Venezuela

Recommended Vaccinations For Venezuela

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

This country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year of age arriving from Brazil, including travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in Brazil and travellers transiting in Venezuela arriving from Brazil. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older, except as follows. Generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the entire states of Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, Vargas and Yaracuy, and the Distrito Federal. Not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to all areas greater than 2300 meters in elevation in the states of Merida, Trujillo, and Tachira; the States of Falcon and Lara; Margarita Island; the capital city of Caracas; and the city of Valencia.

Recommended Medications For Venezuela

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Venezuela

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Venezuela through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks occur frequently in Venezuela.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in Venezuela.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Venezuela.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in rural Venezuela, particularly in west-central areas and in Aragua State.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis can occur in Venezuela. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis (“Chagas disease”) occurs in rural Venezuela. The risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of exposure to yellow fever in Venezuela in limited areas. This country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year of age arriving from Brazil, including travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in Brazil and travellers transiting in Venezuela arriving from Brazil. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older, except as follows. Generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the entire states of Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, Vargas and Yaracuy, and the Distrito Federal. Not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to all areas greater than 2300 meters in elevation in the states of Merida, Trujillo, and Tachira; the States of Falcon and Lara; Margarita Island; the capital city of Caracas; and the city of Valencia.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Venezuela, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Malaria

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention considers that there is a general risk of exposure to malaria throughout the country at elevations less than 1,700 meters and Angel Falls. The states of Amazonas, Bolívar, Delta Amacuro and Sucre are considered very high risk for the transmission of malaria. Anti-malaria medications are recommended.

Safety & Security in Venezuela

Personal Safety

Venezuela has one of the highest crime rates globally. Violent crimes including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking are common throughout the country but particularly concentrated in Caracas. Armed criminals often carry firearms and victims who resist may be injured or killed. Express kidnappings occur frequently, where victims are held briefly until a quick ransom is paid. Most kidnappings happen in the capital area and along airport routes. Organized criminal gangs operate nationwide and control territory in many urban and rural areas. Crime rose significantly after 2010 but recent years show a decline. Violent deaths dropped 25% from 2022 to 2023 according to independent organizations, though the rate remains high compared to regional neighbors. Government data is unreliable since authorities stopped publishing official crime statistics in 2015. Armed motorcycle gangs often operate in traffic and target victims for robbery. You face risks of wrongful detention by security forces, with foreigners detained for up to five years without consular access. Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas is particularly dangerous, with violent crimes occurring inside the terminal and surrounding areas. Criminals spot wealthy-looking passengers and coordinate with carjackers outside. Travel to and from the airport only during daylight. The barrios or slums are extremely dangerous at all times and should be avoided completely. Night travel anywhere in the country is unsafe.

Extreme Violence

Venezuela experiences extreme violence from multiple sources. Armed criminal gangs known as megabandas have over 50 members and engage in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnappings, and contract killings. Over a dozen mega-gangs operate across the country, some with up to 300 members and access to heavy weaponry. Colombian guerrilla groups including the ELN operate in border regions with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. These groups commit kidnappings, extortion, and control mining areas. The Tren de Aragua gang originated in Venezuelan prisons and has expanded operations regionally. Gangs control territory and impose social rules on communities. Armed groups known as colectivos are state-affiliated irregular forces that commit violence against civilians and opposition members. Following the July 2024 presidential election, at least 24 protesters and bystanders were killed during demonstrations. Security forces and colectivos were implicated in these killings. Extrajudicial killings by government security forces occur, with international human rights organizations documenting systematic abuses. Between 2022 and 2023, dozens of disappearances and kidnappings were documented in border states, with criminal organizations and armed groups as perpetrators. Gang violence in mining areas has resulted in numerous deaths in recent years. Venezuelan authorities have been accused of torture and cruel treatment of detainees.

Political Unrest

Political unrest intensified dramatically following the July 2024 presidential election. International observers questioned the validity of results that declared Nicolas Maduro the winner. Over 280 anti-government protests occurred in the month after the election, with demonstrations taking place in 121 municipalities. Large-scale demonstrations frequently occur in Caracas and across the country, often with little notice. Between July 29 and 30, 2024, authorities documented 915 protests, of which 138 were violently repressed. At least 24 people were killed during post-election protests. Security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against demonstrators. Over 2,400 people were arrested in the weeks after the election, including more than 100 children. Many detainees were subjected to enforced disappearances, with families unable to locate them. The government launched Operation Knock Knock, encouraging citizens to report protesters and critics through government apps. Authorities charged hundreds with vague offenses like incitement to hatred and terrorism carrying sentences up to 30 years. Pro-government armed groups called colectivos attacked protesters throughout 2024. Demonstrations can lead to road blockades and disruptions to transportation. Police and security forces have instituted brutal crackdowns including violence against participants. Avoid areas around government buildings and where demonstrations occur. Power cuts, electricity rationing, and shortages of basic services can trigger protests at any time.

Areas To Avoid

Caracas is particularly dangerous, with violent crime pervasive throughout the capital. The eastern and western barrios of Caracas are extremely unsafe and must be avoided. Petare, one of the largest slums, has high crime rates though it is also where some protests have occurred. Within 20 km of the Colombia border, extortion and kidnapping risks are elevated. Armed criminal groups and Colombian guerrilla forces operate in these border areas. The border states of Apure, Amazonas, Bolivar, Falcon, Tachira, and Zulia have documented high rates of disappearances and kidnappings. The Orinoco Mining Arc in southern Venezuela is controlled by armed groups and mining gangs who commit violence and exploitation. Indigenous communities face acute risks in this region. Simon Bolivar International Airport and the surrounding Maiquetia area are dangerous. Criminal groups work inside the airport to identify targets. Nighttime travel between cities or between the airport and Caracas is particularly unsafe. Border areas with Brazil involve drug trafficking and smuggling activities. Rural and isolated areas have criminal presence and lack police protection. Areas controlled by armed groups face curfews and restrictions on movement enforced with violence.