Is Caracas Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Known as the city of contrasts, Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela.

It is located in northern Venezuela, near the Caribbean.

It is precisely its closeness to the Caribbean sea and a high elevation that makes this city so perfect for tourists – it has a perfect climate, a perfect chance to relax in gorgeous beaches and unwind.

Add to that the famous Venezuelan food and its cultural diversity and you have a paradise for visitors.

You can walk around and marvel at its magnificent skyscrapers, and then go to lunch in one of Caracas’ excellent restaurants among the friendly and warm people of Caracas – and you have yourself a perfect day.

However, it has recently become so dangerous that the US State Department advises its citizens to reconsider their travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, and extremely poor health infrastructure.

Warnings & Dangers in Caracas

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Caracas is not safe for foreigners. Keep that in mind while you plan your trip to this city and remain vigilant at all times as both petty and violent crimes exist in abundance here. Apply maximum possible precaution measures.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets operate mostly in buses and subway stations so be careful. Know that the roads are also extremely dangerous as carjacking is a regular occurrence. Buses and trains are also known for robberies.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are virtually everywhere in Caracas. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common forms of petty crime. Refrain from wearing anything remotely valuable outside.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for the natural disasters that may hit Caracas, you can expect floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Floods are expected mostly in the period between May and December while the hurricane season lasts from June to November.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent crimes are also the norm here, and kidnappings as well. There's a new expression developed in this country, "express kidnapping" which means foreigners being kidnapped and possibly tortured until they use their credit card to empty their account and give their money to the muggers. Be extremely careful everywhere.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Caracas' recent history. However, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Be wary of the so-called "virtual kidnappings". Locals in Caracas generally never complete questionnaires or surveys because they're scams devised to collect information on you and your family members. Also, don't fall for the airport tax scam: be careful not to get overcharged when paying airport tax for both international and domestic flights.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Many women have traveled to Caracas without having negative experiences. The fact is, it is no more dangerous to women than it is to men. However, do not walk alone, especially after dark, as you might be perceived as an easier target to muggers and robbers.

So... How Safe Is Caracas Really?

You should know that Caracas is not safe for tourists.

The US State Department has released an issue for all tourists to reconsider travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and detention of U.S. citizens.

Numerous areas are extremely dangerous.

Avoid traveling to certain neighborhoods of Caracas due to crime.

Places, where tourists are relatively safe, are the main tourist areas, but that’s it.

Kidnappings of foreign nationals also occur and people have been taken from homes, hotels, unauthorized taxis, and airport terminals.

In the past couple of years, an expression “express kidnapping” has developed.

The expression refers to short-term opportunistic abductions, intending to extort money from the victim.

Victims are selected randomly and held while criminals force them to use their cash cards to empty their bank accounts.

Once they get the money, they release the victim. It doesn’t last more than an hour, but it is commonly followed by violence and is generally a terrifying experience.

Carjackings happen both during day and night.

Do not rent or drive the expensive-looking vehicle as they are targeted and attract attention.

The carjackings are executed by armed gangs ramming the victim’s vehicle from behind, or flagging them down to rob them. Whatever you do, don’t resist – it can end in them shooting the victim dead.

How Does Caracas Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do need a visa to enter Caracas and they cannot be acquired upon arrival or at any of the airports. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Venezuela. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Currency

There are two currencies in Venezuela: Venezuelan Bolivar and Petro. ATMs are widespread throughout the country, but they don't all accept foreign credit cards. Banco Provincial and Mercantil accept foreign cards. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in major cities.

Weather

Thanks to its vicinity to the Caribbean sea and a high elevation Caracas has a tropical climate with very little variation between summer and winter temperatures. Its climate is often described as pretty much perfect: never cold, seldom too hot.

Airports

Simón Bolívar International Airport is the main international airport located in Maiquetía, Vargas. It is located about 21 km from downtown Caracas.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Caracas, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Caracas Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Venezuela - Safety by City