Venezuela entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
U.S. citizens need an eVisa to enter Venezuela, and you can apply online through the official portal. The process takes 10–15 business days and costs $180 USD, so plan ahead. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Venezuelan eVisaYou must get this visa online before you travel; there is no visa-on-arrival for US citizens. Apply online before travel | US citizens must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Venezuelan digital consular platform (cancilleriadigital.mppre.gob.ve). The fee is $180 USD and processing takes 10–15 business days. Plan well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Venezuela. Check your expiration date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Venezuela within the allowed stay. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Venezuela. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself; having proof avoids issues. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your time in Venezuela. Amounts are not fixed but should match your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form in advance. Not required | Venezuela does not require a separate arrival declaration for US citizens. No online form or app is needed before landing. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateSome travelers may be asked for this at the border; it's safer to have it. Yellow fever (recommended) | Though not a visa requirement, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is recommended for travelers coming from countries with risk of transmission. Check current health advisories. | Recommended |
Apply early — no walk-ins
There is no visa-on-arrival for U.S. citizens. You must have the approved eVisa before boarding your flight. Airlines check this before you board, and without it, you'll be turned away.
Currency and cash
The local currency is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Bring small bills — $1, $5, $10 — as change can be hard to come by. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is king for smaller purchases.
Safety first
Venezuela has high crime rates, especially in Caracas. Avoid showing expensive items, use official taxis or rideshare apps, and stay in well-reviewed accommodations. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Before you start the online application, have your passport, digital photo, flight itinerary, and accommodation details ready. Scan any supporting documents (like the yellow fever certificate) as PDFs.
2
Complete the online application
Go to https://cancilleriadigital.mppre.gob.ve/ and create an account. Fill out the form carefully — your name must match your passport exactly. Upload the required documents and photo.
3
Pay the fee and submit
Pay the $180 USD fee online. After payment, submit your application. You'll get a confirmation email with a reference number — save it.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–15 business days. Check your email and the portal for updates. You may be asked for additional documents — respond quickly to avoid delays.
5
Receive your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive your eVisa as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Venezuela.
6
Arrive in Venezuela
At the airport (likely Simón Bolívar International in Caracas), go through immigration with your passport, printed eVisa, and proof of onward travel. Have your yellow fever certificate ready if you have one.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$60 (approx.)
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
Residence visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
For long-term stay; requires background check and proof of income.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
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. $200 USD)
For those investing a minimum amount (often $50,000+) in a Venezuelan business. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Venezuelan Tourist eVisa (single entry)Required for US citizens; apply online before travel. | $30 (approx.) |
| Airport arrival/departure taxMost international flights include taxes; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airline ticket |
| Visa extension (per 90-day period)Possible to extend stay beyond initial 90 days; apply at SAIME office in Venezuela. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Fines may apply for overstaying; pay at immigration office before departure. | Variable |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
US citizens transiting through Venezuelan airports do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing to a third country within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a tourist eVisa is required.
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) - Caracas · La Chinita International Airport (MAR) - Maracaibo
Health & vaccines for Venezuela
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; recommended for all travellers to endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in some rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; 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 office for visa extensions and immigration procedures.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Maracaibo
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela.
Practical information for US 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
Processing takes 10–15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned travel to be safe. The $180 USD fee is paid upfront and is non-refundable.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Venezuela before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban on future entry.
If you're traveling directly from the U.S., it's not required. But if you've been in a country with yellow fever risk (like Brazil or Colombia) within 6 months before arrival, you must show a valid yellow fever certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Venezuelan immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
The eVisa is for tourism and short visits. If you're planning to work, study, or do business, you need a different visa type — contact the Venezuelan embassy for details.
You'll receive a rejection email with the reason. The $180 USD fee is not refunded. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the issue that caused the rejection. If you're unsure, contact the Venezuelan consulate before reapplying.
Not explicitly, but immigration officers may ask to see that you have enough money for your stay. It's a good idea to carry a credit card and some cash (U.S. dollars are widely accepted) to show if asked.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.