Venezuela Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
As of March 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Do Not Travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Violent crime including murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping is rampant. The US Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in 2019 — the US government cannot provide emergency consular services in Venezuela. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov before departing.
Before You Travel to Venezuela
Venezuela is a country of extraordinary natural beauty — Angel Falls, Caribbean coastline, the Andes, and the Amazon — but it is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian and economic crisis. Healthcare has collapsed, medicines are scarce, crime is among the worst in the world, and the US has no embassy. If travel is absolutely essential, prepare extensively. See a travel medicine physician at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Visit a Travel Clinic
See a travel medicine physician 6-8 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for most travelers and may be required depending on your itinerary. Malaria prophylaxis is needed for certain regions.
Critical Insurance
Purchase comprehensive insurance with medical and security evacuation coverage. Many insurers exclude Venezuela due to the crisis. Healthcare has collapsed — even basic care may be unavailable. Evacuation to Colombia or the US may be necessary.
No US Embassy
The US Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in March 2019. The US government cannot provide consular assistance. The US Interests Section operates through the Embassy of Switzerland, but services are extremely limited.
Bring Everything
Bring all medications, medical supplies, and first aid you may need. Venezuela faces severe shortages of pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and even basic medical supplies. Pharmacies are often empty. Hospitals lack essentials.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink. Water treatment infrastructure has deteriorated. Use only bottled or purified water. Food safety is compromised due to power outages affecting refrigeration. Gastrointestinal illness is common.
Cash & Currency Crisis
Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation. US dollars are widely preferred and essential. Credit cards rarely work. ATMs are unreliable. Bring sufficient USD in cash (small bills). Changing money on the black market carries risks including counterfeit bills and robbery.
Yellow Fever in Venezuela
Malaria in Venezuela
If visiting areas outside of Caracas and high-altitude cities, antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended: Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine. Chloroquine may still be effective against P. vivax in some areas — consult your physician.
Recommended Vaccines for Venezuela
CDC recommended. Risk in forested/rural areas. Single dose, lifelong protection.
High risk due to deteriorating water and food safety. Strongly recommended for all travelers.
Critical given collapsed healthcare — emergency procedures may use unsterile equipment.
Pre-exposure vaccine recommended. Post-exposure treatment may be unavailable due to medicine shortages.
MMR, Tdap, Polio Booster, Flu, COVID-19
Measles and diphtheria outbreaks have occurred in Venezuela due to collapsed vaccination programs. Ensure all routine vaccines are current.
Healthcare in Venezuela
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals are in severe crisis. Frequent power outages, no running water, patients must bring their own medications, gloves, and even food. Infections are rampant. Avoid public hospitals if at all possible.
Private Clinics
Private clinics in Caracas offer somewhat better care but still face medication and supply shortages. Quality varies dramatically. Payment in US dollars cash is required upfront. Advanced procedures may be impossible.
Evacuation Essential
Medical evacuation to Colombia (Bogota, Cucuta) or the US is the best option for any serious condition. Evacuation insurance is absolutely essential. Cost without insurance: $50,000-$200,000+ USD.
Emergency Information
Crime & Security Risks
Violent Crime
Venezuela has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Armed robbery, carjacking, express kidnapping, and assault are daily occurrences. Caracas is among the most dangerous cities globally. Never resist robbery attempts.
Kidnapping
"Express kidnappings" (held for hours/days for ATM withdrawals) and longer-term kidnappings for ransom are common. Foreigners are high-value targets. Maintain a low profile. Do not display wealth.
Arbitrary Detention
US citizens have been arbitrarily detained by Venezuelan authorities. The US government has extremely limited ability to assist. Photography of government/military sites is prohibited and can lead to arrest.
Infrastructure Collapse
Nationwide power outages, water shortages, fuel shortages, and internet blackouts occur regularly. Roads are in poor condition. Public transport is unreliable and dangerous. Airports have limited services.
Other Health Risks
Major outbreaks occur annually throughout Venezuela. Transmitted by daytime mosquitoes. Use repellent at all times. No vaccine for most travelers.
Present throughout Venezuela. Pregnant travelers should not travel. Can cause birth defects. Prevention through mosquito bite avoidance.
Outbreaks of previously controlled diseases have returned due to collapsed vaccination programs. Ensure MMR and Tdap are current.
Very common due to poor water quality and compromised food safety. Drink only bottled water. Carry ORS and antibiotics.
If Travel is Unavoidable
- Reconsider travel — US government strongly advises Do Not Travel
- See a travel medicine physician 6-8 weeks before departure
- Get Yellow Fever vaccine if visiting forested/rural areas
- Obtain antimalarial medication for affected regions
- Get all recommended vaccines: Hep A, Typhoid, Hep B, Rabies, MMR, Tdap, Polio booster
- Purchase specialized insurance with medical AND security evacuation coverage
- Bring ALL medications and medical supplies — pharmacies are empty
- Bring sufficient US dollars in small bills — credit cards do not work
- Do not display wealth, jewelry, or electronics in public
- Do not resist robbery or kidnapping attempts
- Do not photograph government or military installations
- Drink only bottled water — tap water is unsafe
- Emergency: Swiss Embassy (US interests) +58 212 975-6411 | State Dept +1-202-501-4444
