If the criminals
kidnappers and drug gangs don’t scare you, if you brush-off the prospect of
hurricanes, landslides and earthquakes, if you have a cross-country chicken bus
ride for breakfast, then Venezuela’s the place for you! Just don’t break the
law.
Venezuela has a harsh
legal system and its prisons are amongst the worst in the world.
Say “No” To Drugs
Drug trafficking is a
serious problem in Venezuela mainly due to its proximity to major drug-producing
regions.
Colombian cocaine
and other drugs transit through Venezuela towards the United States and Europe.
Because of this
Venezuela ranks fourth in the world for cocaine seizures, behind only Colombia,
the United States, and Panama.
Detection methods are
sophisticated and drug traffickers should expect to be arrested.
Travellers are
screened for drug possession on arrival and departure and can also be screened
while waiting in the airport.
Possession of
small quantities of marijuana may lead to imprisonment.
Conviction leads to
severe penalties, including up to two years being held on remand prior to
sentencing.
Drug traffickers also
receive lengthy prison sentences, usually eight to ten years.
Doing Time
Conditions in Venezuelan
jails are harsh and dangerous, and among the worst in the world.
(The Caracas gaol welcoming committee)
There are no secure
areas for visitors to meet with prisoners and all visits take place amongst the
general prison population.
Believe it or not many
prisoners carry firearms and violence is common.
Due to realistic
concerns over staff safety, prison visits by consular staff in Venezuela may be
limited to specific pressing issues e.g. first visit, emergency visits
(including for medical purposes) and the signing of Prisoner Transfer
Agreements.
So try not to go to
prison.
Other Legal Traps
Beware it is an offence
to photograph military or strategic installations like military airports or the
Presidential Palace.
Innocent pastimes such
as plane spotting are not recognised as such in Venezuela and should be
avoided.
Ås a final cultural note…
be aware there is no facility for changing Bolivars to US dollars, or any other
currency, when leaving Venezuela. Travellers should consider only changing the
required amount to avoid having leftover Bolivars.
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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