Venezuela entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Irish passport holders can enter Venezuela without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement continues in 2026, but you must meet entry requirements including passport validity and onward travel proof.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Venezuela. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months, you may still enter as long as it covers your stay — but some airlines enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Venezuela | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone. A bus ticket to Colombia or a flight out of the country works — it just needs to show you're leaving within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed amount, but around $50–$100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, a screenshot of your online banking is accepted. | Recommended |
Political and safety situation
Venezuela has ongoing political instability, high crime rates, and limited medical infrastructure. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Local SIM and connectivity
Mobile coverage is limited outside major cities. Buy a local SIM at the airport or use an eSIM like Airalo. Internet is slow and unreliable in many areas.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Venezuelan airport
You'll queue at immigration control. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day tourist entry. No forms to fill in advance.
2
Passport control
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer honestly. They'll stamp and return your passport.
3
Baggage claim and customs
After passport control, collect your bags. Customs is usually a green/red channel system. Declare any items over the duty-free limit.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx.)
Rarely needed for Irish passport holders; visa-free entry is simpler.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$60 USD (approx.)
For frequent travellers; visa-free entry may suffice.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx.)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (approx.)
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 (approx.)
For those investing a minimum amount (often $10,000+ USD) in a Venezuelan business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no single-entry visa needed. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply but rates are not publicly standardized. | Unknown |
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
Irish 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, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent throughout the country, especially in urban areas.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar states.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar 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, Torre SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa issues and permits.
Maracaibo
SAIME Zulia
Av. 5 de Julio, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela.
Practical information for IE 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
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
Not officially required, but having a credit card or some cash (US dollars are widely accepted) is sensible. Immigration rarely asks, but it's good to be prepared.
No, there is no online or paper arrival declaration for tourists. Just your passport and onward ticket.
US dollars are the most practical. Venezuelan bolívars (VES) are used locally but can be hard to exchange. Bring small USD bills for taxis, food, and tips. Credit cards work in some hotels and restaurants but not everywhere.
No mandatory vaccines for entry, but yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you're visiting rural areas or the Amazon region. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Yes, the land border is open. You'll go through Venezuelan immigration at the crossing. Same visa-free rules apply — 90 days, passport validity, onward ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.