A tourist card issued by Viasa in Bogot is only valid for arriving in Caracas by air from Bogot , not if you travel overland. Consuls may give a one-year visa if a valid reason can be given. Visas to work in Venezuela also cost 42 and require authorization from the Direcci n General Sectorial de Identificaci n y Control de Extranjeros in Caracas. Student visas require a letter of acceptance from the Venezuelan institution, proof of means of support, medical certificate, passport photo, passport and 42. It generally takes two days to issue any visa.
Tourist visas are multiple entry within their specified period.
Border searches are very thorough and there are many military checkpoints in military areas, at which all transport is stopped. Do not lose the carbon copy of your visa as this has to be surrendered when leaving the country. Cameras and other valuables should not be exposed prominently. Hotel thefts are becoming more frequent. Water in all main towns is heavily chlorinated, so safe to drink, although most people drink bottled water.