Venezuela
Venezuela holds some of South America's most dramatic scenery: Angel Falls plunging 979 m off a tabletop tepui, the multi-day trek onto Mount Roraima, the white-sand cays of Los Roques and the wildlife-rich Llanos plains. Tourism infrastructure has thinned after years of economic crisis, so check the FCDO travel advice and book through experienced local operators.
Overview
Venezuela packs Andes, Caribbean coast, grassy plains, jungle and tabletop mountains into one country. The tepuis of Canaima National Park and the Gran Sabana in the south-east are the headline: fly to Canaima for Angel Falls, or approach Roraima overland from Santa Elena de Uairén. Off the Caribbean coast, the atolls of Los Roques are a short flight from Caracas, while the Andes around Mérida rise to Pico Bolívar at 4,978 m. Between them, the Llanos are among the continent's best places to see capybara, caiman and anaconda. Most visitors link these regions with domestic flights rather than long road journeys.
Since the economic collapse of the 2010s, tourism has shrunk dramatically and many hotels, airlines and services operate patchily, so independent travel takes real effort; most visitors book packages with experienced operators who handle transfers. Prices are largely in US dollars and are not as cheap as many expect. The reward is space: at Angel Falls or on Roraima's summit you may share the view with only a handful of others. It suits adventurous travellers, hikers and birdwatchers. Many are surprised by the warmth of their welcome, the variety of arepas, and how far a little Spanish goes.
Map of Venezuela
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Angel Falls
The world's highest uninterrupted waterfall drops 979 m off Auyán-tepui in Canaima National Park. Fly to Canaima, then travel upriver by motorised dugout; boats run mainly in the wetter months, when the falls are fullest.
- 2Adventure
Mount Roraima
A tabletop mountain where Venezuela meets Brazil and Guyana, climbed on a guided trek of about six days from Paraitepui across the Gran Sabana; the summit is a surreal plateau of black rock, quartz crystals and endemic plants.
- 3Beach
Los Roques Archipelago
A national park of around 350 coral cays and islands in the Caribbean, with powder-white beaches, turquoise lagoons and excellent bonefishing; fly from Caracas and stay in posadas on Gran Roque.
- 4Wildlife
Los Llanos
The seasonally flooded plains of Apure and Barinas teem with capybara, caiman, anacondas, giant anteaters and scarlet ibis; stay on a working ranch (hato) and explore by jeep, on horseback and by boat, ideally in the dry season.
- 5Adventure
Mérida and the Sierra Nevada
Venezuela's Andean university town is the base for trekking, paragliding and canyoning, and for the Mukumbarí cable car, one of the world's highest, which climbs to Pico Espejo at 4,765 m.
Biggest cities
Caracas
A sprawling capital in a valley below Waraira Repano (El Ávila) National Park; most travellers stay only between flights, but the cable car up the mountain and the colonial centre reward a day.
Maracaibo
The oil capital on the shore of Lake Maracaibo, famous for gaita music and as the base for guided trips to see the Catatumbo lightning over the lake's south-west corner.
Valencia
Venezuela's industrial third city, with a handsome cathedral and Plaza Bolívar; mostly a transport hub, but a gateway to Puerto Cabello and the beaches of Morrocoy National Park.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Venezuela
Best time: Dec–Apr.
Average climate in Caracas
Festivals & events
- Feb–MarEl Callao Carnival
In the gold-mining town of El Callao, carnival brings calypso, steel drums and costumed madamas, a heritage of Caribbean migrants that UNESCO now recognises.
- May–JunDiablos Danzantes de Corpus Christi
On Corpus Christi, devil dancers in painted masks and red costumes parade in towns such as San Francisco de Yare, a tradition UNESCO lists as intangible heritage.
- NovFeria de la Chinita
Maracaibo's November festival honours its patroness, the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, with processions, gaita music and street parties around 18 November.
How much does Venezuela cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Pabellón criollo
The national plate: shredded beef stewed with peppers and onion, black beans, white rice and sweet fried plantain, sometimes topped with a fried egg ('a caballo').
Arepas
Grilled corn cakes split and stuffed to order; try reina pepiada (chicken and avocado) or dómino (black beans and white cheese), eaten at any hour.
Hallacas
Christmas parcels of corn dough filled with a stew of beef, pork and chicken with olives, raisins and capers, wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled.
Getting around
Distances are long, so domestic flights from Caracas are the practical way to reach Canaima, Puerto Ordaz, Mérida, Los Roques and Margarita, though schedules change often. Long-distance buses link the major cities, with frequent police and National Guard checkpoints. In Caracas, the metro is cheap and local ride-hailing apps such as Ridery operate. For remote areas, most visitors rely on tour operators' private transfers.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +58
- Time zone
- UTC-4 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge; leave a little extra in cash for good service, and tip guides, drivers and porters on tours.
- Etiquette
- Greetings are warm: a handshake, or a single cheek kiss between women and between men and women. Avoid political debates with strangers, and dress neatly in cities.
- Main airports
- Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), Caracas; Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN), Valencia
Visas & entry for Venezuela
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
If you arrive by air, you can stay for up to 90 days visa-free on a ‘tourist card’, issued on arrival. You must show your return or onward travel ticket.
If you’re arriving overland or by sea, you may need to get a visa in advance. Contact the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate for advice.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BRabiesTuberculosisYellow fever
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK. There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of the country — vaccination may be advised.
- Malaria
- Malaria risk in some areas
- There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Venezuela particularly in the Amazonas, Bolívar, Delta Amacuro and Sucre states: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Venezuela
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Thu 24 Dec 2026 | Christmas Eve |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Thu 31 Dec 2026 | New Year's Eve |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 8 Feb 2027 | Carnival Monday |
| Tue 9 Feb 2027 | Carnival Tuesday |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Maundy Thursday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 19 Apr 2027 | Declaration of Independence |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Worker's Day |
| Sat 15 May 2027 | Family Day |
| Thu 24 Jun 2027 | Battle of Carabobo |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Sat 24 Jul 2027 | Birthday of Simon Bolivar |
| Tue 12 Oct 2027 | Day of Indigenous Resistance |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Spanish
| English | Spanish | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-la |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-as |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Excuse me | Disculpe | dees-KOOL-peh |
| How much is this? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWES-tah |
Know before you go
- Bring plenty of clean, undamaged US dollars in small denominations: prices are often quoted in dollars, change is scarce and foreign cards frequently fail.
- Book Angel Falls, Roraima and Los Roques through established operators, which arrange flights, guides and park permits, and confirm exactly what is included before paying.
- Keep your passport and copies handy: roads have frequent police and National Guard checkpoints (alcabalas), and officials expect to see original documents.
Venezuela travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Venezuela?
The best time to visit Venezuela is generally Dec–Apr. Peak months are January, February and March. Average highs in Caracas range from 26°C to 29°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Venezuela cost per day?
Roughly £40 a day on a tight budget, £90 mid-range and £200+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Venezuela?
Venezuelan bolívar (VES).
What plug type does Venezuela use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Venezuela?
Traffic drives on the right in Venezuela, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Venezuela?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Venezuela?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: If you arrive by air, you can stay for up to 90 days visa-free on a ‘tourist card’, issued on arrival. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Venezuela before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Venezuela?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tuberculosis and Yellow fever sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
