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 Venezuela is a middle-income country with a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Scheduled air service and good all-weather roads, although sometimes poorly marked and congested around urban centers, connect major cities and all regions of the country. Venezuela's tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and price.
The beautiful Isla De Margarita is not yet known to the international community, which has spared it from the massive traffic of other island destinations. It has some of the most outstanding beaches in the world! This may change soon as the Island succumbs to mass tourism.
In the last few years or so, Margarita Island has experienced amazing rate of growth. Margarita Island lies against the northern South American Continent avoiding hurricanes and serious variations in weather and enjoying pleasant warm temperatures. Its varied marine life thrives on the surrounding ocean plateau which makes for great scuba diving. There is a fabulous variety of food: fresh fruits, tasty vegetables, and a variety of meats brought in daily by ferry from mainland Venezuela.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and a visa or tourist card are required. Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to Venezuela for persons staying less than ninety days. For current information concerning entry, tax, and customs requirements for Venezuela, travelers may contact the Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th St. N.W., Washington D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 342-2214, Internet: http://www.embavenez-us.org. Travelers may also contact the Venezuelan consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Houston, San Francisco or San Juan.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Cross-border violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking occur frequently in remote areas along the 1,000-mile border between Venezuela and Colombia, specifically in Venezuela's Zulia, Tachira, Barinas, Apure and Amazonas states. In February 1997, two vacationers, one of them a U.S. citizen, were kidnapped from Venezuela in southwestern Apure State near the border with Colombia. Colombian guerrillas, who frequently operate on both sides of the border, were suspected in the kidnapping. The victims were released after payment of a ransom. In March 1999, three American citizens were abducted in Colombia and taken across the border to neighboring Apure State in Venezuela, where they were murdered. Colombian guerrillas later admitted publicly to killing the three Americans.
Sporadic political demonstrations, which may at times turn violent, occur mainly in urban centers. The purpose and location of such demonstrations are often announced in advance. The number and intensity of demonstrations fluctuate, but they tend to occur at or near university campuses or secondary schools. Areas subject to sporadic demonstrations include the Los Teques area of metropolitan Caracas, the Universidad Central de Venezuela campus in Caracas, and the University district in Valencia, Carabobo State. Most major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts and Margarita Island, are not generally affected by protest actions. However, the city of Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, is the scene of frequent student demonstrations.
Travelers may keep informed of local developments by following the local press, radio and television. They should also consult their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers. American citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid any large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest, no matter where they occur. Additional advice about demonstrations may also be obtained from the U.S. Embassy at the telephone numbers listed below.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: U.S. citizens visiting areas along the border with Colombia, particularly the military-controlled areas, may be subject to search and seizure. For further information regarding travel to border areas, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
U.S. citizens who do not have Venezuelan "cedulas" (national identity cards) must carry their passports with them at all times. Photocopies of passports prove valuable in facilitating their replacement should they be lost or stolen.
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS: Foreign exchange transactions must take place through commercial banks and exchange houses at the official rate. Hotels and banks often restrict transactions to their clients only. Money exchange by tourists is most easily arranged at "casas de cambio" or exchange houses. Credit cards are accepted at most upscale tourist establishments. Visa, MasterCard and American Express have representatives in Venezuela. U.S. citizens using credit cards at some commercial establishments have had the numbers lifted and used by others. Purchases not made by the legitimate cardholder are then reported on the next statement. Visitors should be aware of this trend. Outside the major cities, a good supply of Venezuelan currency is necessary as it may be difficult to find exchange houses. Most major cities have ATMs with 24-hour service where users may withdraw up to 100 dollars equivalent in local currency daily. The ATMs are linked to many global networks.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Venezuela are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas or the Consular Agency in Maracaibo and obtain updated information on travel and security within Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy is located at Calle Suapure and Calle F, Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas. The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, tel. (011)(58)(2) 975-6411. In case of an after-hours emergency, callers should dial (011)(58)(2) 975-9821.
Direct consular office phone lines are as follows: (011)(58)(2) 975-6411 ext. 2208 for information on applications for U.S. passports, or 975-9234 (preferably mornings) for information on Reports of Birth or other U.S. citizen services. The American Citizen Services fax number is (011)(58)(2) 975-8991. Additional information is also available at the Embassy's Internet web site at: http://usembassy.state.gov/caracas/ or at the Consular Section's web site at: http://usembassy.state.gov/caracas/wwwheins.html.
A part-time consular agent in Maracaibo provides services for U.S. citizens in western Venezuela. The agent is available to the public every Monday from 8:15 am to 12:15 pm, at the Centro Venezolano Americano del Zulia (CEVAZ), Calle 63 No. 3E-60, Maracaibo; tel. (011)(58)(61) 91-1436 or 91-1880.
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