Venezuela entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-Visa option for Ethiopian citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Venezuelan visa at the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate before travel. The official visa portal is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at mppre.gob.ve. Processing times vary by embassy — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Venezuela. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from the passport itself. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave Venezuela within your visa validity. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a notarized letter of invitation from your host in Venezuela ready. Officers sometimes ask for this during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry recent bank statements or enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay. Venezuela has severe cash shortages — bring enough for your entire trip, as credit cards may not work. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Ethiopian passport holders cannot enter Venezuela without a visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-Visa. Start the application process at least 6 weeks before your trip. Contact the nearest Venezuelan embassy for the latest requirements — they can change with little notice.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Venezuela's healthcare system is underfunded and can be difficult to access. A medical emergency could cost you hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Venezuelan embassy
Find the Venezuelan embassy or consulate responsible for Ethiopia (likely in Addis Ababa, or the nearest one in a neighboring country). Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, fees, and required documents — requirements can change.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos (usually 2), return flight booking, hotel confirmation, bank statements, and travel insurance. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit the application
Submit your application in person or by mail to the Venezuelan embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$100 USD, depending on visa type and nationality). Processing can take 2–6 weeks, so apply well in advance.
4
Wait for processing
The embassy will review your application. They may request an interview or additional documents. Stay reachable by phone/email. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Arrive in Venezuela
At the airport (Maiquetía Simón Bolívar in Caracas is the main entry), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. They may ask about your purpose of visit. Keep your documents handy.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply at Venezuelan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; same application process.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders; subject to change. | $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 of $100 USD. | $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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) · Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN)
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)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to water quality issues; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in rural areas, especially in Amazonas and Bolívar states; consider prophylaxis.
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, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa-related issues; bring all original documents.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
For travellers in western Venezuela; limited services.
Practical information for ET 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 = 554.43 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. Venezuela does not offer visa on arrival for Ethiopian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. It can vary by embassy and time of year, so apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Expect to pay between $30 and $100 USD. Contact the embassy for the exact amount — fees are usually paid in local currency or USD.
You'll typically need: a valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, 2 passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel reservation or invitation letter, bank statements (last 3 months), and travel insurance. Some embassies may ask for a letter of employment or a criminal record check.
Visa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the immigration office (SAIME) in Venezuela before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 days. The process can be slow and bureaucratic — plan your trip to fit within your visa's validity.
Venezuela has high levels of crime, political instability, and shortages of basic goods (medicine, food, fuel). Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, stay in well-known tourist areas, avoid protests, and keep valuables out of sight.
Venezuela requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ethiopia is not on that list, but check current requirements). Other recommended vaccines: hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Bring your vaccination certificate if you have one.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.