Venezuela entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Rwandan passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. 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 managed by SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería). Processing times vary — start the application at least 4 weeks before your departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your Rwandan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Venezuela. Carry your original passport — photocopies are not accepted at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Venezuelan airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Venezuela. Officers may ask for the address and contact details of where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay. Venezuelan immigration can ask for proof of financial means, though enforcement varies. | Recommended |
Safety first
Venezuela is currently under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory from many governments due to crime, civil unrest, and shortages. If you decide to go, register with your embassy, carry emergency cash (USD or euros), and have a backup plan for medical emergencies.
No e-visa available
Venezuela does not offer an e-visa for Rwandan passport holders. You must apply through a physical embassy. Plan for a visit or courier submission.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Venezuelan embassy
Find the Venezuelan embassy or consulate responsible for Rwanda (likely in Nairobi, Kenya, or another regional hub). Email or call to confirm the exact visa application process, fees, and required documents — requirements can change without notice.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements (proof of funds), and travel insurance. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail as instructed by the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$100 USD, depending on nationality and visa type). Processing can take 2–6 weeks.
4
Wait for approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates — you must enter Venezuela before the visa expires.
5
Arrive in Venezuela
At the airport (usually Simón Bolívar in Maiquetía near Caracas), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel address. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit. Expect a short interview.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 30,000 VES at official rate)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism. Must be used within 3 months.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60,000 VES at official rate)
Multiple-entry visa for frequent travellers. Each stay limited to 90 days.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50,000 VES at official rate)
For business purposes. Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 100,000 VES at official rate)
For foreign workers 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 (approx. 50,000 VES at official rate)
For enrolled students at recognized Venezuelan educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200,000 VES at official rate)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Venezuelan business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $30 USD (approx. 30,000 VES at official rate) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 1 year. | $60 USD (approx. 60,000 VES at official rate) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged per day, with a maximum cap of $100 USD. | $2 USD per day (approx. 2,000 VES) |
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
Rwanda passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, even if staying airside. Apply at a Venezuelan embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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, including Rwanda.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar states. Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported in various regions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar 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, Esquina de Platanal, Edif. Sede SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo, Zulia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for visa-related services in western Venezuela.
Practical information for RW 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. There is no visa on arrival for Rwandan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, but can be longer during peak periods or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type, but expect to pay between $30 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
There is no Venezuelan embassy in Rwanda. The nearest embassy is likely in Nairobi, Kenya, or you may need to apply through the embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Contact the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date list of consulates covering Rwanda.
Yes, Venezuela requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Rwanda is not considered a risk country, but it's still recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask for it.
Visa extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation. If you need to stay longer, consult the immigration office (SAIME) before your visa expires.
Venezuela has high levels of crime, political instability, and shortages of basic goods including food and medicine. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many embassies advise against non-essential travel. If you do go, take precautions: avoid traveling at night, use registered taxis, and keep valuables out of sight.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.