Foreign Office Updates Venezuela Travel Advice
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has made a significant update to its travel guidance for Venezuela, removing the country from its "no travel" list as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This change means the FCDO no longer advises against all travel to the entirety of Venezuela, marking a shift in its previous stance.
Regional Travel Restrictions Remain in Place
Despite this broader easing, the Foreign Office continues to issue strong warnings against travel to specific regions within Venezuela. It advises against all travel to areas within 80 kilometres (50 miles) of the border with Colombia, as well as within 40 kilometres (25 miles) of the borders with Brazil and Guyana. Additionally, the FCDO advises against all travel to the Orinoco Mining Arc region south of the Orinoco river and to Zulia state.
For the rest of Venezuela, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel, highlighting ongoing risks and instability in the country. This nuanced approach reflects the complex security situation, where some areas are deemed safer than others for British nationals.
Emergency Preparedness for British Nationals
The FCDO emphasizes that British nationals already in Venezuela should be prepared to change their plans quickly if necessary. It recommends having a "personal emergency plan" that includes practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, without relying on support from the UK government. This plan should account for potential sudden changes in entry requirements or border closures.
Before traveling, individuals are urged to check the latest entry restrictions for Venezuela, as these may change with little warning. Monitoring local media and staying in contact with travel providers is also advised to stay informed about developments.
Background and Regional Context
This travel advice update follows an announcement by Venezuelan authorities on January 3 of a "state of external commotion" due to air strikes on targets across the country. Such a state could lead to the closure of Venezuelan borders and airspace, adding to the urgency for travelers to have contingency plans.
The situation in Venezuela is part of broader regional tensions, with former US President Donald Trump recently suggesting a "friendly takeover" of Cuba amid heightened disputes between Washington and Havana, linked to the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Trump's comments, made during a campaign event in Texas, highlighted the economic struggles in Cuba but also underscore the volatile political landscape affecting travel in the region.
Overall, while the FCDO's removal of Venezuela from the "no travel" list offers some flexibility, the detailed regional advisories and emphasis on emergency preparedness indicate that significant risks persist for UK tourists considering travel to the country.
