WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Venezuela

Location

Climate

Understanding the seasons in Venezuela

Venezuela's climate is generally classified as tropical, with warm, humid temperatures throughout the year. However, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season: December to April

The dry season is considered the best time to visit Venezuela. Visit temperatures are pleasanttemperatures range from 22°C to 28°C, and rainfall is rare. During this period, the skies are generally clear, offering exceptional panoramic views of mountains, forests and beaches. In addition, the flora and fauna are particularly rich, allowing visitors to observe numerous endemic plant and animal species.

Rainy season: May to November

The Venezuelan rainy season is characterized by a high increased precipitation and humidity. However, temperatures remain warm, fluctuating between 24°C and 30°C. This period can be less suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking, due to muddy and slippery paths. However, it also offers the opportunity to admire the country's lush, green landscapes.

Major cultural events

Venezuela is a country rich in traditions and popular festivals. Here are some of the cultural events not to be missed during your stay:

• The Carnival Venezuelan Carnival: celebrated throughout the country in February or March, Venezuelan Carnival is an explosion of color, music and traditional dance. The parades and shows attract large numbers of tourists every year and offer a unique and authentic experience of local culture.
• Holy Week The feast of the Virgin Mary: this religious celebration takes place in March or April, depending on the Christian calendar. It is marked by numerous processions, masses and rituals that bear witness to the spiritual fervor of the Venezuelan people.
• Caracas International Theatre Festival Every two years in April, this event brings together theater companies from all over the world for performances, workshops and encounters around the performing arts.
• Les fêtes patronales The patron saints: throughout the year, each region of Venezuela celebrates its patron saints through local festivities combining prayers, dances, music and traditional gastronomy.

Public holidays and low and high season periods

It's important to be aware of public holidays and low and high season periods before planning your trip to Venezuela. Some services and attractions may be closed or limited during these periods.

Public holidays

• January 1st New Year's Day
• January 6 : Epiphany
• April 19 Declaration of independence
• May 1st Labour Day
• June 24 Battle of Carabobo
• July 5 Independence of Venezuela
• July 24 Birth of Simón Bolívar
• October 12 Discovering America
• December 25 : Christmas

In addition to these national holidays, there are also regional and local holidays. It is therefore advisable to check the dates specific to your destination before you leave.

Low and high season periods

There low tourist season in Venezuela generally runs from May to November, corresponding to the rainy season. During this period, there may be fewer visitors, which means you can take advantage of lower accommodation rates and enjoy the sites without the crowds. Visit high tourist season extends from December to April, during the dry season. The pleasant temperatures and fine weather attract many travelers, sometimes resulting in higher prices and increased crowds at tourist sites.

Venezuelan immigration figures

Venezuela's current socio-economic and political crisis has led to a significant increase in the number of people leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. According to the latest figures available, an estimated 5 million the number of Venezuelans who have left their country since 2014. Among them:

• Over 3 million have settled temporarily or permanently in other Latin American and Caribbean countries;
• Around 1 million have settled in the United States and Europe;
• The remainder has dispersed to other parts of the world, notably Asia and Africa.

Most popular visas in Venezuela

Due to the challenges facing the country, many people are seeking visas to leave Venezuela and settle in other countries. The types of visa most commonly requested by Venezuelans are as follows:

Humanitarian visas

Many Venezuelans are seeking humanitarian visas to escape the crisis in their country. These visas enable people in vulnerable situations to benefit from international protection and access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Among the countries that have granted humanitarian visas to Venezuelans are Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.

Work visas

Many Venezuelans are seeking work visas to enable them to work abroad and support themselves and their families. Neighboring countries such as Colombia, THE Peru and the Chile are among the most popular destinations for this type of visa.

Student visas

With the Venezuelan education system severely affected by the crisis, many young people are looking to pursue their studies abroad. Student visas are therefore among the most sought-after visas for Venezuelans. The United States, Canada and Europe are the preferred destinations for those wishing to study abroad.

International tourism figures for Venezuela

Venezuela boasts many tourist attractions, including the Andes mountain range, heavenly Caribbean beaches, the Salto Angel (the world's highest waterfall) and a wealth of flora and fauna. However, the country's current situation has had a negative impact on the tourism sector. According to available data, the number of international tourists visiting Venezuela has fallen from almost 1 million in 2013 to about 300,000 by 2020. This decline was mainly due to :

• The economic and political crisis;
• Safety problems linked to crime and social unrest;
• The deterioration of tourist infrastructures, such as hotels and transport.

Consular passes for Venezuelans

Due to the crisis in Venezuela, many countries have facilitated access to consular passes for Venezuelans. These are temporary documents allowing these people to travel abroad without a visa, in order to seek refuge and assistance in other nations. Countries offering consular passes to Venezuelans include:

• Brazil, which has introduced a simplified process for obtaining a temporary residence permit;
• Colombia, which grants consular passes allowing access to social services and the possibility of working legally;
• Ecuador, which has also introduced a system of consular passes to facilitate the reception and integration of Venezuelan refugees.

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