Venezuela has incredible natural beauty—Angel Falls, the tepuis, Caribbean islands—but “safe to travel right now” depends on what you mean by safe. As of January 2026, the clearest signal is this: multiple governments are advising people not to go.

Canada’s official guidance is “Avoid all travel” due to a heightened security situation, unstable political/economic conditions, violent crime, risk of arbitrary detention, and shortages of basics like medication, gasoline, and water. Travel.gc.ca
The U.S. State Department also lists Venezuela as Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing risks like wrongful detention, torture in detention, kidnapping, civil unrest, and weak health infrastructure—plus limited ability to provide consular help. Travel
The UK’s Foreign Office likewise advises against all travel. GOV.UK+1

What’s driving the “do not travel” advice?

1) Heightened security and political volatility

Canada notes military strikes in early January 2026, emergency measures by Venezuelan authorities, and a situation that could escalate quickly, including possible short-notice border/airspace closures and reduced flights. Travel.gc.ca
Recent reporting also describes an unstable, tense environment with armed groups active in Caracas following major political upheaval. The Guardian

2) High levels of violent crime and kidnapping risk

Government advisories consistently highlight violent crime (armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping) and risks around transport hubs like the Caracas airport. Travel.gc.ca+1

3) Risk of arbitrary detention + limited consular support

Canada says its embassy hasn’t been open since 2019, severely limiting in-country consular assistance. Travel.gc.ca
The U.S. advisory similarly states its Caracas embassy operations are suspended and emphasizes the risk of detention without due process. Travel

4) Basic services and health system constraints

Advisories mention ongoing shortages (fuel, electricity, water, medicine) and poor health infrastructure, which matters a lot if something goes wrong. Travel.gc.ca+1

So… is it safe?

For most travelers, no—not in the way people usually mean “safe for a normal trip.” When major governments say avoid all travel / do not travel, it typically means the risk level is high enough that a “careful tourist” can still get caught in situations they can’t control (detention, sudden closures, armed crime, unrest, or inability to access help).

If you still plan to go (high-risk travel checklist)

If you’re traveling for family, essential business, or journalism—and you accept the risk—use a risk-managed approach:

• Have multiple exit options (routes, cash, and backup transport plans). Borders/airspace can change quickly. Travel.gc.ca
• Register with your government’s travel/ROCA-type service (Canada explicitly recommends it). Travel.gc.ca
• Carry extra essentials: medication, water treatment, power bank, cash (and more cash), and copies of documents. Travel.gc.ca+1
• Harden your transport plan: avoid unregulated taxis; be extremely cautious around airports and ATMs. Travel.gc.ca+1
• Avoid border regions (crime and armed group activity are repeatedly flagged). Travel.gc.ca+1
• Insurance matters: ensure it covers high-risk destinations and includes medical evacuation (many policies exclude Level 4 / “avoid all travel” zones). Travel+1
• Consider professional security support if your trip is mission-critical. Travel

Safer alternatives that still scratch the “Venezuela vibe”

If your goal is nature + Caribbean water + Latin culture, consider places that are far easier to manage safely right now (depending on your passport and budget): parts of Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, or Ecuador—then revisit Venezuela when advisories ease