Venezuela
South America • VEN
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Venezuela is a country of immense natural beauty, boasting the world's highest waterfall, expansive Caribbean coastlines, and diverse Andean landscapes. While it offers unparalleled eco-tourism opportunities, travelers should exercise high levels of caution and perform thorough research due to the complex political and economic environment.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including various European and Latin American nations, are granted visa-free entry for tourism for up to 90 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Completed tourist entry form
Popular Attractions
Angel Falls: Located in Canaima National Park, this is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Los Roques Archipelago: A stunning national park featuring pristine coral reefs, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Mount Roraima: A majestic tabletop mountain that serves as a border point between Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana, offering otherworldly trekking experiences.
Morrocoy National Park: Known for its numerous small islands called cayos, it is a premier destination for boat tours and Caribbean relaxation.
Mérida: A vibrant city in the Andes mountains famous for its cable car system, which is one of the highest and longest in the world.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greetings are typically warm, often involving a handshake or a light touch on the arm, and close proximity during conversation is common.
It is customary to address people by their professional titles or as 'Señor' or 'Señora' followed by their surname until invited to use first names.
Dining etiquette is relatively formal, and it is polite to keep your hands visible above the table rather than in your lap.
Punctuality is often flexible; social events may start significantly later than the stated time, and being 'fashionably late' is considered normal.
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants, usually around 10% if a service charge has not already been included in the bill.
Safety Tips
Avoid displaying expensive electronics, jewelry, or large amounts of cash in public to reduce the risk of becoming a target for theft.
Travel exclusively during daylight hours, as road conditions and security risks increase significantly after dark.
Use only official or pre-arranged transport services, such as hotel-recommended taxis, rather than hailing vehicles on the street.
Monitor local news and maintain a low profile, avoiding political demonstrations or large public gatherings of any kind.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance and register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for emergency communication.
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