Venezuela | South America

Venezuela is a sovereign state on the northern coast of South America. Its economy is defined by vast petroleum reserves, high hyperinflation history, and de facto dollarization; the capital is Caracas.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 11, 2026, entry requirements are highly differentiated by nationality:

EU and UK Citizens: Granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days via a "Tourist Card" issued on arrival (typically for air travel).

US Citizens: A visa is mandatory and must be obtained in advance from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate. Visas are not available on arrival.

Requirements: Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Proof of onward/return travel and hotel reservations are frequently requested.

Yellow Fever: An International Certificate of Vaccination is mandatory if arriving from Brazil or other risk zones.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English proficiency is low, even in urban centers, and is generally restricted to high-end hotels or specialized business sectors.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Digital Bolívar (VED), but the economy is de facto dollarized.

US Dollar (USD): The primary currency for most transactions. Cash must be in pristine condition (no marks or tears). Change for large bills is often unavailable; retailers may give "credit" or small goods instead of change.

Digital Payments (Pago Móvil): A real-time interbank payment system used via mobile apps is the standard for local transactions.

Cards: International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are increasingly accepted in major hotels and upscale retailers in Caracas but are unreliable due to connectivity issues.

Cryptocurrency: Venezuela has one of the world's highest crypto adoption rates (stablecoins and Bitcoin) used for remittances and value preservation against inflation.

National Transport Grid

Aviation: Maiquetía (CCS) is the primary international hub. As of January 2026, international flight connectivity is recovering but remains limited compared to regional peers.

Caracas Metro: As of 2026, the system is undergoing a modernization plan ("The Metro Moves With You"), with a target for full system-wide internet connectivity by mid-2026.

Roads: Inter-city travel is primarily by bus. Roadblocks and fuel shortages are common in the interior provinces.

Rail: The national rail project remains largely incomplete; passenger service is localized and limited.

Digital Infrastructure

5G Status: As of 2026, Movistar and Digitel have launched limited commercial 5G services (including Fixed Wireless Access) in select areas of Caracas, Nueva Esparta, and Barinas.

Fiber Deployment: Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) expansion has reached 99% of municipalities, significantly improving urban broadband stability.

Network Sunsets: 2G networks have been largely phased out by major carriers to prioritize 4G and 5G spectrum.

Climate & Seasonality

Dry Season (December–April): Most pleasant for travel.

Rainy Season (May–November): Characterized by high humidity and frequent heavy afternoon showers.

Regional Variation: Caracas maintains a "perpetual spring" ($18°C–28°C$), while the coast and Maracaibo are extremely hot and humid ($30°C+$).

Health & Safety

As of January 10, 2026, several Western governments (US, UK, Canada) maintain a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Venezuela.

Security: High risk of violent crime (armed robbery, homicide, kidnapping). Military strikes occurred as recently as January 3, 2026, in Caracas and surrounding states.

Arbitrary Detention: There is a high risk of arbitrary detention for foreign nationals without due process.

Health: Severe shortages of medicine and medical supplies. Tap water is not potable.

Emergency: Police/Fire/Ambulance 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Capital District: Hub: Caracas (Political/Commercial center).

Isla Margarita: Tourism hub in Nueva Esparta with the most stable infrastructure.

Canaima National Park: Gateway to Angel Falls (Salto Ángel).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $1.00 USD

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): $2.00 USD

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): $15.00 USD

Facts & Legends

Venezuela is home to Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall ($979m$). Local folklore features the Sayona, a ghost-woman who punishes unfaithful men. Historically, Venezuela was the first Spanish American colony to declare independence (1811). Geologically, the Catatumbo Lightning phenomenon at Lake Maracaibo produces the highest density of lightning on Earth, striking up to 280 times per hour during peak months.