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Venezuela

Due to ongoing crime, unrest and instability throughout Venezuela, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to the following areas: within 80km (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira, Barinas, Apure and Bolívar; 80km (50 miles) from the Colombian border in Amazonas state, as far as 100km (62 miles) south of Puerto Ayacucho; within 40km (25 miles) of the rest of the Colombian border.

The FCO further advises against all but essential travel to all other areas of the country. If you're in Venezuela, you should remain vigilant and informed, avoid protests and demonstrations – which can turn violent with little warning – and keep your departure options under review. Borders with Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are closed and there is currently no air or sea traffic between Venezuela and these islands.

Venezuela, home to some of South America's most incredible landscapes, rightly has a terrible image problem at the moment. Hyperinflation has led to a dramatic drop in living standards and issues with the supply of basic goods, while personal safety, particularly in Caracas, is worse than anywhere else on the continent. Thousands of its own citizens have fled the country and spread throughout South America (it's estimated more than two million have left since 2014). While visiting can be incredibly cheap because of the black-market value of the dollar/euro, safety is a serious concern.

Few countries in the world have this degree of natural beauty: Andean peaks, Caribbean coastline, idyllic islands, grasslands teeming with wildlife, the steamy Orinoco Delta and the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls. We cannot recommend traveling here at present, but we hope that the future holds amazing tourist possibilities.

Explore Venezuela

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Venezuela.

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