World Country Guide

Travel - International

Travel Warning
Although Venezuela remains politically polarised, the mood has subdued since the presidential recall referendum on August 15 and the regional elections on October 31 in 2004. Nevertheless, political demonstrations may occur at any time, withholding the possibility of localised violence. Street crime is also rising and visitors are warned to be on their guard at all times. There have been reported muggings by bogus taxi operators at Caracas International Airport (Maiquetia).

Air
Venezuela’s national airlines are Aeropostal (Alas de Venezuela) (VH), and Avensa and Servivensa (VC), which no longer flies to Europe. Other airlines serving Venezuela include British Airways, Lufthansa and United Airlines.

Note
On December 14 2004, the Venezuelan National Civil Aviation Institute suspended all international flights to six airports: Caracas (Metropolitan), Chorallave, Coro, Cuman, Maturin and Puerto Cabello.

Approximate flight times
From Caracas to London is nine hours, to Los Angeles is nine hours and to New York is five hours.

International airports
Caracas (CCS) (Simon Bolvar) is 22km (14 miles) from the city (travel time – 30 to 45 minutes). There is a coach service to the city every 60 minutes (0530-2359). Buses (littoral) are available to the city every 60 minutes (0600-1800). Taxis to the city are available on ranks. Airport facilities include duty free shop, bank/bureau de change, bar/restaurant, tourist information and car hire (Avis, Budget and National).

Departure tax
Bs58,200 (adults) or Bs38,800 (children aged two to 15) leaving Venezuala on international flights from all international airports. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt.

The Visit South America Pass
This must be bought outside South America in country of residence and allows unlimited travel to 36 cities in the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are American Airlines, LanChile and LanPeru. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with no maximum; the maximum stay is 60 days, with no minimum; and prices depend on the amount of flight zones covered. Children under 12 years of age are entitled to a 33 per cent discount and infants (under two years old) only pay 10 per cent of the adult fare. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Sea
The principal Venezuelan ports are La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Maracaibo, Guanta, Porlamar and Ciudad Bolvar (on the Orinoco River). The principal shipping lines operating to Venezuela are: from the USA: Venezuelan Line; from European ports: Columbus Line, French Line, Hapag Lloyd, Polish Ocean Lines and, the Spanish ships, ‘Cabo San Juan’ and ‘Cabo San Roque’. Cunard offers Caribbean cruises from San Juan that include a stop in Caracas. Other cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises and Costa.

Departure tax
Exit tax on all air and sea departures, regardless of nationality, of Bs13,200.

Rail
There are no international rail links with neighbouring countries.

Road
Road access is from Colombia (Barranquilla and Medellin) to Maracaibo, and from the Amazon territory of Brazil (Manaus) to Caracas.