Those entering Venezuela on a visa require a passport valid for at least six months. If travel is for tourist purposes, Immigration will accept passports valid for two months as long as the passport expires after the departure date. Tourist Entry Cards are issued free of charge by air carriers allowing for a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors must have return tickets or tickets for onward travel as well as all documents required for the next destination and sufficient funds.

Americans: United States citizens require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

UK nationals: British citizens require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

Canadians: Canadians require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

Australians: Australians require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

South Africans: South African citizens require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport, but a visa is not necessary if entering on a completed Tourist Entry Card, which is valid for a tourist stay of up to 90 days (no extension possible).

Health
There are no vaccination requirements for Venezuela, but those who plan to travel in rural areas should be immunized against yellow fever, Hepatitis A, and typhoid. There is a risk of malaria, particularly in jungle areas, but prophylaxis is not necessary for travel to Caracas or the coastal areas. Medical advice should be sought at least three weeks prior to departure. Insect protection measures are vital to avoid both malaria and dengue fever. Mains water should not be drunk, but bottled drinking water is available. Venezuela’s hospitals offer free emergency treatment, however the private hospitals are better quality, though expensive. Public hospitals suffer from a shortage of basic supplies, as do private hospitals and clinics outside Caracas. Health insurance is advisable.

Safety
The 1,000-mile (1,609km) long border between Venezuela and Colombia is notorious for the risk of violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking. Visitors should give the border region a wide berth. Foreign nationals have also been kidnapped for ransom or violently mugged in Caracas and visitors should be alert to this threat in hotels, taxis and, in particular, the airport. Street crime is high in Caracas and other cities, and foreigners should be particularly cautious at night. Passengers have been robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at Caracas airport; it is best not to accept offers of assistance within the arrivals hall, only at the official taxi rank directly outside. Only licensed taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used. In March 2006, a major bridge linking the airport to Caracas collapsed, and although there are alternative routes, there are significant delays due to heavy traffic, security threats and bad road surfaces. The road to the airport is best avoided after dark due to the recent spate of armed robberies taking place on the highway at night. Passengers arriving on late flights are particularly vulnerable. Unlicensed taxicab operators have been known to overcharge and rob passengers; travelers are advised to only use licensed radio taxis or those from reputable hotels. Political demonstrations, sometimes with violence and gunfire, occur regularly in Venezuela (many Venezuelans carry guns) and should be avoided. The UK Foreign Office advises travelers to exercise caution and avoid demonstrations. Political demonstrations are likely to become more frequent due to the upcoming elections on 3 December 2006. Pickpockets are very active in the city centers, particularly around bus and subway stations. Armed robberies are on the increase and theft of unattended valuables left on beaches or in cars is common. The coastal beach resorts are generally trouble free, though visitors should use common sense in ensuring the safety of their person and possessions. There have been recent cases of robberies and assaults after tourists have been drugged - either through spiked drinks or pamphlets impregnated with substances that are handed out on the streets or in shopping centers. Safety standards in light aircraft are variable and there have been several accidents on the main tourist routes, including Margarita and Canaima/Angel Falls; visitors are advised to go with established companies operating modern multi-engined aircraft.