Venezuela
Country Specific Information
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May 05, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Venezuela is a medium income country whose economy is dominated by a substantial oil industry. The political climate in
Venezuela is highly polarized and volatile. Violent crime is a continuing problem. Assaults, robberies, and kidnappings
occur throughout the country. Scheduled air service and all-weather roads connect major cities and most regions of the country.
Venezuela’s tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and price. For an in depth country description
of Venezuela, please read the Department of State Background Notes on Venezuela.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and a visa or tourist card are required. Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to Venezuela
for persons staying less than ninety days. Persons traveling for reasons other than tourism, however, should consult the
Venezuelan Embassy or nearest Venezuelan consulate regarding possible visa requirements for their specific purpose of travel.
Venezuelan immigration authorities may require that U.S. passports have at least six months validity remaining from the date
of arrival in Venezuela. Some U.S. citizens have been turned back to the United States if their passports will expire in
less than six months. Passports should also be in good condition, as some U.S. citizens have been delayed or detained overnight
for having otherwise valid passports in poor condition.
U.S. citizens residing in Venezuela should be careful to obtain legitimate Venezuelan documentation appropriate to their status.
There have been numerous cases in the last several months of U.S. citizens who, having employed intermediaries, received what
they believed to be valid Venezuelan resident visas and work permits. They were subsequently arrested and charged with possessing
fraudulent Venezuelan documentation. ONIDEX, the Venezuelan government agency responsible for immigration documents, has
informed the Embassy that the only valid resident visas are those for which the bearer has personally signed at ONIDEX headquarters
in Caracas.
Venezuelan law requires Venezuelan citizens to enter and depart Venezuela using Venezuelan passports and Venezuelan immigration
authorities are increasingly enforcing this requirement. In order to comply with U.S. and Venezuelan law, persons who hold
dual American-Venezuelan nationality must plan to travel between Venezuela and the United States with valid U.S. and Venezuelan
passports. Please see our information on dual nationality for entry and exit requirements pertaining to dual nationals.
Venezuela's child protection law mandates that minors (under 18) who are citizens or non-citizen residents of Venezuela and
who are traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a third party, must present a copy of their birth certificate and written,
notarized authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with
one parent, or with a third party. This authorization must reflect the precise date and time of the travel, including flight
and/or other pertinent information. Without this authorization, immigration authorities will prevent the child's departure
from Venezuela. The Venezuelan Government no longer recognizes blanket or non-specific travel authorizations. When a parent
is deceased, a notarized copy of the death certificate is required in lieu of the written authorization. If documents are
prepared in the United States, the authorization and the birth certificate must be translated into Spanish, notarized, and
authenticated by the Venezuela Embassy or a Venezuelan consulate in the United States. If documents are prepared in Venezuela,
only notarization by a Venezuelan notary is required. A permission letter prepared outside Venezuela is valid for 90 days.
A permission letter prepared in Venezuela is valid for 60 days.
Travelers entering Venezuela from certain countries are required to have a current yellow fever vaccination certificate.
The Venezuelan government recommends that all travelers, regardless of their country of departure, be vaccinated for yellow
fever before entering Venezuela. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are also common in some areas and
travelers should take precautions to prevent infection.
An exit tax and airport fee must be paid when departing Venezuela by airline. The exit tax is currently 46 Bolívares Fuertes,
and the airport fee is currently 115 Bolívares Fuertes (a total of approximately 75 USD calculated at the official exchange
rate). In many instances, especially with non-U.S. airlines, the exit tax and airport fee are not included in the airline
ticket price and must be paid separately at the airport upon departure. Authorities usually require that payment be made
in local currency. Both the departure tax and the airport fee are subject to change with little notice. Travelers should
check with their airlines for the latest information.
For current information concerning entry, tax, and customs requirements for Venezuela, travelers may contact the Venezuelan
Embassy at 1099 30th Street, NW, Washington DC 20007, tel: (202) 342-2214, or visit the Embassy of Venezuela web site at
http://www.embavenez-us.org/. Travelers may also contact the Venezuelan consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Houston, San Francisco,
or San Juan. Additional information about vaccination requirements for travel to Venezuela, as well as to other international
destinations, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at
1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country has one of the
highest per-capita murder rates in the world. Armed robberies take place in broad daylight throughout the city, including
areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. A common technique is to choke the victim into unconsciousness
and then rob them of all they are carrying. Well-armed criminal gangs operate with impunity, often setting up fake police
checkpoints. Kidnapping is a particularly serious problem, with more than 1,000 reported during the past year alone. Investigation
of all crime is haphazard and ineffective. In the case of high-profile killings, the authorities quickly round up suspects,
but rarely produce evidence linking these individuals to the crime. Only a very small percentage of criminals are tried and
convicted.
Travel to and from Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, can be dangerous and corruption at the airport
itself is rampant. Travelers at the airport have been victims of personal property theft, as well as mugging and “express
kidnapping” in which individuals are taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at
gunpoint. The Embassy has received multiple, credible reports that individuals with what appear to be official uniforms or
other credentials are involved in facilitating or perpetrating these crimes. For this reason, American citizen travelers
should be wary of all strangers, even those in official uniform or carrying official identification. There are also known
drug trafficking groups working from the airport. Travelers should not accept packages from anyone and should keep their
luggage with them at all times.
Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged to arrive during daylight hours. If not, travelers
should use extra care both within and outside the airport. The Embassy strongly advises that all arriving passengers make
advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be
picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them. The Embassy has received frequent reports of armed robberies in
taxicabs going to and from the airport at Maiquetía. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the
airport is reliable. The fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license
plates marked “libre” is no longer an indication of reliability. Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing,
and injuring passengers are common. Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels.
Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline
representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them.
A list of transportation services used by members of the U.S. Embassy community is available on the U.S. Embassy web site
at http://venezuela.usembassy.gov/. The Embassy does not vouch for the professional ability or integrity of any specific provider. The list is not meant to
be an endorsement by the Department of State or the Embassy. Likewise, the absence of any individual or company does not
imply lack of competence.
While visiting Venezuela, Americans are encouraged to carry as little U.S. currency on them as possible and to avoid wearing
expensive or flashy watches and jewelry. Due to the poor security situation, the Embassy does not recommend changing money
at the international airport. Visitors should bring a major credit card, but should be aware of widespread pilfering of credit
card data to make unauthorized transactions. Travelers’ checks are not recommended as they are honored in only a few locations.
It is possible to exchange U.S. currency at approved exchange offices near major hotel chains in Caracas (personal checks
are not accepted) and at commercial banks with some restrictions. Due to currency regulations, hotels cannot provide currency
exchange. There are ATM machines throughout Venezuela. Malfunctions are common, however, and travelers should be careful
to use only those in well-lit public places. ATM data has also been hacked and used to make unauthorized withdrawals from
user’s accounts.
Popular tourist attractions, such as the Avila National Park, are increasingly associated with violent crime. Americans planning
to participate in outdoor activities in potentially isolated areas are strongly urged to travel in groups of five or more
and to provide family or friends with their itineraries prior to departure.
Cross-border violence, kidnapping, drug trafficking, smuggling, and cattle-rustling occur frequently in areas along the 1,000-mile
long border between Venezuela and Colombia. Some kidnap victims have been released after ransom payments, while others have
been murdered. In many cases, Colombian terrorists are believed to be the perpetrators. Colombia's National Liberation Army
(ELN) has had a long history of kidnapping for ransom, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are active in
the kidnapping trade. Common criminals are also increasingly involved in kidnappings, either dealing with victim's families
directly or selling the victim to terrorist groups.
In-country travel by U.S. Embassy employees, both official and private, within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia
border, is prohibited. The State Department warns American citizens not to travel within a 50-mile area along the entire
Venezuela/Colombia border. U.S. citizens who elect to visit areas along the border region with Colombia despite this warning,
apart from the Colombian terrorist threat, could encounter Venezuelan military-controlled areas and may be subject to search
and arrest.
The U.S. Embassy must approve in advance the official travel to Venezuela of all U.S. Government personnel. Private travel
by U.S. military personnel to Venezuela requires advance approval by the U.S. Embassy. Please consult the Department of Defense
Foreign Clearance Guide at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/ for further information. Non-military employees of the U.S. Government do not need Embassy approval for private travel.
Political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas and often pass without incident. Nevertheless, travelers should
be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire, has occurred at political demonstrations in the past. Demonstrations
tend to occur at or near university campuses, business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and plazas. Marches
generally occur on busy thoroughfares, significantly impacting traffic. Most major tourist destinations, including coastal
beach resorts and Margarita Island, have not in the past been generally affected by protest actions. The city of Merida,
however, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has been the scene of frequent student demonstrations, some of them violent,
including the use of firearms.
Travelers should keep informed of local developments by following the local press, radio and television. Visitors should
also consult their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers.
As circumstances warrant, the Embassy sends out messages to U.S. citizens who have registered on-line. These messages are
also posted on the U.S. Citizens page of the Embassy’s web site at http://venezuela.usembassy.gov/. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid large gatherings
and demonstrations, no matter where they occur.
Harassment of U.S. citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities, and some segments of the police occurs
but is quite limited. Venezuela’s most senior leaders, including President Chavez, regularly express anti-American sentiment.
The Venezuelan government’s rhetoric against the U.S. government, its American culture and institutions, has affected attitudes
in what used to be one of the most pro-American countries in the hemisphere.
Venezuela is an earthquake-prone country and is occasionally subject to torrential rains, which can cause major disasters
such as the one in Vargas State in 1999. Travelers who intend to rent or purchase long-term housing in Venezuela should choose
structures designed for earthquake resistance. Such individuals may wish to seek professional assistance from an architect
or civil/structural engineer, as does the Embassy, when renting or purchasing a house or apartment in Venezuela. Americans
already housed in such premises are also encouraged to seek a professional structural assessment of their housing.
For further information on seismic activity, you may wish to visit:
1. The Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) web site at http://mceer.buffalo.edu/infoservice/Quakeline_Database/default.asp
2. The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program web site at www.seismo.ethz.ch/GSHAP
3. The Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project web site at www.oas.org/CDMP
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts including the Worldwide Caution can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Venezuela and its capital, Caracas, have one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Virtually all murders
go unsolved. The poor neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas are extremely dangerous. These areas are seldom
patrolled by police and should be avoided. Armed robberies are common in urban and tourist areas throughout Venezuela, even
areas presumed safe and visited by tourists. Crimes committed against travelers are usually money-oriented crimes, such as
theft and armed robbery. Incidents occur during daylight hours as well as at night. Many criminals are armed with guns or
knives and will use force. Jewelry attracts the attention of thieves. Travelers are advised to leave jewelry items, especially
expensive-looking wristwatches, at home. Gangs of thieves will often surround their victims and use a chokehold to disable
them, even in crowded market areas where there is little or no police presence. Theft from hotel rooms and safe deposit boxes
is a problem, and theft of unattended valuables on the beach and from rental cars parked near isolated areas or on city streets
is a common occurrence. A guarded garage or locked trunk is not a guarantee against theft. Pickpockets concentrate in and
around crowded bus and subway stations in downtown Caracas. Subway escalators are favored sites for "bump and rob" petty
thefts by roving bands of young criminals. Many of these criminals are well dressed to allay suspicion and to blend in with
crowds using the subways during rush hour. Travelers should not display money or valuables.
"Express kidnappings," in which victims are seized in an attempt to get quick cash in exchange for their release, are a problem.
Kidnapping of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals, from homes, hotels, unauthorized taxis and the airport terminal has
occurred. U.S. citizens should be alert to their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
The Department has received reports of robberies during nighttime and early morning hours on the highways around and leading
to Caracas. Reports have specifically involved cars being 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, at which point the
victims are robbed. The Department recommends avoiding driving at night and in the early morning where possible. Drivers
traveling on highways during nighttime and early morning hours should exercise caution.
Police responsiveness and effectiveness in Venezuela vary drastically but generally do not meet U.S. expectations. U.S. travelers
have reported robberies and other crimes committed against them by individuals wearing uniforms and purporting to be police
officers or National Guard members.
Incidents of piracy off the coast of Venezuela remain a concern. Some of these incidents have been especially violent, including
the severe beating of a U.S. citizen in 2002, the fatal shooting of an Italian citizen in January 2004, and a machete attack
on a U.S. citizen in 2005. U.S. citizen yachters should exercise a heightened level of caution in Venezuelan waters. Please
consult the U.S. Coast Guard web site at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/g-opr.htm for additional information on sailing in Venezuela.
Rules governing the sale of fuel to foreign sailors in Venezuela vary by state. U.S. citizen yachters should inquire about
specific state procedures prior to attempting to purchase fuel in any given location. Failure to comply with a state’s particular
requirements can result in arrest and criminal charges.
The Embassy is aware of several instances where women lured American men to Venezuela after establishing “relationships” with
them over the Internet. Some of these men were robbed shortly after they arrived in Venezuela. Others were recruited to
act as narcotics couriers or “drug mules.” In three instances, the Americans were arrested at the airport with narcotics
in their possession and served extended jail terms in Venezuela.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand
the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care at private hospitals and clinics in Caracas and other major cities is generally good. Public hospitals and
clinics generally provide a lower level of care and basic supplies at public facilities may be in short supply or unavailable.
Cash payment is usually required in advance of the provision of medical services at private facilities, although some facilities
will accept credit cards. Patients who cannot provide advance payment may be referred to a public hospital for treatment.
Private companies that require the patient to be a subscriber to the service or provide cash payment in advance generally
provide the most effective ambulance services. Public ambulance service is unreliable. U.S. citizens should be aware that
due to the currency restrictions in effect in Venezuela they might find it difficult to receive wire transfers from abroad,
whether through a bank or Western Union. Such wire transfers cannot be used reliably as a source of emergency funds. U.S.
citizens traveling to Venezuela may also find it difficult to obtain certain prescription drugs, particularly name brands,
and should ensure that they have sufficient quantities of all medications for the duration of their stay.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Venezuela is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Driving regulations in Venezuela are similar to those in the United States, although many drivers do not obey them. Defensive
driving is a necessity. Child car seats and seatbelts are not required and are seldom available in rental cars and taxis.
Outside the major cities, night driving can be dangerous because of unmarked road damage or repairs in progress, unlighted
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. Traffic jams are common within
Caracas during most of the day and are frequently exploited by criminals. 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. Inexpensive bus service is available to most destinations throughout the country,
but the high incidence of criminal activity on public transportation makes bus travel inadvisable. Peak holiday travel occurs
during 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.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Authority as being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for the oversight of Venezuela’s
air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa/.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In February 2007, the National Assembly granted President Chavez the authority to rule by decree in 11 general areas for
18 months. Laws issued by President Chavez under this authority become effective immediately after their publication in the
government legislative gazette. As a result, laws directly impacting U.S. Citizens or their interests in Venezuela may come
into force with little or no warning. U.S. Citizens are advised to carefully monitor changes in Venezuelan law. Venezuela
is also slated to hold gubernatorial and mayoral elections nation-wide in late 2008. These electoral races are expected to
generate extensive political campaigning from pro-government and opposition parties.
The government of Venezuela implemented rigid foreign exchange controls in 2003, including a fixed official rate of exchange.
Foreign exchange transactions must take place through exchange houses or commercial banks at the official rate. As of October
2005 it is no longer possible to exchange money at hotels. Currency exchange for tourists can be arranged at "casas de cambio"
(exchange houses). There are exchange houses located near most major hotels. It is also possible to exchange money at commercial
banks; however, visitors should be aware that the exchange would not be immediate. Exchanges through commercial banks must
first be approved by the Commission for Administration of Foreign Currencies (CADIVI). This requires a registration process,
which delays the exchange. The exchange control mechanisms also require the exchange houses and commercial banks to obtain
authorization from CADIVI to trade Bolívares Fuertes (the local currency) into U.S. dollars. Outside the major cities, a
good supply of Venezuelan currency is necessary, as it may be difficult to find exchange houses. The Embassy cannot provide
currency exchange services.
Travelers will likely encounter individuals in Venezuela who are willing to exchange Bolívares Fuertes for U.S. dollars at
a rate significantly higher than the official rate of exchange. These "parallel market" currency exchanges are prohibited
under the Venezuelan foreign exchange controls. Travelers engaging in such activity may be detained by the Venezuelan authorities.
Additionally, in accordance with an October 2005 law, any person who exchanges more than 10,000 U.S. dollars in the course
of a year through unofficial means is subject to a fine of double the amount exchanged. If the amount exceeds 20,000 U.S.
dollars the penalty is two to six years imprisonment. Any person who transports more than 10,000 U.S. dollars into or out
of Venezuela by any means must declare this amount to customs officials.
Credit cards are generally accepted at most upscale tourist establishments, but foreign exchange controls have made credit
card acceptance less common than in the past. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express have representatives in Venezuela.
Due to the prevalence of credit card fraud in Venezuela, travelers should exercise caution in using their credit cards and
should check statements regularly to ensure that no unauthorized charges have been made. Most major cities have ATMs with
24-hour service where users may withdraw local currency, but many of these ATMs will not accept U.S.-issued debit cards.
Venezuelan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Venezuela
of items such as plant and animal products, firearms, medications, archaeological or "cultural heritage" items, and pirated
copies of copyrighted articles. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Venezuela in Washington or one of Venezuela's consulates
in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Venezuela’s laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Venezuela are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Venezuela are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Caracas through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Venezuela. Americans without Internet access
may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section is open for American Citizen Services from 8:00 a.m. to
10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. and Venezuelan holidays. The U.S. Embassy is located at Calle Suapure and
Calle F, Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas. The telephone number during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is
(58) (212) 975-6411. In case of an after-hours emergency, callers should dial (58) (212) 907-8400. The Embassy’s web site,
http://venezuela.usembassy.gov/ , contains complete information about services provided and hours of operation.
A part-time consular agent in Maracaibo provides services for U.S. citizens in western Venezuela. The agent is available
to the public every Monday from 8:15 am to 12:15 pm, at the Centro Venezolano Americano del Zulia (CEVAZ), Calle 63 No. 3E-60,
Maracaibo; telephone 58)(0261) 793-2101 or 793-3488.
* * *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 1, 2007, and updates all sections.