Whether you’re getting around Venezuela on planes, trains or automobiles
you’ll have to watch yourself! All present significant dangers.
While an inexpensive bus
service is available to most destinations throughout the country, the high
incidence of criminal activity on public transportation makes bus travel
inadvisable.
Overland Travel
That leaves you with car travel.
Driving regulations in
Venezuela are similar to those in the rest of the developed world, although
many drivers do not obey them.
Motorcyclists often
weave in and out of lanes, and driving under the influence of alcohol is
common, especially during weekends.
Many vehicles are in
poor condition and drivers routinely ignore red lights, especially at night.
Clearly defensive
driving is a necessity!
Outside the major
cities, night driving can be dangerous because of unmarked road damage or
repairs in progress, unlit vehicles, and livestock.
Even in urban areas,
road damage is often marked by a pile of rocks or sticks left by passersby near
or in the pothole or crevice, without flares or other devices to highlight the
danger.
Importantly, travel to
within 80 kilometers of the Colombian border is not advised due to terrorist
and criminal activity. Kidnappings are common.
If you plan to cross
into Colombia be sure to use official border crossings.
If doing any traveling
by taxi beware that incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing,
and injuring passengers are common.
(And not all the taxis are in tip-top shape)
In A Jam
Traffic jams are common
within Caracas during most of the day and are frequently exploited by
criminals. Armed motorcycle gangs often operate in traffic jams and tend to
escape easily. Cases of armed robbery by motorcyclists and theft of other
motorcycles have increased and may result in death if the victim does not
comply.
Venezuelans themselves
will be traveling in summer and winter school breaks and major civil and
religious holidays, including Carnival, Easter, Christmas, and New Year's
holidays.
Lengthy delays due to
road congestion are common during these peak periods.
Dealing With Police (Fake & Real)
Stops at National Guard
and local police checkpoints are mandatory. Drivers should follow all National
Guard instructions and be prepared to show vehicle and insurance papers and
passports. Vehicles may be searched.
In the event of an
accident, however badly traffic may be blocked, both vehicles must remain in
the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives. Insurance
companies are unable to pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a
Traffic Police accident report.
Beware that well-armed
criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints.
Cars have been forced
off the La Guaira highway leading from Caracas to the Maquetía International
Airport, and the ‘Regional del Centro’ highway leading from Caracas to
Maracay/Valencia, and the victims robbed.
Travellers should be
aware of chokepoints inside tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road.
The final cautionary
word on car travel is this; there have been reports of attempts by the police
and National Guard to extract money for spurious reasons. In such cases you may
consider asking for a written record giving the basis of the offence and also
for the penalising officer’s details.
Flight Frights
If you plan to fly your way out of trouble, don’t be fooled, aircraft
travel in Venezuela is also beset with problems.
(Happily this was a safe flight)
However visiting tourist
destinations in Venezuela is often possible only by flying in light aircraft.
Safety standards are
variable and there have been several significant accidents in recent years on
the main tourist routes, including Los Roques and Merida - four with fatal
consequences. In general it is better to seek out established companies
operating modern multi-engined aircraft.
Local and International
travel agents should be able to advise on whether or not the airline has a good
safety record.
Sea Pirates
And if choosing to get
around by boat remember incidents of piracy off the coast of Venezuela remain a
concern, and foreigners are routinely targeted.
In the last decade
foreigners traveling by boat have been killed, beaten and robbed in a number of
frightful attacks.
Anchoring off shore is
not considered safe. Marinas, including those in Puerto la Cruz and Margarita
Island (Porlamar), provide only minimal security.
In addition to security
concerns, yachters should be aware of registration and other required permits
in order to anchor in Venezuelan marinas.
Furthermore, rules
governing the sale of fuel to foreign sailors in Venezuela vary by state.
Related Articles
Weather and natural hazards in Venezuela
Travel in Venezuela
Local laws & customs
Venezuela water and disease guide
Crime in Venezuela
Turbulent, troubled Venezuela
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