Venezuela
South America • VEN
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Venezuela is a country of extreme natural beauty, home to the world's highest waterfall, expansive Caribbean coastlines, and the majestic Andes mountains. While it offers incredible biodiversity and unique landscapes, visitors should exercise a high degree of caution and thorough planning due to the complex political and economic environment.
Visa Requirements
Most tourists require a visa to enter Venezuela, and it is mandatory to apply through a Venezuelan embassy or consulate in advance of travel.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
- Letter of invitation or hotel reservation confirmation
Popular Attractions
Angel Falls: Located in Canaima National Park, this is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall and a true natural wonder.
Los Roques Archipelago: A stunning national park featuring pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches.
Mount Roraima: This iconic flat-topped tepui mountain offers spectacular trekking opportunities and unique endemic plant species.
Medanos de Coro: A unique desert landscape featuring massive, shifting sand dunes that meet the Caribbean Sea.
Merida Cable Car: The Mukumbarí system is one of the highest and longest cable cars in the world, providing breathtaking views of the Andes.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always greet people with a polite handshake or a light kiss on the cheek if you have established a personal acquaintance.
Respect the local dining etiquette by keeping your hands visible above the table rather than in your lap.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities to show respect for local religious and traditional values.
Be punctual for social engagements, although it is common for hosts to arrive slightly later than the agreed time.
Avoid engaging in heated political discussions with locals, as this is a sensitive topic that can lead to discomfort.
Tipping in restaurants is common and appreciated, usually around 10 percent of the total bill if a service charge is not already included.
Safety Tips
Avoid traveling at night between cities and stick to well-known, secure tourist routes.
Keep your valuables, such as expensive watches, cameras, and jewelry, out of sight to minimize the risk of theft.
Use only official, pre-arranged transport services or hotel-recommended taxis rather than hailing cars on the street.
Stay informed by monitoring local news and advice from your home country's embassy regarding regional security conditions.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and necessary documents, keeping the originals in a secure location like a hotel safe.
Avoid public demonstrations or large gatherings, as these can escalate into unpredictable situations without warning.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Polio
Source: ECDC
An additional dose of polio vaccine is recommended for travelers to polio-infected countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A Yellow Fever certificate of vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Hepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may be exposed to blood or body fluids.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccines are up to date before traveling to Venezuela.
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
View sourceTyphoid vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceMalaria chemoprophylaxis
Source: CDC
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Venezuela take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Venezuela.
Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Venezuela.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Venezuela.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: ECDC
Recommended for travelers to areas with potential exposure to typhoid fever.
Vaccination options include oral and injectable forms.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: ECDC
Recommended for all travelers to prevent hepatitis A infection.
Vaccination is effective and widely available.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Up to date vaccination is important for health protection.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccination is up to date before travel.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Rabies
Source: CDC
Consider if you will be involved in activities that may lead to animal bites.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccination before traveling, as COVID-19 precautions may still be in effect.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To protect against diseases spread by mosquitoes.
Use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended due to the potential for contaminated food or water.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccines
Source: CDC
Vaccination is recommended due to the ongoing pandemic
Check current vaccine requirements depending on vaccination status.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To prevent diseases spread by insects, such as malaria and dengue.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside well-known restaurants and hotels.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Chikungunya and Zika virus prevention
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers to areas where these diseases are prevalent.
View sourceCholera vaccination ( outbreak risk in certain areas)
Source: CDC
Check areas of travel for cholera outbreaks; vaccination may be recommended.
View sourceRabies vaccination (if high-risk activities planned)
Source: CDC
Consider if engaging in activities involving bats or wildlife.
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: All areas <1,700 m (<5,600 ft) elevation and Angel Falls
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine
Seasonality: null
View source