Is Venezuela Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide [From Experience]

The Truth About Safety in Venezuela: My Personal Experience

The first time I landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) outside Caracas in 2018, I was terrified. News reports, travel advisories, and concerned family had me convinced I was walking into a war zone. Seven visits later, I have a much more nuanced understanding of safety in Venezuela. When my flight touched down last month for my latest trip, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and caution that comes with visiting a place that’s both breathtakingly beautiful and undeniably complex.

Venezuela’s reputation for danger isn’t entirely unwarranted—but it’s also not the complete picture. The truth lies somewhere in between the sensationalist headlines and the tourist board’s glossy promotions. This guide reflects my real experiences navigating Venezuela as a foreigner, including mistakes I’ve made, lessons I’ve learned, and how the situation has evolved heading into 2025.

Current Safety Situation in Venezuela (2025 Update)

Venezuela’s safety situation has evolved significantly since the peak of its crisis years (2015-2019). While the country still faces serious economic and political challenges, certain aspects have stabilized, particularly in tourist areas. Here’s the current reality:

The Current Political Climate

Political tensions in Venezuela remain, but street demonstrations have become less frequent in tourist areas compared to previous years. The political situation continues to evolve, with some modest economic reforms implemented since 2021 that have slightly improved day-to-day conditions in major cities. That said, the situation can change rapidly.

“¡Ponte las pilas!” (Get your batteries on!) is a Venezuelan expression meaning “stay alert” or “pay attention” – advice I’ve learned to live by during my visits.

Crime Statistics: The Reality Check

Venezuela still has high crime rates compared to other South American destinations. According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council, robbery, theft, and scams remain common, particularly in Caracas. However, violent crime against tourists has decreased in well-patrolled tourist zones and smaller cities compared to previous years.

Major Safety Concerns	Risk Level	Notes for 2025
Petty Theft	High	Common in tourist areas, transportation hubs
Armed Robbery	Medium-High	Lower in tourist areas, higher in cities at night
Express Kidnapping	Medium	Decreased since 2022, but still occurs
Scams	High	Currency exchange scams remain common
Civil Unrest	Medium	Protests occur but less frequently than before

Tourist-Specific Safety Improvements

The Venezuelan government has made efforts to improve tourist safety, particularly in:

Margarita Island – Significantly increased police presence since 2023
Los Roques Archipelago – Maintained as a secure destination with controlled access
Canaima National Park – Better security protocols for tour operators
Historic Center of Caracas – Dedicated tourist police during daylight hours

I’ve personally witnessed these improvements, especially in Margarita Island, which feels notably safer than during my first visit in 2018.

Safest Places to Visit in Venezuela in 2025

Not all parts of Venezuela carry the same risk level. Based on my repeated visits, these are the areas I consider safest for travelers in 2025:

Los Roques Archipelago: Venezuela’s Safe Haven

This stunning national park remains Venezuela’s safest destination. The archipelago’s controlled access (flights only), small population, and focus on eco-tourism create a secure environment that feels worlds away from mainland concerns. I’ve spent weeks here without a single safety issue.

The pristine beaches with powdery white sand and crystalline waters make it worth the trip alone. At around 1,500,000 Bs.D. ($40 USD) per night for accommodations, it’s expensive by Venezuelan standards but worth every bolívar for the peace of mind.

Margarita Island: Improving Security

Margarita Island has seen significant security improvements since 2022. The island’s economy depends heavily on tourism, so local authorities have invested in better policing and security measures. The main tourist areas of Playa El Agua, Pampatar, and Juan Griego have visible police presence.

My last visit in February showed a marked improvement from previous years. I wandered through the local markets in Porlamar without feeling the constant vigilance I needed in 2019.

Canaima National Park & Angel Falls

Home to the world’s tallest waterfall, this UNESCO World Heritage site remains one of Venezuela’s safer destinations. Most visits are organized through tour operators who understand security concerns and take appropriate precautions.

I’ve traveled here three times, most recently in December, and found the indigenous communities welcoming and the tour operations well-managed. The remoteness of this area actually contributes to its safety.

Mérida and the Andes

The university city of Mérida and the surrounding Andean region have traditionally been safer than many other parts of Venezuela. The area attracts adventure tourists for hiking, paragliding, and mountain climbing.

During my visit last year, I found the atmosphere relaxed compared to Caracas, though standard precautions are still necessary, especially after dark.

High-Risk Areas to Avoid

Some parts of Venezuela remain problematic for travelers, even in 2025:

Border Regions

The borders with Colombia and Brazil continue to experience security issues, including smuggling, illegal mining operations, and the presence of irregular armed groups. The Colombian border area is particularly problematic in Táchira, Zulia, and Apure states.

One of my biggest travel mistakes was attempting to cross from San Antonio del Táchira into Colombia without proper research. I quickly retreated after witnessing concerning activity and speaking with locals who advised against it.

Certain Caracas Neighborhoods

While parts of Caracas can be visited safely with proper precautions, certain neighborhoods remain extremely dangerous:

Petare
23 de Enero
La Vega
El Valle
Coche

The smell of fresh arepas cooking on street corners in Caracas still triggers my fondest memories of Venezuela, but I’ve learned the hard way to be selective about which streets I walk down to find them. During my second visit, I accidentally wandered into an unsafe area while following my nose to a food vendor. A kind local quickly redirected me with a concerned “¡Pana, por aquí no!” (Friend, not this way!).

Essential Safety Tips for Venezuela Travel

Based on my seven trips to Venezuela, here are the most critical safety practices that have kept me secure:

Transportation Safety: The Critical First Step

Transportation in Venezuela requires careful planning:

Airport Transfers: Never use unauthorized taxis at Simón Bolívar International Airport. Pre-arrange pickup through your hotel or use the official airport taxi service. Expect to pay around 700,000 Bs.D ($18 USD) for a ride to Caracas.
Inter-City Travel: Avoid overnight bus travel. Domestic flights, though sometimes unreliable, are the safest option for longer distances.
Local Transportation: Use ride-hailing apps when available in larger cities. The Venezuelan equivalent of Uber, called “Ridery,” has improved safety considerably.

Learning this the hard way cost me my camera and some cash in 2019 when I hailed an unmarked taxi outside a restaurant in Caracas. Now I exclusively use pre-arranged transportation.

Money Management Strategies

The Cash Conundrum

Venezuela’s currency situation remains complicated. Hyperinflation has stabilized somewhat but still presents challenges:

The US dollar is widely accepted (and often preferred) in tourist areas
Bring clean, new bills without tears or marks
Small denominations ($1, $5, $10) are more useful than large bills
Some places now accept credit cards, but service is unreliable

Three Insider Money-Saving Tips

TIP #1: Exchange small amounts of money at a time through trusted sources recommended by your hotel. The official exchange rate and street rate still differ significantly, but the gap has narrowed in 2025. I’ve found small exchange offices in shopping centers like Centro San Ignacio in Caracas offer better rates than hotels.

TIP #2: When paying in dollars, vendors rarely have exact change. Either carry small bills or be prepared to receive change in bolívares at potentially unfavorable rates. I now always keep a small stack of $1 bills specifically for Venezuela trips.

TIP #3: For longer stays, consider bringing a backup Mastercard (more widely accepted than Visa) with international transaction capability. While not always usable, credit card acceptance has improved in tourist establishments since 2023, potentially saving you from carrying excess cash.

Communication and Documentation

Staying connected is crucial for safety:

Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival (Movistar or Digitel offer the best coverage)
Download offline maps of your destinations before arrival
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport and important documents
Register with your country’s embassy or consulate before travel

I keep screenshots of all my reservations, emergency contacts, and even my travel insurance policy on my phone, accessible without internet connection.

Navigating Daily Safety Concerns

Street Smarts: Blending In

Drawing attention to yourself as a foreigner can increase risk. My approaches to “blending in” include:

Dressing modestly and avoiding flashy clothing or jewelry
Using a simple, local-looking phone in public (keep your main smartphone hidden)
Speaking quietly in public places
Walking purposefully, as if you know where you’re going
Learning basic Spanish phrases to avoid immediately signaling you’re foreign

One thing I’ve learned to carry is a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash and expired cards. In a robbery situation, this can be surrendered while keeping your main valuables secure in a hidden money belt.

Food and Water Safety

Venezuela’s infrastructure challenges extend to water safety. My standard practices:

Drink only bottled water (check seals are intact)
Avoid ice in drinks unless at higher-end establishments
Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
Be cautious with street food, especially in warmer months

That said, I’ve found Venezuelan cuisine to be a highlight of my visits. The arepas (corn cakes with various fillings), pabellón criollo (national dish with shredded beef, black beans, rice and plantains), and fresh tropical fruits are worth seeking out at reputable establishments.

The Changing Landscape of Venezuelan Tourism

Post-Pandemic Tourism Recovery

Venezuela’s tourism sector is gradually recovering from the dual impacts of the country’s economic situation and the global pandemic. Since 2023, there have been notable improvements:

More international flights resuming service to Caracas
Increased investment in tourist infrastructure in key destinations
Growth in eco-tourism and adventure travel operators
Better internet connectivity in popular tourist areas

The pandemic actually pushed many operators to improve their online presence and booking systems, making trip planning easier than during my early visits.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel

Venezuela’s natural beauty is its greatest tourism asset, and there’s growing awareness about protecting it. Some sustainable practices that also save money:

Use a refillable water bottle with water purification tablets instead of buying multiple plastic bottles
Support community-based tourism initiatives, particularly in indigenous areas around Canaima
Use local guides who are invested in preserving their environment
Choose eco-lodges that employ local staff and use sustainable practices

During my visit to Los Llanos (the plains), I stayed at a modest ecolodge run by a local family for 500,000 Bs.D ($13 USD) per night—significantly less than the corporate options while providing a more authentic experience and directly supporting the local economy.

Conclusion: Making Your Venezuela Trip Safe in 2025

Venezuela remains a complex destination that requires more preparation than many other South American countries. However, for travelers willing to research, plan carefully, and remain vigilant, it offers extraordinary experiences that few tourists get to enjoy—from the world’s highest waterfall to Caribbean beaches without the crowds.

The question isn’t simply whether Venezuela is safe or dangerous—it’s about understanding the specific risks, preparing accordingly, and making informed decisions about where to go and what to avoid.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for Safe Venezuela Travel

Start with secure destinations: For first-time visitors, begin with the safest areas like Los Roques or Margarita Island rather than diving straight into Caracas.
Book through established operators: Use tour companies with solid online reviews and verifiable credentials. I’ve had excellent experiences with Aventuras de Oriente for Margarita Island and Andes Adventures for Mérida.
Secure comprehensive travel insurance: Ensure your policy specifically covers Venezuela and includes evacuation coverage. Many standard policies exclude Venezuela, so read the fine print.
Establish local contacts: Whether through your hotel, tour operator, or connections through social networks, having local contacts who can advise on current conditions is invaluable.
Stay informed: Monitor news and your embassy’s travel advisories both before and during your trip. The situation can change rapidly.

My experiences in Venezuela have been among the most challenging but also the most rewarding in all my travels. The warm hospitality of Venezuelans, who often went out of their way to ensure I felt welcome despite their own difficulties, has left an indelible impression on me. That mix of stunning landscapes and genuine human connection keeps drawing me back, despite the complexities of traveling there.

With proper preparation, realistic expectations, and an adventurous spirit, Venezuela can be explored safely, even in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Venezuela

Is Caracas safe for tourists in 2025?

Caracas requires significant caution but can be visited safely with proper planning. Stick to safer neighborhoods like Chacao, Las Mercedes, and parts of Altamira. Use only pre-arranged transportation, avoid displaying valuables, and don’t walk after dark. I recommend spending no more than 1-2 days in Caracas as part of a broader Venezuela itinerary.

Can I use credit cards in Venezuela?

Credit card acceptance has improved in 2025, particularly in tourist-oriented businesses. However, service can be unreliable due to power outages and connectivity issues. Mastercard is more widely accepted than Visa. Always have cash (preferably USD) as a backup. During my recent visits, I was able to use cards at major hotels and some restaurants in tourist areas, but smaller establishments and markets remain cash-only.

Is it safe to use public transportation in Venezuela?

Public transportation in Venezuela presents significant safety concerns. The Caracas Metro is relatively safe during daylight hours but avoid it during rush hour when pickpocketing is common. Public buses are not recommended for tourists due to robbery risks. Instead, use hotel shuttles, authorized taxis arranged through your accommodation, or ride-hailing apps where available.

How do female solo travelers fare in Venezuela?

Female solo travelers face additional challenges in Venezuela. Based on my female friends’ experiences and my observations, women should exercise heightened caution, particularly regarding unwanted attention. Dressing conservatively, avoiding solo travel after dark, and staying in well-reviewed accommodations are essential. Consider joining small group tours rather than exploring completely independently. Several areas, including Los Roques and Margarita’s resort zones, are relatively comfortable for solo female travelers.

What should I do in a robbery situation?

If confronted by robbers in Venezuela, prioritize your safety over possessions. Do not resist or argue. Hand over requested items calmly and avoid making sudden movements. Avoid direct eye contact that could be perceived as confrontational. Consider carrying a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash to surrender while keeping your main valuables in a hidden money belt or pouch. Report the incident to the tourist police when safe to do so.

Are the beaches in Venezuela safe?

The safety of Venezuelan beaches varies significantly by location. Los Roques Archipelago and certain beaches on Margarita Island (particularly those adjacent to resorts) are generally safe during daylight hours. Mainland beaches require more caution, especially regarding belongings left unattended. Always ask local advice about current safety conditions before visiting any beach, as situations can change rapidly.