Warning against traveling to Venezuela: Dangerous situation before the elections!

Warning against traveling to Venezuela: Dangerous situation before the elections!

On May 20, 2025, the Federal Foreign Office renewed the travel warning for Venezuela. Loud moz.de The security situation in Venezuela is particularly worrying, with the capital Caracas being ranked as the most unsafe city in the world last year. High crime rates, which include thefts, violent crimes and kidnappings, are a major contributor to instability. The serious economic crisis, which manifests itself in the form of hyperinflation and shortages of essential goods, is also exacerbating the difficult situation in the country.

Travelers are strongly advised against non-essential travel to Venezuela. Trips to the border areas with Colombia and Brazil are also risky. Spontaneous demonstrations and an increased police presence are expected in the final days before the parliamentary and regional elections on May 25, 2025, keeping the situation further tense.

Safety warnings and tips for travelers

According to the Foreign Office, travelers should definitely avoid crowds and demonstrations in Venezuela and follow the instructions of the security forces. Intensive checks and interviews are required upon entry and there are confirmed cases of EU citizens being arrested on charges of supporting terrorism. The risk of arrest also applies to German nationals, although consular assistance may be limited in such cases.

Additionally reported auswaertiges-amt.de that a state of emergency has existed since May 2016, resulting in a persistent economic and medical supply crisis. Frequent power outages and disruptions to mobile networks and the Internet are commonplace. Drinking water quality is not guaranteed and both gas supply and gasoline shortages are other issues that travelers need to be aware of.

• Dringende Reisewarnung für nicht notwendige Reisen nach Venezuela
• Warnung vor Reisen in Grenzgebiete zu Kolumbien und Brasilien
• Hohe Gewaltkriminalität in Großstädten wie Caracas und Maracaibo
• Reisende sollten Sicherheitsanweisungen beachten

The current situation also shows that international flight connections are greatly reduced. Passengers must be at the airport at least four hours before departure. The domestic flight network is severely limited and aircraft may experience technical problems. Road traffic is also dangerous and emergency medical care outside the capital is inadequate.

Entry and health information

German citizens do not need a visa to enter Venezuela, although a tourist card is required. The travel documents must be valid for at least six months, and for children traveling with you, birth certificates and the consent of the other parent are required if you are traveling alone. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, even if it is not mandatory when entering directly from Germany. There is also a high risk of diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and malaria in Venezuela, so comprehensive protection is advisable.

Health care in Venezuela is poor, and private clinics often require upfront payments. Due to these circumstances, the Federal Foreign Office advises you to register on the “Elefand” crisis preparedness list and to find out about news and weather reports during your trip.

The security situation in Venezuela remains critical and prospective travelers should thoroughly inform themselves about the current circumstances and take appropriate precautions.