Venezuela Safety & Health
The honest page. Venezuela is a country under a serious travel advisory, and a guide that hides that is selling you something. Here is what the UK FCDO actually says (as of July 2026), and how travellers who do go manage the risk.
Last verified 29 August 2026
Where the FCDO says don't go at all
- The Colombian border strip
Everywhere within 80 km (50 miles) of the border.
- The Brazilian and Guyanese border strips
Everywhere within 40 km (25 miles) of either border.
- Zulia state
The full state — which includes the famous Catatumbo lightning region.
- The Orinoco Mining Arc
The 'Arco Minero' region of Bolívar state, south of the Orinoco river.
- Southern Delta Amacuro
Everything south of the Orinoco river.
Managing the rest
- Insurance needs attention
The rest of the country carries an 'all but essential travel' advisory, which can invalidate standard policies — specialist insurers exist for exactly this.
- Operators, not improvisation
Travel with established local operators, fly between regions, and keep a contingency plan that doesn't depend on embassy rescue.
- Bring your medication
Shortages of essentials are real — carry everything you need for the whole trip.
- Earthquake awareness
Two major quakes (magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) struck near the coast in June 2026, damaging parts of La Guaira and Caracas. Know your hotel's assembly point.
- Cards are a last resort
Credit-card fraud is common — favour cash arranged through your operator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Catatumbo lightning trip possible?
The famous everlasting storm sits in Zulia state, which the FCDO places under a full no-travel advisory — so no responsible operator route exists right now. It stays on the someday list.
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