Venezuela entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can visit Venezuela visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business trips in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Venezuela. Immigration at Maiquetía Airport checks this at the counter. Airlines also verify this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Venezuela | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration may ask to see proof of funds, especially if you're staying for the full 90 days. ATMs in Venezuela are unreliable, so bring enough cash. | Recommended |
Currency and cash
Venezuela has a dual-currency system. US dollars are widely used, but only accept clean, undamaged bills. ATMs are scarce and often unreliable. Bring enough cash for your entire stay.
Travel insurance recommended
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly advised. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be extremely expensive. A policy covering medical evacuation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At any Venezuelan airport (Maiquetía near Caracas, or regional airports), head to the 'Foreigners' or 'Pasaportes Extranjeros' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — confirm the number of days is correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
Apply at Venezuelan embassy in Sofia or nearest consulate. Requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers. Same application process as single entry.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and background check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized Venezuelan institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in Venezuelan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied at immigration upon exit; maximum cap unknown. | Approximately $2 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Venezuela
No transit visa needed
Bulgaria passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Venezuelan airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) – Caracas · Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) – Valencia · La Chinita International Airport (MAR) – Maracaibo
Health & vaccines for Venezuela
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain; prevention same as dengue.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas, Bolívar, and Delta Amacuro states. Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Caracas
SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería)
Av. Baralt, Esquina de Camejo, Torre SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for extensions and permits. Expect long queues; bring all original documents and copies.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office
Calle 77, Edificio SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela. Limited services; check for appointments.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalCaracas
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyVenezuelan bolívar (VES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 558.64 VES
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B: two flat pins (ungrounded) and two flat pins with round grounding pin.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a visa before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Venezuelan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
Not required for Bulgarian passport holders arriving directly from Europe. But if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
Safety conditions vary. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Petty crime is common in cities, and political unrest can occur. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Yes, but land border crossings can be unpredictable. Some crossings may be closed or have limited hours. Always check the current status before heading to the border. The same visa-free rules apply.
The local currency is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and larger cities. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused. Credit cards are not reliable.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required for Bulgarian passport holders. You'll just get a stamp at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.