Is It Safe to Travel to Venezuela Right Now? What Tourists Need to Know

Travelers considering Venezuela in 2025 face a complex environment: political turmoil, economic collapse, widespread crime, and limited governmental protection. Understanding current conditions is crucial before making any plans.

As of May 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of State resumed a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, warning of severe dangers including wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping, political repression, and poor medical infrastructure. All U.S. citizens and residents are urged to depart immediately.

The U.S. advisory notably recommends travelers prepare a will, designate legal power of attorney and insurance beneficiaries due to the extreme risks. Canada and Australia have echoed similar warnings.

Political tensions remain high following the disputed July 2024 presidential election and the January 10, 2025 inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for a contested third term. This has triggered new rounds of U.S., EU, UK and Canadian sanctions.

The siege of the Argentine embassy in Caracas in early 2025 highlights the regime’s hostility toward dissent and lack of respect for diplomatic norms. Armed robberies, carjackings, kidnappings, and gang activity are common throughout the country.

Major cities such as Caracas are extremely high-risk zones. Border areas near Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana pose additional threats due to smuggling operations and guerrilla activity. Even well-known destinations like Margarita Island face disruptions due to lack of basic services.

Venezuela’s healthcare system is severely deteriorated. Facilities are under-equipped, medications are often unavailable, and the risk of infection is high. The U.S. has no consular presence in Venezuela, so assistance in emergencies is unavailable.

Travelers are strongly advised to avoid all public gatherings or political events. Routine surveillance, unexpected arrests, and device inspections are common. VPN use or messaging apps like Signal may be flagged by authorities.

Food, water, fuel, and electricity shortages are chronic issues. There is no guarantee of reliable access to essentials. Flights in and out of the country are limited and may be subject to unexpected cancellation.

Foreign travelers—especially Americans and dual nationals—face an elevated risk of being used as political pawns. Detainees may be denied legal counsel or access to embassies.

The U.S. State Department advises travelers to draft a will and consider end-of-life planning prior to entering Venezuela. This alone underscores the gravity of the threat environment.

Unless your travel is for urgent humanitarian work or diplomatic missions, Venezuela is not a safe destination in 2025.

If you must go, register with your embassy (if possible), carry proof of evacuation insurance, avoid high-profile locations, and establish an emergency communication plan.

In summary: The risk far outweighs any reward for tourists. The safety situation in Venezuela remains extremely dangerous, unstable, and unwelcoming for most international travelers.

Venezuela’s political system has shifted toward authoritarianism over the past decade, and that reality has intensified in 2025. The government maintains tight control over the judiciary, law enforcement, and military, creating a dangerous climate for dissenters and foreign nationals alike. Even perceived criticism of the regime, posted online or shared privately, can result in surveillance or arrest.

Digital rights are virtually nonexistent. Internet service is often interrupted, and many websites are blocked or monitored. While some travelers attempt to use VPNs to access blocked sites or communicate with friends and family, these tools may be flagged by authorities, and their use can draw unwanted attention.

Currency shortages and hyperinflation are also serious concerns. While the bolívar is still technically in use, most transactions in urban areas now happen in U.S. dollars. Tourists must carry cash, as credit card systems often fail or are not accepted. But this introduces risk, as pickpocketing, robbery, and corruption are all widespread. Even airport officials have been reported asking for bribes.

Traveling between cities or regions is highly risky. Road conditions have deteriorated due to neglect, and fuel shortages can leave travelers stranded. Roadside checkpoints, both official and unofficial, can lead to harassment or extortion. Public transportation is unreliable and dangerous, especially at night.

Despite all of these risks, some travelers with roots in Venezuela still visit family or attempt humanitarian aid missions. These visits should be carefully planned with local contacts, private security (if possible), and backup plans in case of emergency. Having reliable contacts inside the country can improve safety marginally, but they do not eliminate systemic risks.

The risk to LGBTQ+ travelers remains high. Same-sex relationships are stigmatized and often unsafe to express openly. In conservative areas, public displays of affection may provoke hostility. Venezuelan law does not provide robust protections against discrimination, and the current political climate has worsened tolerance for marginalized groups.

Women traveling alone are especially vulnerable to harassment and assault. Gender-based violence is a major issue in Venezuela, and victims often have no legal recourse. Cultural expectations, police corruption, and lack of resources contribute to underreporting and systemic mistreatment.

Another area of concern is Venezuela’s relationship with neighboring countries. Tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region escalated in 2024 and continued into 2025, drawing condemnation from the international community. Although open warfare has not broken out, military maneuvers, propaganda campaigns, and diplomatic standoffs have created instability along the eastern border.

Environmental conditions also pose challenges. Venezuela's infrastructure is crumbling, and the country frequently experiences blackouts, water contamination, and interrupted telecommunications. These disruptions are more severe in rural areas but are also present in major cities.

For digital nomads or business travelers, the lack of stable internet, banking services, and legal protections make Venezuela an extremely difficult place to operate. The government has confiscated equipment and frozen accounts in cases involving foreign-owned media or non-governmental organizations.

Recent examples underscore the risk. In February 2025, two journalists from Spain were detained for “undermining national unity” after filming interviews in Caracas. They were held for six weeks without trial before being deported. Meanwhile, a medical volunteer from Colombia was robbed and injured in Barquisimeto during a blackout while trying to reach a clinic.

If you’re considering Venezuela for tourism or short-term relocation, weigh the risks carefully. No travel insurance policy fully covers wrongful imprisonment or forced disappearance. Even in regions once considered safe, conditions have deteriorated rapidly.

In case of travel:
- Share your itinerary with trusted people in your home country.
- Check in regularly via secure messaging apps.
- Avoid local SIM cards unless provided by a trusted source.
- Learn basic Spanish survival phrases to communicate quickly.
- Avoid political commentary in public or online.

In total, the warnings from governments around the world aren’t based on hypotheticals—they’re based on real, documented incidents and long-standing patterns of repression, crime, and hardship. Venezuela’s beauty, culture, and people deserve attention and support, but until political conditions stabilize, it remains one of the world’s most dangerous destinations for foreign travelers.