risk of further quakes continues. La Guaira is declared a disaster zone, with reinforced security and access controls. Follow the authorities' guidance and stay away from damaged buildings.

Adult scene

We could not verify any club or lifestyle event in Venezuela with an official website and a consent policy, so we list none. Given the security context described, we advise against going to unknown addresses at night. For health read the Venezuela health guide.

How to reduce risk if you decide to go

If, despite everything, the trip still interests you, reduce exposure: travel with a trusted local agency or contact, avoid road journeys at night, change plans if the advice recommends it and share your itinerary with someone at home. Register your trip with your country's consular service if it offers one, carry digital and paper copies of documents, and do not flaunt money or technology. Check local news and the official advice daily: the situation changes quickly.

Sources and limits

This guide relies on official sources consulted on 7 November 2026; travel advice, entry requirements and health recommendations change at short notice and depend on your nationality, so always confirm with your consulate, the country's embassy and a health professional. We have not added data that does not appear in those sources, and where something could not be checked we say so. References:

• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/safety-and-security
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/entry-requirements
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/regional-risks

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Venezuela? The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to most of the country; decide with your government's advice.

Do I need a visa? For air arrivals with a British passport, up to 90 days with a tourist card; other nationalities vary.

What about electricity? Blackouts are frequent; bring a torch and batteries.

And flights? They are limited; confirm with the airline.