Venezuela is in the north South America on the Caribbean coast. The state borders on Brazil, Colombia and Guyana and has a good 27 million residents. The capital Caracas is a highlight for every visitor to Venezuela. In the urban area there are many monuments and symbols from the independence struggle in the 19th century. That mausoleum of the freedom fighter Simon Bolivar, every resident of Venezuela visits at least once in his life. Imposing churches and cathedrals as well museums about art, culture and history of the country complete the picture.
To the east of the capital is the Mochima National Park, which is particularly known for its diverse fauna and picturesque beaches. Nature lovers will also be drawn to the Cueva del Guacharo, the largest cave system in Venezuela, which Alexander von Humboldt already explored. The stalactite cave is home to the Guacharos, vegetarian nocturnal birds that use ultrasound to orientate themselves.
The breathtaking Caribbean coast is a real magnet for visitors. Water sports enthusiasts and divers alike get their money’s worth here. Attentive hikers can also observe flocks of birds and sea turtles. The salt desert on the western Araya peninsula is rather barren, but still impressive, and an old fortress also invites you to visit it.
Despite its attractions, Venezuela is still an insider tip and is therefore not as crowded with tourists as other countries in South America, even in the high season.
There are 43 national parks in Venezuela that protect and preserve the natural beauty. Visitors to the country are advised to visit at least one of these interesting parks. The 36 natural monuments are also extremely impressive. Overall, more than 60 percent of Venezuela’s land area is designated as protected areas.
Venezuela – key data
Area: 912,050 km² (land: 882,050 km², water: 30,000 km²)
Population: 27.6 million people (July 2011, CIA). The population is made up of residents withspanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, German, African and indigenous roots together.
Population density: 30 people per km²
Population growth: 1.493% per year (2011, CIA)
Capital city: Caracas (1.9 million residents; 3.4 million with suburbs)
Highest point: Pico Bolivar (La Columna), 4,981 m
Lowest point: Caribbean, 0 m
Form of government: According to a2zdirectory, Venezuela has been a presidential Federal Republic since 1961. The current constitution dates from 2000. The Venezuelan National Assembly consists of 165 members who are elected every five years in general elections. Voting is compulsory from the age of 18. Venezuela declared its independence from Spain on July 5, 1811, which was recognized by Spain in 1821. In 1830 Venezuela broke away from Greater Colombia.
Administrative structure: 23 estados (Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy and Zulia), a distrito capital and a dependencia federal.
Head of State and Prime Minister: Nicolás Maduro Moros, has been in office since the death of Hugo Chavez on March 5, 2013
Language: The official language in Venezuela is Spanish. Numerous Indian languages are used as regional slang. English, French, German and Portuguese are also spoken in some parts of the country.
Religion: Catholics 96%, Protestants 2%, Others 2%.
Local time: CET -5 h.
In Venezuela there is no change between summer and winter time.
The time difference to Central Europe is -5 hours in winter and -6 hours in summer.
International phone code: +58
Internet identifier:.ve
Mains voltage: 110 V, 60 Hz. US plugs are used, so adapters are required.
Venezuela – entry requirements
Passport:
is generally required. Of the passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned length of stay in Venezuela. Compliance with this provision has recently been monitored more closely and failure to comply can lead to a refusal to enter the country. A return or onward travel ticket must be available upon entry.
Visa :
For tourist trips with a maximum stay of 90 days in Venezuela, citizens of EU countries need Switzerland and Turkey does not have a visa.
When entering by plane, overland and with cruise ships, travelers from visa-exempt countries receive the DEX 2 tourist card, which is a tourist card stayis normally valid for 60 days (maximum 90 days) and is not renewable. The DEX 2 tourist card is issued before entry on the plane, on cruise ships and when entering overland directly at the border. The tourist card must be returned when leaving the country.
This tourist card cannot be used if you enter with private ships / yachts. Then there is a visa requirement, entry category “Embarcaciones Deportivas”.
Business travelers need a visa.
In Venezuela, foreigners must also be able to identify themselves and prove their legal residence status at any time.
Visa documents:
Business visa : Original passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the requested visa validity – a completed application form – 2 identical original passport photos in color (no scan images, no copies) – a letter from the sending company stating the purpose and duration of the Travel, contact address of the business partner in Venezuela and confirmation of cost assumption – a letter of invitation from the business partner in Venezuela.
It is possible that the Venezuelan consulate invites the applicant to a personal interview. The applicant must then appear in person at the consulate and collect the passport.
Visa fees:
Business visa (multiple entry, valid for one year): 54.00 euros (depending on the exchange rate to the US dollar, will be finalized on the day of application)
Processing time:
about a week
Transit:
Travelers who otherwise require a visa do not need a transit visa if they have valid travel documents, travel on with the next connecting flight within 24 hours and do not leave the transit area.
Entry with children :
For accompanying children, the same visa requirements apply as for their parents.
Germany: the German child ID card with photo and a separate passport are accepted. Child ID cards are no longer issued in Germany, existing child ID cards remain valid until the expiry date.
Austria: up to the age of 12, it is possible to enter the child in the passport of an accompanying parent. Your own passport is also accepted.
Switzerland: Children need their own passport.
Adequate Funds:
Foreign visitors must have sufficient funds to travel to Venezuela.
Vaccinations:
You can find detailed information on recommended and required vaccinations for traveling in Venezuela in the chapter Venezuela – Health and Diseases.
Entry with pets:
An international vaccination certificate is required for the importation of a pet, in which vaccinations against rabies and, in the case of dogs, canine distemper can be proven. The vaccination certificate must be signed and stamped by the official veterinarian and certified by the responsible consulate or the consular department of the Venezuelan embassy.
Departure tax:
When leaving by plane, an airport fee and an exit tax of currently 137.50 bolivares (around 45 euros, as of June 2009) must be paid. This must always be paid directly by the traveler at a special counter at the airport and has recently not been included in the ticket price.
