Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Venezuela
About
| Though best known for its oil politics and feisty president, Venezuela is in fact an action-packed traveller's destination endowed with an astonishing array of landscapes and experiences. Tropical beaches, vast wetlands, great rivers, idyllic colonial towns, little-explored jungle and majestic mountains are among the South American country's varied settings. Try mountain trekking or rock climbing in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida, where several of the country's highest peaks are located. Ride the world's longest and highest cable car which runs 12.6km (7.9 miles) from Mérida to the top of Pico Espejo providing easy access to starting points for mountain treks. Snorkel or dive at Parque Nacional Mochima on the northeast coast. Enjoy the novelty of skiing in the tropics. The peaks of the Cordillera de Mérida have a permanent snowline and can be skied between November and June. Take a scenic flight or motorised canoe trip to the foot of Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), the world's highest waterfall, in the southeast, with an uninterrupted drop of 979m (3,212ft). The two-day canoe trip operates from June to November. |
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| Capital: | Caracas (CCS) |
| Currency: | Bolivar Fuerte (VEF) |
| Language: | Spanish. English, French, German and Portuguese also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 58 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT -4½ hours (4½ hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best time to go: | September – April. Although Venezuela has year-around pleasant weather, the dry season is the best time to visit. The rainy season runs from May – December. |
| Best For: | Ecotourism, Colonial Architecture |
| Plugs: | 120 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style flat two-pin plugs (with or without grounding pin) are the most commonly used fittings. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities (private facilities are preferable), however visitors are required to pay for these services. With effect from 18 December 2013, the Venezuelan Government has made it obligatory for all people travelling to Venezuela to hold travel and medical insurance. (Note: there may be shortages of certain medications due to the economic climate – check with local embassy). |
| Customs: | Dress should always be conservative. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Photography of military installations and the Presidential Palace is prohibited. Smoking is not allowed in certain public areas. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | With effect from 18 December 2013, the Venezuelan Government has made it obligatory for all people travelling to Venezuela to hold travel and medical insurance. Many Venezuelans carry firearms, therefore it is best to avoid political and other demonstrations. Use only licensed taxis. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Venezuela without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars. 2L of alcoholic beverages. 4 small bottles of perfume. Goods up to a value of US$1,000. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics are prohibited. Restricted items include dairy products, animals, birds, weapons and artworks. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Venezuela
91A Matroosberg Road, Waterkloof Park. Pretoria
Tel: 087 898 0035
E-mail: embve.zaptr@mppre.gob.ve
Web: sudafrica.embajada.gob.ve/
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Mar 3-4, 19; Apr 17-19; May 1, 15. 29; Jun 13, 24, 29; Jul 5, 24; Aug 15; Oct 12; Nov 1, 18; Dec 24-25, 31
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 16-17; Apr 2-3, 19; May 1, 15; Jun 24; Jul 5, 24; Oct 12; Nov 1, 18; Dec 24-25, 31
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do not require a visa for entry into Venezuela for a stay of up to 90 days if travelling for tourism purposes.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Round trip air ticket.
- Travel insurance covering medical services and lost / stolen / damaged luggage.
- Proof of hotel reservation where you will stay or, failing that, a notarized letter of invitation, containing information about the person making the invitation, their address and telephone number.
SA Representative
Embassy of South Africa
Edif. Atrium PH-1A, Urb El-Rosal, Av Sorocaima con Av Venezuela, Chacao, Caracas
Tel: +58 212 952 0026
E-mail: consular.caracas@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco.gov.za/venezuela
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
