Venezuela entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an eVisa to enter Venezuela for tourism or business. The eVisa is issued electronically and must be obtained before travel. The application is done online through the Venezuelan digital consular platform, and processing typically takes 10–15 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Venezuela eVisa (Tourist)You cannot get this visa on arrival; you must apply and receive approval before flying. Apply online before travel | Canadian citizens must obtain a Venezuela eVisa before arrival. Apply through the official Venezuelan digital consular platform (cancilleriadigital.mppre.gob.ve). The fee is $180 USD and processing takes 10–15 business days. Ensure your application is submitted well in advance of your departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Venezuela. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Venezuela within the allowed stay. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Venezuela. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or credit cards. Amounts are not fixed but should cover accommodation, meals, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | Venezuela does not require an arrival declaration for Canadian citizens. No separate form is needed upon landing. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateProtects your health and may be required if you travel to other countries afterward. Yellow fever (recommended) | Though not mandatory for entry, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is recommended for travelers visiting certain regions of Venezuela. Check current health advisories before travel. | Recommended |
Apply early—processing is not instant
The eVisa takes 10–15 business days. Don't wait until the last minute. Also, the Venezuelan online system can be glitchy—start early to allow time for troubleshooting.
Carry a printed copy of your eVisa
You must present a physical copy of your eVisa at check-in and at immigration. A digital copy on your phone is not sufficient.
No visa extensions
The eVisa is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans. Plan your itinerary to leave before your authorized stay ends.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Before starting the online application, scan your passport bio page, prepare a digital photo, and have your travel itinerary and accommodation details ready. Also have a credit card for the $180 USD fee.
2
Complete the online application
Go to cancilleriadigital.mppre.gob.ve and create an account. Fill in the application form carefully, upload the required documents, and pay the $180 USD fee online. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–15 business days. Monitor your email (including spam) for updates. You may be asked for additional documents—respond promptly to avoid delays.
4
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa attached as a PDF. Print it out—you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at Venezuelan immigration.
5
Travel to Venezuela
At the airport, present your passport, printed eVisa, and any other requested documents (like proof of accommodation). Immigration will stamp your passport and note your allowed stay. Keep the eVisa with you during your trip.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostApprox. $200 USD
For those planning to stay longer than 90 days; requires SAIME appointment and background check.
Work visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostApprox. $300 USD
Requires a job offer from a Venezuelan employer and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
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 |
|---|---|
| Extension of stayApply at SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería) before 90 days expire. | Approx. $50 USD |
| Exit taxMost international flights include airport taxes; no separate cash payment at departure. | Included in airfare |
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 citizens transiting through Venezuelan airports do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area, a visa is required.
- If transiting to a domestic flight, a visa is 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 = 652.97 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 takes 10–15 business days. Apply well in advance—at least 3 weeks before your planned departure. The fee is $180 USD, paid online.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Only if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia). Even if not required, it's recommended to have the certificate—some border officials may ask for it.
You'll be denied boarding and entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, the eVisa is single-entry. If you leave Venezuela and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply, but the $180 USD fee is non-refundable. Common reasons include incomplete documents or errors in the form.
Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means. Have your bank statements or credit card available. It's better to have them printed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.