Venezuela is a country of beautiful scenery and amazing sights, from the coast to the summit. Spectacular waterfalls run down the Mesa, and coastal towns and offshore islands offer a pleasing escape and soft sandy beaches.
The best places to visit are not always easy to reach. Venezuela is no exception. Some of these destinations are far from remote roads. So choosing the best vehicle to travel in is essential. What’s also important is to carry the required documents to be eligible to drive in Venezuela.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driving License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
On the other hand, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
United Nations agreement on traffic regulations
Three international conventions govern the international driving license: the 1926 Paris International Convention on Motor Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic in 1968. The country is bound by several agreements, the most recent of which annulled and replaced the earlier ones.
The term international driving license was mentioned for the first time in a document governed by the International Convention on Motor Traffic signed in Paris in 1926 and is a translation of “international driving license.” The Treaty of Paris, and all subsequent treaties, use only the word “license” for all types of driving licenses.
Benefits of carrying an IDP
During your trip, you may be stopped by the local police for a traffic violation, or you may be involved in a traffic accident. In such cases, having an international driver’s license can be extremely helpful.
Functionality as an ID
IDPs are a convenient travel document as it doubles as identification documents. This is advantageous if you want to keep your passport under lock and key due to security considerations. An IDP can be used instead of a national ID card, especially if it is in a language that is not internationally used.
Quicker traffic authority stops.
Traffic police may have trouble deciphering your driver’s information on your license during a routine traffic stop. Having an IDP ensures that officers can quickly note down your particulars and send you on your way. This may be especially handy during the unfortunate event of an emergency or motor misfortunes.
Car rental companies
Car rental companies worldwide require you to have an International Driving Permit and a valid driving license to rent a car. This is due to the United Nations recognizing an IDP as a valid driving permit. Having an IDP will ensure that your valuable vacation time isn’t wasted on trying to convince a conservative car rental agency of the validity of your foreign driver’s license.
Driving in Venezuela
Getting a good knowledge of the specific needs of each destination is important before traveling. Keep your valid US driver’s permit in the car while traveling internationally since your IDP cannot travel without an official driver’s license. IDPs serve as a translator of official domestic driving documents and cannot be permitted by any government to drive overseas. It is unlikely that you will have an IDP, but it is not worth obtaining. In countries that require it, penalties can be severe if a passenger is prevented from driving.
Driving requirements in Venezuela
Driving in Venezuela is a fantastic experience and the best way to get around the country. Before you hit the road, ensure you have the necessary driving conditions for Venezuela. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows foreigners to drive cars in Venezuela legally. It also serves as a translation of your local driver’s license and supporting documents.
For foreigners planning to drive in this beautiful country, your local driver’s license is valid in Venezuela as long as it has not expired. You will also need to bring your IDP with you on your trip to be able to drive home. While the IDP has all the information about your driver’s license, you can’t just use the IDP while driving in Venezuela.
When driving in Venezuela, you must bring your local driver’s license, IDP, passport, rental car documents, and insurance. Venezuela is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention, which states that it allows the IDP to enter into force in its country for one year from the date of arrival. You must carry all these documents on your trip because road checkpoints happen frequently.
Car rental in Venezuela
When renting a car, remember to consider its features, size, capacity, and type. You should consider what vehicle will be perfect for your adventure, although you should buy a 4×4 vehicle.
Various major car rental companies offer online car rental bookings, so you can easily compare and find the perfect car for your trip. Companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz all have branches in Venezuela. You also need to find out if your car rental company offers airport transfers like Keddy by Europcar and Sunnycars Car Rental. It is recommended that you check the availability of your vehicle before arriving in Venezuela for a faster and smoother transaction.
Car rental companies offer many vehicles to best suit your South American adventure. The most popular cars rented in Venezuela are compact cars like Hyundai Accent. However, you can also get larger vehicles like pickups and SUVs. Most cars are automatic, but you can also rent a manual transmission. You should also choose a 4×4 that is perfect for Venezuelan roads.
The legal age to drive in Venezuela is 18, but you must be 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience when renting a car. Most car rental companies will also charge you a driver fee if you’re under 25, so you should check with the car rental company before booking.
The cost of renting a car in Venezuela varies between companies, depending on vehicle type, insurance, and pickup location. Using additional options such as WiFi, GPS, car seats, and supplemental insurance will also affect the cost of car rental, ranging from $50 to $120 per day.
Driving requirements in Venezuela are the same as car rental company requirements for car rentals. When renting a car, you must bring your local driver’s license, passport, and IDP. If you plan to stay longer than your IDP and visa, you will need a Venezuelan driver’s license to rent a car.
Driving and Safety
Before you start driving abroad, you should familiarize yourself with that country’s local road laws and regulations. Fortunately, the road rules aren’t so different from any other foreign country. Knowing more about Venezuela’s traffic laws will help prevent accidents and unwanted situations with local authorities.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited
- Child seats are required when traveling with children in Venezuela
- The speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h, and 120 km/h for motorways
Top 5 Places to Visit in Venezuela
Angel falls
Angel Falls is the heart of the country, where the Table Mountains rise like giant monoliths from the surrounding landscape. Falling 979 meters, it is the tallest waterfall in the world and one of the highlights of South America. This beautiful spot in Canaima National Park is remote and hard to reach, but flights over the falls are easily arranged.
The best time to see the falls is during the rainy season, from May to November, when the water is abundant, and the falls do not disappear into mist before reaching the bottom line in the dry season. During the dry season, the falls can trickle, and you’ll want to check in advance if there’s enough water to make the trip worthwhile.
Los Roques National Park
The archipelago is Los Roques National Park, but most people call the area Los Roques. This is one of the best places to visit in Venezuela. The small seaside fishing village of Gran Roque, on the same name island, is the main settlement, with one-story houses painted in bright colors typical throughout Venezuela.
The buildings that stretch along the riverbank seem to last forever. One of the highlights is the small island of Cayo de Agua. Accessible by boat, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Venezuela, with shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The islands are usually reachable by air from Caracas, with no ferry service from the mainland.
Isla de Margarita
Isla de Margarita is one of the most developed beach destinations in Venezuela. Located 40 kilometers north of the mainland, it is one of Venezuela’s top tourist attractions for sun-seekers. The island’s main attractions are the beautiful soft sand beaches, which are very popular with expats and Venezuelans. Many charter flights are direct to Isla Margarita from various international destinations. Still, it is also possible to catch a ferry to the island from Puerto La Cruz on the mainland. The main town on the island is Porlamar, but many beaches are dotted around the island, with some of the best in the north and east.
Morrocoy National Park
Morrocoy National Park, located along the coast about a two-hour drive west of Caracas, is known for its white sand beaches and coral reefs, which stretch inland and surround offshore islands and bays. Snorkeling is one of the main activities for those looking for more than just spending a day on the beach.
The park is also home to a large number of bird species, from ospreys and parrots to flamingos and flamingos. Some of the most famous islands are Cayo Sombrero, Cayo Borracho, Cayo Sal and Cayo Peraza.
Canaima National Park and Gran Sabana
Canaima National Park covers 3 million hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is usually associated with the area around Angel Falls and the city of Canaima, but it is only part of a very diverse park. The park also has a plateau of Lagran Savanna, with more than 100 Tepui (Table Mountain) towering over 1,000 meters above the savanna. Traveling through Gran Sabana National Park and Canaima National Park is a unique experience. It does not necessarily have to be combined with a trip to Angel Falls, especially during the dry season.
FAQs
Does Venezuela require an IDP?
Applicants must have an international driving license for the American Licensed Driver in a state such as Croatia, Hungary, Italy, or Spain. Compliance with the IDP may vary depending on the rental provider and country.
How do I get an IDP for Venezuela?
You can apply through our website easily. You need your current and valid driver’s license details, photographs, and ID for verification to get an international driving permit. The whole application process will take 20 minutes.
How long does an IDP last in Venezuela?
International driving permits are typically valid for one to five months after expiry, and you must make an IDP application each year. Every time you want a re-inspection, you must follow the same application procedure mentioned below.