Venezuela entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela. You must apply in advance at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Venezuelan visa at the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate before travel. Processing times vary by consulate — expect 2–4 weeks. The official visa portal is at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Venezuela. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Venezuelan airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask where you are staying — having a printed address and contact number speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Immigration can ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Canadian passport holders must get a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa. Start the process at least 6–8 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Medical care in Venezuela can be expensive and limited. Travel insurance covering evacuation and hospital stays is highly advisable, even if not mandatory for entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Venezuelan embassy in Ottawa or the consulate in Montreal or Toronto. Submit the application form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and a hotel for your first night. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Venezuela
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and hotel booking. You may be asked for proof of funds. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$30 USD
Standard tourist visa; must apply at Venezuelan embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; same application process.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD
For enrollment in accredited Venezuelan educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD
For significant investment in Venezuela (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment amount varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Canadian passport holders; payable at Venezuelan embassy. | $30 USD (approx. $30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. $2 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Venezuela do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a tourist visa may be required.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon and Orinoco regions; consider prophylaxis like atovaquone-proguanil.
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, Esq. de Camejo, Torre SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office; handle extensions and permits.
Maracaibo
SAIME Zulia
Calle 77, Edificio SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela.
Practical information for CA 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 = 0 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
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy workload. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
No. Canadian citizens must obtain a visa in advance from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $30–$60 USD for a tourist visa, plus any service fees. Confirm the exact amount with the embassy.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Venezuela does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry, but it is recommended if you are traveling from a country with yellow fever. Check with a travel clinic.
You can reapply, but first address the reason for rejection. Common reasons include incomplete documents or insufficient funds. Contact the embassy for clarification.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.