Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the US:
Ambassador: Bernardo ALVARAREZ Herrera
Embassy: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214

Consulate(s) General are in:
San Francisco
311 California St Ste 620
San Fran, CA 94104
(415) 955 1982 Fax: (415) 955 1970

Miami
1101 Brickell Av., Unit 901,
Miami, FL 33131.
(305) 577-4301


Chicago
20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 750,
Chicago, IL 60606.
(312) 236-9658


New Orleans
World Trade Center, Suite 1908,
New Orleans, LA 70130.
(504) 522-3284


Boston
545 Boylston St., 6th Floor,
Boston, MA 02159.
(617) 266-9355


New York
7 E. 51st St.,
New York, NY 10011.
(212) 826-1660


San Juan
Edf. Mercantil Plaza, PISO 6 Ponce De Leon Av., Suite 601,
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00907.
(809) 725-4055


Houston
2925 Briarpark Dr., Suite 900
Houston, TX 77027.
(713) 961-5141


US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador:  U.S. Charge d'Affaires is James M. Derham
Embassy: Calle F and Calle Suapure, Colinas de Valle Arriba Caracas, Venezuela
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037
Telephone: 58-212-975-6411
FAX: [58] (2) 285-0366


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Following Venezuela’s withdrawal in 1830 from its federation with Colombia, the United States established diplomatic relations with Venezuela in 1835. The U.S.-Venezuelan relationship has been tense in recent years, although the two nations agreed at the 2009 Summit of the Americas to seek a relationship based on mutual interest. Venezuela's president has defined himself in opposition to the United States, criticizing the U.S. government and U.S. relations with Latin America. He has been in office since 1999 and was re-elected for a third term on October 7, 2012, and his vision of "21st Century Socialism" for Venezuela has included periods of rule by decree on a broad range of issues. The Venezuelan ambassador to the United States had his visa revoked in December 27, 2010, after the Venezuelan president withdrew his approval of the diplomat nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, and both countries are represented by a Charge d’ Affaires. Despite tensions in the relationship, both countries have had limited bilateral counternarcotics cooperation, and the U.S. government continues to seek constructive engagement with the Venezuelan government, focusing on areas of mutual interest. Examples of such overlapping interests include counternarcotics, counterterrorism, commerce, and energy.

U.S. Assistance to Venezuela

U.S. assistance to Venezuela seeks to strengthen democracy and freedom of expression, support independent civil society, and promote national dialogue.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States is Venezuela's most important trading partner. U.S. exports to Venezuela include machinery, organic chemicals, agricultural products, optical and medical instruments, autos and auto parts. Oil dominates U.S. imports from Venezuela, which is one of the top four suppliers of foreign oil to the United States. About 500 U.S. companies are represented in Venezuela. U.S. foreign direct investment in Venezuela is concentrated largely in the petroleum, manufacturing, and finance sectors.

In 2011, the Secretary of State decided to impose sanctions on Venezuela's state oil company (PDVSA) for delivering at least three cargoes of reformate, a blending component for gasoline, to Iran between December 2010 and March 2011. The sanctions prohibit PDVSA from competing for U.S. Government contracts, securing financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and obtaining export licenses.

Venezuela's Membership in International Organizations

Venezuela and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

There currently is no U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela; the U.S. Charge d'Affaires is James M. Derham. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Venezuela maintains an embassy in the United States at 1099 30th St. NW, Washington, DC 20007; tel. (202) 342-2214.

More information about Venezuela is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Venezuela Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Venezuela Page
U.S. Embassy: Venezuela
History of U.S. Relations With Venezuela
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Venezuela check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (VEB) Bolivar
Electrical 120 Volts
Telephones Country Code 58, City Code, Miranda 234+7D, Guirico 238+7D, Aragua 244+7D



Airline/Hotel Reservations:
Always confirm all your airline, transfers, and hotel reservations.

Clothing:
Venezuela is a tropical country. Clothing should be light and cool, although bringing a light sweater or jacket for going out at night is recommended. If you are planning to visit the Andes, it is strongly recommended that you bring a warm jacket. Also, most fine restaurants and nightclubs have dress codes. Pack a coat and tie, or long dress, if you want to dine and dance in elegance.

Sun protection:
Venezuela is located just 8 degrees above the Equator. The sun here is very direct and protection is recommended when planning to spend long periods of time outdoors. A hat, or a visor, is also recommended.

Insect protection:
When travelling to Guayana, Los Llanos, and the coast it is recommended that you bring insect repellent (non-aerosol).

Nature walks and observing wildlife:
Always wear trekking boots, or other types of shoes, that protect your ankles. Also, observe the rules of most National Parks when walking on trails or setting camp. It is also recommended that you wear long trousers to ward off against ticks while engaging in this type of activity. Be mindful of where you step, lean, or sit.

Respect nature and local cultures:
When visiting wildlife preserves and parks, pay close attention so as not to disturb the environment and its ecosystems. Be respectful of indigenous cultures. You should also request these norms be followed by your guide or tour operator.

Purchasing goods:
Avoid purchasing any goods or crafts that combine feathers, beaks, paws, or other animal parts. Besides being illegal, the demand for these types of products puts in danger the survival of many species.

Tipping:
Most restaurants include approximately a 10% service fee in your bill. Still, leaving an additional 5-10% on your way out is widely expected. Also, tipping hotel porters, help at posadas, and tour guides, is customary. Taxi drivers, however, do not expect a tip unless they help you with your luggage.

Taxis:
Always use taxis belonging to a legitimate Taxi company. Do not accept rides for pay from people in unmarked vehicles.
There are no meters that can establish a cost for a distance traveled. Always agree on a fare before boarding a cab.


Personal safety:


When in most metropolitan areas, it is strongly recommended that you dress down and not wear flashy jewelry.

Never accept a ride from a stranger, no matter how cordial and friendly he/she may appear.
Never accept the help of a stranger when carrying bags or luggage.

Visit bank machines that are lighted, and in areas where there is activity and high visibility.

Never leave anything of value in your car.
Carry your passport, or a copy of it, with you at all times.

Driving:
The maximum velocity in most Venezuelan roads is 80kmph (55mph), but speed limits are not widely enforced. Although most highways are in good condition, roads in the countryside may have potholes which can be dangerous at high speeds. Also, farm animals and wildlife cross roads frequently in these parts-- drive with caution.
Venezuelans are known to make their own rules when they get behind the wheel. Most drivers consider the symbolic references of traffic lights as mere suggestions-- so be careful when crossing an intersection, even when your light is green!


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco*...200 Cigarettes and 25 Cigars

Liquor*....2 Litres of Alcoholic Beverage

Perfume....4 Small Bottles

Film.......Reasonable for Personal Use

Agricultural Items/Currency/Gifts...Refer Psgr. To Venezuelan Consulate

Prohibited: Flowers, plants, fruit, meat and meat products.

*Applies only to passengers 16 years and older



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