CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Venezuela

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 5 has been updated (contact information - Consulate of Canada in Isla de Margarita).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Venezuela

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

The security situation is serious due to increased criminality, especially on the Araya and Paria peninsulas. A high degree of caution should be exercised at all times. Travellers should remain in groups and in tourist areas. There is a serious threat of kidnapping as well as security concerns related to drug trafficking at both the Brazilian and Guyanese borders. Security forces in these areas are scarce.

Ongoing social and political tensions throughout Venezuela frequently lead to demonstrations, roadblocks, and national strikes, causing traffic jams in the capital (especially in the historic centre of Plaza Bolivar, where most government institutions are located), in major centres throughout the country and on main highways. Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations, Canadians should avoid large gatherings and other public areas where disturbances or violent incidents could occur and monitor local developments. You should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended. Curfews may also be in effect.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel within 80 km of the Colombian border due to the increasing threat of kidnapping.

Colombian guerrillas, who frequently operate on both sides of the border, are suspected in several kidnapping cases. Foreigners have been specifically targeted in Amazonas state, near the border with Colombia. Cross-border violence, kidnapping, smuggling, and drug trafficking occur frequently in remote areas, specifically in Zulia, Tachira, Barinas, Bolivar, Apure, and Amazonas states.

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Political Activities

It is inadvisable for foreign travellers to participate in political discussions or activities (such as demonstrations) in public, or to appear to take sides on any local issue related to the current political situation. This may result in problems with local authorities or even in deportation from Venezuela.

Crime

Venezuela has one of the world’s highest crime rates. Petty crime is very frequent, particularly in the central and poorer areas of Caracas, in Cumana, Maracaibo, Paraguana, Valencia, and on the islands of Margarita and Los Testigos. In central Caracas, city streets and the Sabana Grande area should be avoided due to a growing incidence of violent robberies. Pickpockets are active in crowded bus and subway stations. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure, including on beaches, in parked vehicles, and in hotel rooms. Do not show signs of affluence or display valuables. Thefts from hotel safes have been reported. Use Automatic Banking Machines (ABMs) during the day only, choose ABMs in shopping malls or busy residential areas, and stay alert to your surroundings.

Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is prevalent throughout the country, including in Avila National Park and tourist resort areas. Violence against foreigners can occur in all regions in Venezuela, both urban and rural.

Incidents of carjacking and kidnapping have increased. Victims are usually forced out of their vehicles at gunpoint or knifepoint and robbed of their money, jewellery, and identification. Others have been forced into cars at gunpoint and driven out of the city. They may also be taken to withdraw funds at ABMs and, in some cases, held captive until their families pay a ransom. Injuries, and even death, have occurred when victims do not cooperate. While travellers are not specifically targeted, they should avoid walking or driving in isolated areas, particularly after dark.

Women should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting rides or invitations. Incidents of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault, have been reported. Acquaintance rape is also a serious problem. In some cases, hotel workers and taxi drivers have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and is strongly advised to file a report with Venezuelan authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Venezuelan authorities.

Criminals posing as police officers have harassed and extorted tourists. There have also been reports of Venezuelan officials at airports, immigration offices, and police stations imposing excessive charges. If you experience a problem, you should pay the requested fine, ask for the officer’s name, badge number, or patrol car number, and report the incident to the Embassy of Canada in Caracas.

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in coastal areas and marinas, some involving a high degree of violence. Small vessels, such as private yachts, should be aware of the risk of attack and take appropriate precautions. A Weekly Piracy Report may be found on the website of the International Chamber of Commerce.

In some areas of Caracas and elsewhere in the country, police presence and response are relatively poor.

Disruption of Services

During major events, such as large demonstrations, local cellular phone services could be interrupted due to network overload. Other services could also be interrupted.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with authorities of Venezuela. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Venezuela. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Venezuela. A return or onward ticket is required to enter Venezuela.
 
Tourist Card: Required
Business Visa/Work Permit: Required
Student Visa: Required

All visitors without a proper, valid visa could be subject to detention or deportation. Canadians must ensure that their status is up-to-date at all times.

Travellers are given a tourist card by their airline upon arrival. This card is usually a small two-page form, which is stamped by an immigration officer along with the passport. The card allows the visitor to remain in Venezuela as a tourist for 90 days. It must be presented prior to departure; a lost card may result in delays until a replacement is obtained.

Dual nationals must travel with both their Canadian and Venezuelan passports. Applying for a Venezuelan passport requires specific documentation, and long delays are possible. Dual nationals should therefore contact the Venezuelan Immigration Office (ONIDEX) for information and advice well in advance. If you travel without your Venezuelan passport, immigration officials may ask to see a Venezuelan visa on your Canadian passport.

Minors (18 years old or under, including children born in Venezuela) travelling alone will need to present a legally certified letter of consent from both parents. If the child is travelling with only one parent, a legally certified letter of consent from the other parent will be needed. The letter of consent, notarized and authenticated by the Embassy of Venezuela or a Venezuelan consulate in Canada, must be presented to the immigration authorities upon exiting Venezuela, and must include the child's full name and passport number, the parents' full names, and the child's detailed travel itinerary (including flight numbers and names and addresses of all lodgings). The letter of consent may be written in English, but Spanish is preferred.

Travellers departing from any international airport in the country are required to pay an exit tax of 137.50 bolivares fuertes (Bs. F). This tax must be paid at the airport by credit card or in cash.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Altamira Sur, Altamira, Caracas 1060, Venezuela
Postal Address: P.O. Box Embassy of Canada, Apartado 62302, Caracas 1060A,
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000/264-0833
Fax: 58 (212) 261-8741
E-Mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.venezuela.gc.ca

Venezuela - ISLA DE MARGARITA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Av. 4 de Mayo, Centro Profesional Atrium, Torre A, Piso 3, Local 3-3, Porlamar, Isla de Margarita, Estado Nueva Esparta, Venezuela
Tel.: 58 (295) 264-1684
E-Mail: joannebeland@cantv.net

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 by dialling 0-800-100-1100/1102 or 1103 first.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds travellers that Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers over nine months of age travelling to Venezuela, except for travel to the northern coastal area.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Mosquito-borne diseases including yellow fever can be a threat. Off-road travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. Canadians are strongly encouraged to visit a travel medicine clinic or physician well in advance of their departure date for advice on appropriate vaccination.

In many tourist destinations, such as Isla de Margarita and Puerto la Cruz, medical treatment facilities normally provided by public hospitals are often not available or, at best, seriously below levels of service found in Canada. Many private clinics are available but are considerably more expensive and may demand payment in advance. Canadian travellers are strongly advised to obtain adequate levels of supplementary health insurance to meet potential needs.

Emergency medical service and ambulance response is good in metropolitan areas, although vehicles and treatment facilities may lack equipment and supplies. In rural areas, the response time is much longer.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Possession of illegal drugs (including marijuana) will lead to immediate detention, incarceration, and lengthy jail terms. All departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession by the National Guard.

Venezuela has strict regulations concerning the importation of foreign-registered motor vehicles. Offenders face heavy fines and/or confiscation of the motor vehicle. Prior to departure, contact the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the most up-to-date regulations and procedures.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic congestion is common in Caracas. Traffic laws are rarely observed by local drivers due to the lack of police enforcement. Drive with doors locked and windows closed at all times. Night driving is not recommended outside major cities due to unmarked road damage or construction and wandering livestock. Stopping at National Guard and police checkpoints is mandatory. Drivers should follow all instructions and have vehicle and insurance papers and passports readily available. Vehicles may be searched.

There have been incidents of stone throwing from highway overpasses and bridges near poorer neighbourhoods. Motorists are robbed after stopping to assess vehicle damage.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Public Transportation

It is highly recommended that plans for travel to and from all airports be arranged in advance. Criminals are known to pose as taxi operators. Licensed, radio-dispatched taxis can be organized in advance by hotels or telephoned from the airport. Travellers should follow the advice of local authorities regarding transportation and allow sufficient time to reach the airport.

Visitors should only use licensed taxis in all areas of Venezuela. Licensed taxis are black with yellow plates and an identification number. These taxis are generally safer than unlicensed taxis, although incidents of robbery and assault, often at gunpoint, have been reported for both licensed and unlicensed taxis. Never accept unsolicited offers of transportation or offers of luggage or passenger check-in.

Intercity buses are considered reliable. Local buses and the subway in Caracas are not recommended due to the possibility of robbery.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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Currency

The denomination of the Venezuelan currency has temporarily changed from the bolívar to the bolívar fuerte (Bs. F). It will revert back to the bolívar once the transitional period has elapsed. Travellers should be aware of the value change: 1,000 bolívares correspond to 1 Bs. F.

Money Exchange

The law prohibits the sale and purchase of any foreign currency outside of authorized institutions (such as currency exchange houses or banks). Travellers should be wary of individuals trying to buy their dollars at the airport. Anyone caught exchanging foreign currency is subject to a fine. Banks often restrict transactions to their clients only. Exchange houses may be scarce outside of major cities.

Only U.S. dollars can be exchanged, and only at official exchange houses. They cannot be used to make payments. Any individual entering or leaving Venezuela with more than US$10,000 is required to declare it to the authorities. Anyone convicted of selling or purchasing foreign currency above US$20,000 is subject to detention and a fine.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, at resorts, in stores, and at airports.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The website of the National Hurricane Center provides information on weather conditions.

The rainy season extends from May to December. Heavy rains and landslides can occur during this period. In the event of heavy rains, coastal roads and highways may not be fully operational and some utilities, especially water services, may be disrupted.

The littoral cordillera coast of Venezuela (including Caracas) is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Caracas in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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