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

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.

West Nile Fever

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

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

Travellers should maintain a high level of awareness of surroundings and of personal security due to crime. Venezuela has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is very common. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are safe and out of sight at all times. To minimize the risk of being targeted for theft, avoid showing signs of affluence and wealth, such as expensive jewelry, watches, etc. Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, also occurs. Travellers should avoid walking or driving in isolated areas, especially after dark.

Police response and presence in some areas of Venezuela can be relatively poor.

Women, in particular, should be careful about accepting invitations or food and drinks from strangers. Rape is also a serious problem in Venezuela.

Beware of criminals posing as police officers who demand fines. If confronted, travellers should pay the fine, but ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number and report the incident to your embassy.
Avoid using public transport due to poor maintenance and unsafe driving conditions. It is advisable to hire only pre-booked taxis from a licensed, reputable company. Avoid hailing a taxi on the street. LGBT travellers should be aware that same-sex relationships are not illegal. However, homosexuality may offend and bring unwanted attention.

Airports and areas surrounding airports are considered dangerous. At the Maiquetia Airport in Caracas, corruption is rampant. There are reports of travellers being robbed as well as mugged.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations, roadblocks, and national strikes are common due to political tensions. Avoid public gatherings and crowds as these situations can escalate and become violent without warning. Foreigners who appear to take sides related to a political situation can be deported.

Areas To Avoid

Travellers should avoid all travel to areas near the border with Colombia and Brazil due to violence, drug trafficking, and the threat of kidnapping. Avoid all but necessary journey to Zulia State.