Venezuela entry requirements for Italy passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

Italian passport holders can enter Venezuela without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy remains in effect for 2026, but you must meet entry requirements like passport validity and proof of onward travel.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Venezuela. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Venezuela
Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Airlines also enforce this before issuing a boarding pass.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD or equivalent. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover your expenses, particularly if you are staying for several weeks.Recommended
Safety first
Venezuela has high levels of crime, including armed robbery and kidnapping. Avoid traveling at night, don't display valuables, and use only registered taxis (e.g., from airport stands). Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Currency tip
The US dollar is widely accepted, but bring only crisp, new bills. Old or torn notes are often refused. Exchange money only at official exchange houses or banks — street changers may give counterfeit notes or shortchange you.

What happens at the border

1
Before you fly
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your entry date. Book your return or onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or screenshot everything — phone screens can die or lose signal.
2
At the airport check-in
The airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket. If you don't have a return ticket, they may deny boarding. Have your booking confirmations ready.
3
On arrival at Venezuelan immigration
At Maiquetía (Caracas) or other international airports, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in — usually for 90 days. Keep the stamp legible.
4
After immigration
Collect your luggage and proceed through customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out for Italian passport holders. You're free to enter.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

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 (estimated)

For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Venezuelan embassy in Italy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)

Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.

work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
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 (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized Venezuelan institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., $10,000 USD) in Venezuelan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free travel; listed for reference.Free (not applicable for visa-free entry)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free travel; listed for reference.Free (not applicable for visa-free entry)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied daily; maximum cap may apply. Check with local immigration.~$2 USD per day (estimated)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
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

Italian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
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; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

MalariaModerate risk

Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Mosquito-borne virus with symptoms similar to dengue; no specific treatment.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in rural areas of Amazonas, Bolívar, and Delta Amacuro states. Prophylaxis recommended for those 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 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Maracaibo
SAIME Maracaibo
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo, Zulia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for western Venezuela; similar procedures as Caracas.

Practical information for IT 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
updated May 15
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
Police911
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Venezuelan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — it's not worth the risk.
Not for Italian passport holders arriving directly from Italy. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor before departure.
Safety conditions can change rapidly. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many countries advise against non-essential travel due to crime, political instability, and shortages of basic goods. If you go, take precautions — avoid carrying valuables, use official taxis, and stay in well-known areas.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration may ask to see it on arrival. A refundable onward ticket booked and then cancelled after entry is a common workaround, but be aware it's against the rules.
The official currency is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES), but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist areas. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills — older or damaged notes may be refused. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Exchange money at official exchange houses or banks, not on the street.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for Italian passport holders. You simply show your passport and documents at immigration on arrival.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.