Venezuela visa

Venezuela Visa Policy

All visitors coming to Venezuela must obtain a visa from any of their diplomatic missions abroad unless they come from a visa-free country. The visa waiver list contains a list of countries whose nationals are free to enter the country for a short time without having to secure a visa in advance. Visitors are required to have valid passports and proof of funds to cover the duration of their stay in the country.

Transit visitors heading to a third country must show an onward ticket for the next destination. Otherwise, they will be refused entry. The government of Venezuela doesn't expect visas from naturalized Venezuelans. However, they must have a passport issued by the second country and a national ID card called Cedula de Identidad, which is an original copy issued by the government to naturalized citizens. Furthermore, only passports with a minimum of six months' validity are allowed.

The citizens of more than 70 countries can visit without visas and stay for up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism and any other purpose unless otherwise stated. Also, they can extend their stay once for another 90 days, but this option is closed to citizens of Colombia and Bolivia.

The visa waiver list is by no means absolute, as it changes frequently in light of current diplomatic realities. For instance, Ghana and the Benin Republic have signed visa waiver agreements with Venezuela, but the deal is yet to be ratified. So as a visitor, it is best to check out the current list for your country so you know whether you need a visa for the trip or not.

How To Apply For a Venezuelan Visa

To apply for a Venezuelan Visa, you must submit a completed application form alongside your travel documents to an embassy or consulate of Venezuela. Visas can only be applied abroad unless, in special cases where the visitor is issued the visa on arrival. This process is only open to selected foreign nationals. Visa applicants must submit their passports, relevant travel document, and an application fee for processing.

Venezuela Travel Tips for First Time Travelers

Passport Validity: As a visitor to Venezuela, your passport validity is calculated from the first time you enter the country, not when the visa is issued. Visitors' passports must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. Furthermore, your visa expires once the passport it is attached to expires.

Application For Extension: If you decide to apply for a 90 days extension, you must do it before your current visa expires or you exceed the maximum number of days your visa allows. Applications must be submitted to the interior ministry at least a week before your stay expires, and you can only extend it once for a maximum period of 90 days. There is no room for a second extension.

Safety: Due to severe economic downturns brought on by internal political tensions and economic embargo, crimes like armed robbery, murder, sexual assaults, and drive-by shootings are rife in Venezuela. If you must visit, avoid isolated places, especially at night. Don't water expensive jewelry in public or go to unfamiliar places alone.

Use Approved Routes: Bolivia's borders with Brazil, Colombia, and Guyana are highly unsafe due to armed gangs and terrorist cells. If you must travel by road, please use only approved routes. Kidnapping is a huge threat to Foreigners along these routes and inside the country. Use only official taxis for commuting.

Bring Your Necessities: The country faces severe shortages of groceries with long lines of frustrated customers, which can lead to looting and fights. Consider bringing your essential supplies like food, water, medication, and other necessities. If you choose to buy in the country, you will pay a premium price for them.

Beware of Hurricanes: May to December are volatile as this is the time of the year when earthquakes, hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather occur, all during the rainy season. Keep close tabs on the information released by the meteorologists during this period.

Vaccination: Serious insect-borne diseases are common in the country, so you should look to protect yourself. Consult your doctor to know if you will need vaccinations before your trip. One highly recommended vaccine is the Zika vaccine, especially for pregnant women. The yellow fever vaccine is also highly recommended. Only sleep with treated nets, and always wear thick clothing that will cover your arms and legs when visiting interior areas. Other viruses to keep an eye out for include measles, hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis, typhoid fever, mumps, rabies, and bilharzia. Only drink bottled water and avoid swimming in freshwater bodies. You must show your vaccine certificates at the entry point if you are vaccinated.

Severe Laws: Venezuela has harsh laws with severe penalties for offenders f drug offenses. Even a small dose of marijuana can result in a long jail time, and their jails are some of the most dangerous in the world.

Please don't Take Pictures: It is illegal to take pictures of airports, military installations, and buildings of strategic importance to the country.

Traveling With Minors: According to the laws protecting minors, children are not allowed into the country without showing signed permission from both parents. This is called a parental consent letter.

Transit Travelers: As a transit passenger, you must show your confirmed flight ticket for the onward trip as proof of departure. In some cases, the immigration officers may even request to see your visa or residency document for the next country if you are not a citizen of the said country.

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Foreign nationals who may wish to travel to Venezuela may need a visa, depending on their nationality. 

The country is a sovereign nation and has its visa policy, which determines who is eligible for a visa and who is not. If you want to visit a Latin American country, you must meet all the requirements first.