Most people who travel to Venezuela are visiting family or going for work. The UK advises against all but essential travel to the whole country and the US asks travellers to reconsider their plans, so this guide is written for trips that need to happen. Venezuela is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so a European SIM roams there at its operator's own rates.
Key facts for Venezuela
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: varies by plan
- Emergency numbers: 911 or 171 (they may not always answer)
- Embassies: in Caracas
Earthquakes and flights
Two strong earthquakes on 24 June 2026 caused serious damage in La Guaira, parts of Caracas and elsewhere. A large humanitarian response is under way and aftershocks remain possible, so follow the local authorities' advice and stay away from damaged buildings. Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, resumed commercial flights with limited capacity on 1 September, and international flights also use Valencia, Barquisimeto and Barcelona. Seats are still scarce, so keep in touch with your airline.
Areas to avoid
The UK advises against all travel to within 80 km of the border with Colombia and 40 km of the borders with Brazil and Guyana, to the Orinoco Mining Arc south of the river in Bolívar state, to Delta Amacuro south of the Orinoco and to the whole of Zulia state. The US lists the Colombian border region, the states of Amazonas, Apure, Guárico and Táchira, rural Bolívar and Aragua outside Maracay as do-not-travel. Armed robbery, mugging, carjacking and burglary are common in parts of the country and can be extremely violent, so never resist an attacker.
Arriving in Caracas
Be especially careful around Maiquetía airport: the risk is highest when you travel to or from it at night, and buses on that route have been robbed. Turn down offers of transport in the arrivals hall, use a pre-booked taxi or a pick-up you have arranged, avoid public transport and do not travel after dark. Some foreigners, including British nationals, have been questioned at length on arrival and held at the airport for hours or days, some Europeans have been detained and accused of terrorism, and the US warns its citizens of the risk of wrongful detention. Share your itinerary with someone at home and sign up to your country's traveller registration service if it has one.
Power cuts and connectivity
Prolonged power cuts can hit the whole country, Caracas included, and take mobile signal and internet down with them. Internet service is generally slow outside the major cities and often limited in rural areas. Charge a power bank whenever you can, save maps and documents for offline use, and keep your embassy's number and your accommodation's address on paper. Fuel shortages are common outside Caracas.
Laws to know
Drug trafficking carries prison sentences of 8 to 15 years. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but same-sex partners have no rights as next of kin. It is illegal to photograph military or strategic sites, including military airports and the presidential palace, so leave plane spotting for another trip. Police and security checkpoints are common, and there have been attempts to extract bribes at them.
Money and health
Dollar transactions are now allowed, and some businesses take international cards or online transfers, but most ATMs reject foreign cards and many have no cash, so bring enough US dollars. Changing money on the black market is prohibited and can lead to detention. Public services, healthcare included, can be limited, and the US describes the health system as being in severe crisis, so travel with insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installed before you fly is ready when you land, and your home SIM stays reachable for texts and bank codes. On Telcomia's Venezuela plans, the connection runs on 3G networks. An Americas plan also covers Colombia and Brazil.
Venezuelan SIM cards from Movistar, Digitel or Movilnet are sold in the operators' shops, where you will be asked for your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Venezuela
- Dial 911 or 171 for the emergency services, but be ready to go to the nearest police station in person, as the lines may not answer.
- Embassies are in Caracas. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- Citizens of an EU country with no embassy or consulate in Venezuela are entitled to help from the embassy of any other EU country, on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in Spanish that you can show on screen.
Venezuela travel-safety page →
Questions travellers ask about Venezuela
Does my EU plan work in Venezuela?
Only on roaming, with your operator's own charges, as Venezuela is outside Roam Like at Home.
Is it safe to travel to Venezuela now?
The UK advises against all but essential travel to the whole country and against all travel to the border areas and Zulia, and the US says to reconsider travel. If you do go, arrange your airport transfer in advance, avoid moving around at night and keep your embassy informed.
Which network does a Telcomia eSIM use in Venezuela?
It depends on the plan, with 3G where available.
What happens during a power cut?
Mobile signal and internet can drop along with the power, so keep a charged power bank, offline maps and your key numbers on paper.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, book your pick-up at Maiquetía in advance, keep away from the border areas and Zulia, bring US dollars, carry a power bank, and save 911 and 171.
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