Venezuela entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Venezuela. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate; processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Venezuelan visa at the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate before travel. Start the process at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal to find your local embassy and required documents. Processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.Find embassy info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Zimbabwean passport must be valid for at least six 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 entry | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Venezuela. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host in Venezuela can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival
Zimbabwean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Venezuela. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy before you travel. Arriving without one means immediate denial of entry.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Venezuela, not from your departure date. Check your passport's expiry date before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Venezuelan embassy
Contact the Venezuelan embassy or consulate in your country (or nearest one) to submit your visa application. Provide your passport, photos, application form, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee and wait for processing — typically 2-4 weeks.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy — immigration may ask to see them at the airport.
3
Arrive at Venezuelan immigration
At the airport in Venezuela (e.g., Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in for the duration of your visa.
4
Activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM
After clearing immigration, activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport. This gives you data for maps, rideshares, and communication.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$30 USD
Requires valid passport, application form, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (processing fee)
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 annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Venezuelan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Venezuelan embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 1 year. | $60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free or visa period, capped at $100 USD. | $2 USD per day (approx. 2 USD) |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, even if staying airside.
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 Zimbabwe.
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 insect repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar states; prophylaxis recommended.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar states; consider prophylaxis like chloroquine or doxycycline.
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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and residency applications for the Zulia region.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 558.64 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
Yes, you need a visa before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Zimbabwean passport holders. Apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, accommodation proof, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Check with the specific embassy for exact requirements.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
It's not always required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Zimbabweans.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Contact the Venezuelan embassy in your region for the current fee schedule.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.