Venezuela entry requirements for Laos passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Laos passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela in 2025. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Lao citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
Apply for a Venezuelan visa at the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate before travel. The visa process takes several weeks — start at least 2 months before your trip. Contact the embassy directly for the specific application form and fee.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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
Required for visa application and entry
Venezuelan immigration and the visa office require proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready — they check this at the visa interview and at passport control in Maiquetía Airport.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended for visa application
Include hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a Venezuelan host with your visa application. Immigration rarely asks for this on arrival, but the visa officer will want to see where you are staying.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended for visa application
Show bank statements covering at least 3 months with a balance equivalent to $500–$1,000 USD. The visa officer may ask for proof you can support yourself during the stay.Recommended
Visa required — apply early
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Lao passport holders. You must get a visa from a Venezuelan embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
No visa extensions available
Venezuela does not allow Lao citizens to extend their stay. Plan your trip so you leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at a Venezuelan embassy
Contact the Venezuelan embassy or consulate nearest to you (e.g., in Bangkok, Hanoi, or Beijing). Submit the completed application form, your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other documents they request. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Receive your visa and check details
Once approved, your passport will be returned with a visa sticker. Double-check the validity dates and the number of entries allowed. Make a photocopy or take a photo of the visa page.
3
Arrive at a Venezuelan airport
At immigration (e.g., Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía near Caracas), present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (typically up to 90 days). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 240,000 LAK)

Standard tourist visa for single entry. 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. 480,000 LAK)

Allows multiple entries within validity period. Suitable for frequent travellers.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days.$30 USD (approx. 240,000 LAK)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 1 year.$60 USD (approx. 480,000 LAK)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fine is charged daily, with no official cap but may be negotiated.$2 USD per day (approx. 16,000 LAK)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Laos passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, even if staying airside. Apply at Venezuelan embassy before travel.

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 (Laos is not endemic, but transit through endemic areas may trigger requirement).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

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

MalariaModerate risk

Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; consider prophylaxis if visiting high-risk zones.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

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

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in rural areas, especially 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. Urdaneta, Esq. de Platanal, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Expect long queues; arrive early.

Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for western Venezuela. Limited services; check for appointments.

Practical information for LA 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 = 549.37 VES
updated May 29
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. There is no visa on arrival for Lao citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least one month before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Contact the Venezuelan embassy in your region for the exact fee. Expect to pay around $30–$100 USD equivalent.
Extensions are not available for Lao citizens. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Venezuela does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry, but it is recommended if you are traveling from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor.
Your visa application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying for the visa.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask to see it at the border.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.