Venezuela opened its border with Colombia in 2022, and all modes of transportation have returned to operations since then.
Although I had no problems during my trips, it is always prudent to travel with caution.
There are many negative stories regarding crossing the border, such as people being abducted, robbed, or extorted. The final two things are not impossible to happen to you, but the first is really difficult!
To avoid being robbed, keep your stuff close to you. Extortion is something that some guards may conduct if they discover a problem with your documents or some of your computer devices. However, it is not happening as frequently as it originally did.
Options for crossing the border
-Arrange a private driver from your destination. If your destination is Mérida, you can call a tour company there to arrange everything. The fee per person could range from $60 to $100.
-Take a taxi from the airport or bus terminal to the border, then another taxi to the San Antonio bus station.
-Take a bus from the bus station to San Antonio. It costs 3000 pesos.
From Colombia to Venezuela
To begin, travel to Cúcuta by bus or aeroplane, which is easily accessible. Check the Rebus website for the schedule; if it is high season, reserve your tickets in advance.
My experience going from Colombia to Mérida, Venezuela
I chose the first option since I had a reliable contact in Mérida. He picked me up at the bus station in Cúcuta in the morning. We were four people sharing a car when we crossed the border.
I exhibited my ID, just like the other Venezuelans in the car, and the Colombian man stamped his passport. In addition, he must present an invitation letter and a copy of his Venezuelan friend’s ID. If you don’t have this, you could have the address for your hotel.
During our trip from Ureña to Merida, guards checked our car and bags multiple times without any issues. After 5 hours, he dropped me home.
How can you get to other Venezuelan cities?
From San Antonio, you can take a bus to San Cristobal or Mérida, which are the main cities with good links to other parts of Venezuela.
From Venezuela to Colombia
Depending on whatever city you are in Venezuela, you must plan your schedule to go near the border, which is either Mérida or San Cristobal.
To go to both cities, take a bus from either Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, Coro, Barinas, or Barquisimeto.
You should visit Merida and San Cristobal before leaving. In both locations, you will be welcomed by the locals and enjoy gorgeous scenery.
Before leaving Venezuela, I called a buddy in San Cristobal to inquire about the availability of taxis and buses from San Cristobal and San Antonio, respectively. She reassured me and explained everything regarding crossing the border.
This time, I chose to take public transportation, and my experience was great.
My experience crossing the border by bus from Mérida
Every day, the bus to San Antonio leaves at 10 p.m. and arrives about 6 a.m. It gathered several people along the way and made one halt for a rest.
I was surprised that no guard stopped the bus to check passports or bags on the route to San Antonio.
Before reaching San Antonio, the vehicle made a stop in Ureña, a village where one may easily cross the border on foot.
Because it was early, I opted to head to San Antonio instead. Once there, I requested a taxi, but it cost $5 to take me to immigration. I preferred to take the bus for 3000 pesos, less than a dollar.
After being checked by a guard without incident, even passengers with a lot of bags were simply verifying the documents. We crossed and made it to the bus stop without incident.
Emigration Stamp
Remember, if you have a passport, you must get it stamped at both the Venezuelan and Colombian emigration ports.
Buses and taxis will wait until you have your stamp from emigration.
A piece of advice
I cannot guarantee that you will not have issues; all of South America’s borders are unstable, but the situation now appears to be peaceful. Choose the proper mode of transportation based on your experience and budget, and avoid showing signs of worry or lack of confidence. Good luck!