Venezuela entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can visit Venezuela for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free access is valid in 2026, but you must meet entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Venezuela. Airlines at check-in may ask for 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Venezuela | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but $50–100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash is essential
Venezuela is a cash economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs often run out of money or charge high fees. Bring enough US dollars or euros for your entire stay.
Check travel advisories
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to many parts of Venezuela. Check the latest advice before you book.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you fly, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Have them easily accessible on your phone or as paper copies.
2
Arrive at the airport in Venezuela
At Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas or other international airports, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present your documents to the officer
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — ensure the date is correct. Keep the stamp visible until you leave.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There is no arrival declaration form to fill out. You're free to enter.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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
Apply at Venezuelan embassy/consulate before travel. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$60 USD
Good for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Venezuelan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Venezuelan business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$2 USD per day (no official cap, but may accumulate) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; not required for visa-free entry. | ~$30 USD (paid at Venezuelan consulate) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; not required for visa-free entry. | ~$60 USD (paid at Venezuelan consulate) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
UK passport holders transiting through Venezuela do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a tourist visa or visa-free entry applies.
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; widespread in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar states.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas of Amazonas, Bolívar, and Delta Amacuro states. Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these 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, Esq. de Camejo, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures. Expect long queues.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Maracaibo
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for western Venezuela.
Practical information for GB 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
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Venezuelan immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Not required for entry from the UK, but recommended if you plan to visit rural or jungle areas. Carry your vaccination certificate if you have one.
No, you must have a return or onward ticket. Airlines check this before boarding. A refundable ticket booked and then cancelled after entry is a common workaround.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of Venezuela due to crime and political instability. Check current travel advice before booking.
Cash is king in Venezuela. Bring US dollars or euros in good condition (no tears, no marks). Cards are rarely accepted, and ATMs are unreliable. Exchange at official rates only.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for UK passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
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.