Caracas Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, serves as the main entry point for international travelers visiting the country. Entry requirements for Venezuela have become increasingly complex in recent years due to political and economic conditions. All travelers must present a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay, and visa requirements vary significantly depending on nationality. The immigration process at Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) can be lengthy and unpredictable. Travelers should be aware that Venezuela's entry requirements can change with little notice, and enforcement may be inconsistent. It is strongly recommended to contact the Venezuelan embassy or consulate in your country well in advance of travel to confirm current requirements. Many countries have issued travel advisories for Venezuela, recommending reconsidering travel due to crime, civil unrest, and shortages of basic goods and services. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance and understand the current security situation before planning your trip. The immigration process requires patience and preparation. Officers may ask detailed questions about your visit, and having supporting documentation readily available is essential. Cash in US dollars is often necessary for various fees and services, as credit cards are not widely accepted. Be prepared for potential delays and have contingency plans in place.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Venezuela's visa policy varies significantly by nationality. Recent years have seen changes in reciprocal visa policies, and requirements should be verified with Venezuelan diplomatic missions before travel.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of certain countries can enter Venezuela without a visa for tourism purposes

Includes

Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Peru Uruguay Most Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations Russia Turkey South Africa China (under certain conditions)

Visa-free access is subject to reciprocity agreements and can change. Some nationalities previously exempt now require visas. Always verify current status before travel.

Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo)

Previously 90 days when available

Some nationalities previously received tourist cards upon arrival, but this system has been largely discontinued

Includes

This system is no longer reliably available for most travelers

How to Apply: Tourist cards are generally no longer issued at airports. Travelers should obtain appropriate visas in advance.
Cost: Variable when available, approximately USD $30-50

Do not rely on obtaining a tourist card on arrival. Apply for appropriate visa before travel.

Visa Required

Typically 90 days for tourist visas, varies by visa type

Citizens of most Western countries and many other nations require a visa to enter Venezuela

How to Apply: Apply at Venezuelan embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Applications must be submitted in person in most cases. Processing time can range from 2 weeks to several months. Requirements include passport, application form, passport photos, proof of financial means, return ticket, accommodation details, and consular fees.

Countries requiring visas include: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, and many others. The visa application process can be lengthy and unpredictable. Some Venezuelan embassies have limited operating hours or may not be accepting applications due to diplomatic issues. Plan well in advance and consider alternative travel plans if visa cannot be secured.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (serving Caracas) involves several steps. Be prepared for potential delays, language barriers (Spanish is the official language), and possible requests for additional documentation or payments.

Arrival and Disembarkation

Upon landing, follow signs to immigration (Migración). Keep your passport and any required documents easily accessible.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (if required), and completed arrival form to the immigration officer. Officers may ask questions about your visit in Spanish. An entry stamp will be placed in your passport indicating your permitted stay duration.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Porters may offer assistance for a fee.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs control. You may be asked to declare items or have your luggage inspected. Complete any required customs declaration forms.

Exit and Ground Transportation

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals area. Arrange pre-booked transportation when possible, as airport taxis should be used with caution. Having local currency or US dollars is essential.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have blank pages for stamps.

Visa or Entry Authorization

If required for your nationality, must be obtained before travel. Keep a copy separate from the original.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Venezuela. Immigration officers frequently request this documentation.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you will stay in Venezuela.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, cash, or credit cards demonstrating ability to support yourself during your stay.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk. May be requested from all travelers.

Travel Insurance

While not always mandatory, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended and may be requested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with patience and allow extra time for the immigration and customs process, which can be slow and unpredictable.

Bring US dollars in cash for fees, tips, and initial expenses. ATMs may not work with foreign cards, and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Make copies of all important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and store them separately from the originals. Keep digital copies accessible.

Learn basic Spanish phrases or have a translation app ready, as English is not widely spoken by immigration officials.

Be polite and cooperative with officials. Avoid discussing politics or making negative comments about the country.

Have all required documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter.

Arrange reliable transportation from the airport in advance. Avoid unofficial taxis and use registered services or hotel transfers.

Keep your entry stamp documentation safe, as you will need to present it when departing Venezuela.

Customs & Duty-Free

Venezuelan customs regulations control what items can be brought into the country. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form. Enforcement can be inconsistent, but failure to declare items can result in fines, confiscation, or legal issues.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol should be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

Amounts over USD $10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Both entry and exit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation. Keep declaration forms for departure. Bring cash in good condition (no torn or heavily worn bills).

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to approximately USD $1,000 value

Items must be for personal use and not for commercial purposes. New items in original packaging may be questioned.

Electronics

Personal electronic devices (phone, laptop, camera) for personal use

Multiple identical items may be considered commercial and subject to duty or confiscation.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Venezuela has strict drug laws with severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - Including firearms, knives with blades over certain length, pepper spray, and tasers without proper permits
Counterfeit goods - Including fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Obscene or subversive materials - Publications or media deemed inappropriate by authorities
Certain food products - Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products from most countries
Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants under CITES regulations
Drones - Require special permits and are generally prohibited for tourists

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only what you need with original prescriptions and doctor's letters. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Venezuela
Professional equipment - Cameras, video equipment, or other professional gear may require special documentation or temporary import permits
Archaeological artifacts - Removing such items from Venezuela is illegal; bringing them in requires extensive documentation
Plants and plant products - Require phytosanitary certificates
Pets and animals - Require health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits (see special situations section)
Radio transmitters and communication equipment - May require special permits from telecommunications authorities

Health Requirements

Venezuela has specific health requirements for entry, and travelers should take health precautions seriously due to disease risks and limited medical infrastructure.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at immigration. The vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel.

Recommended Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Recommended for all travelers as Venezuela has areas with yellow fever risk
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B - Recommended for most travelers
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Rabies - For travelers with significant outdoor exposure or animal contact
Malaria prophylaxis - Recommended for travel to certain regions, consult travel medicine specialist

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and may be required for entry. Venezuela's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including shortages of medicines and medical supplies. Serious medical conditions may require evacuation to another country. Ensure your insurance covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications you need, as they may not be available in Venezuela.

Current Health Requirements: Check current health requirements before travel, including any COVID-19 related measures such as vaccination certificates, testing requirements, or quarantine protocols. Requirements can change rapidly. Consult your country's travel health advisory service and the Venezuelan embassy for the latest information. Consider visiting a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized health advice.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Caracas before and during your trip

Register with your embassy's traveler registration system. Many countries have reduced embassy staff in Venezuela or operate with limited services. Have contact information readily available. Check your government's travel advisory website for current warnings and recommendations.

Immigration Authority (SAIME)

Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería - Venezuela's immigration authority

For visa extensions, immigration questions, and official information. Services may be limited and wait times can be extensive. Website: www.saime.gob.ve (when operational; site availability is inconsistent)

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 911 (Police, Ambulance, Fire)

Response times can be slow and service quality varies. Private emergency services may be more reliable but require payment. Your embassy should be contacted in serious emergencies. Tourist Police (Poltur): Available in some tourist areas for assistance in Spanish and sometimes English.

Airport Information

Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) - Main international airport serving Caracas

Airport code: CCS. Located approximately 30km from central Caracas. Allow extra time for all airport procedures. Confirm flight schedules as delays and cancellations are common.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling to Venezuela require special documentation. If traveling with both parents, bring the child's birth certificate showing both parents' names. If traveling with one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent is required, along with a copy of that parent's ID. If traveling alone or with someone other than parents, notarized consent from both parents is required. These documents should be translated into Spanish by an official translator. Venezuelan authorities are strict about these requirements to prevent child abduction. Adoption papers or custody documents may be required if applicable.

Traveling with Pets

Bringing pets to Venezuela requires advance planning. Required documents include: an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), import permit from Venezuelan agricultural authorities (INSAI), and possibly additional vaccinations. Pets must be inspected upon arrival. Some airlines have restrictions on pet travel to Venezuela. Microchipping is recommended. Be aware that veterinary care and pet supplies may be limited in Venezuela. Consider whether bringing a pet is advisable given current conditions.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas typically allow stays of up to 90 days. Extensions may be possible through SAIME (immigration authority) but the process is complex, time-consuming, and not guaranteed. Applications must be submitted before your authorized stay expires. Required documents typically include passport, entry stamp, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and fees (payable in specific forms that change frequently). For longer stays, consider applying for a temporary residence visa or other appropriate visa category from a Venezuelan consulate before traveling. Working in Venezuela requires a work permit and appropriate visa, which are difficult to obtain. Overstaying your authorized period can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.

Dual Nationals and Venezuelan Citizens

Individuals with Venezuelan citizenship (including dual nationals) must enter and exit Venezuela using their Venezuelan passport, regardless of other citizenships held. Venezuela does not recognize dual nationality for entry/exit purposes. Venezuelan citizens or those born in Venezuela may face additional scrutiny or requirements. Men of military service age may face restrictions on departure. If you have any connection to Venezuelan citizenship, consult with the Venezuelan embassy before travel.

Journalists and Media Personnel

Journalists, photographers, and media personnel must obtain special accreditation and visas before traveling to Venezuela. Tourist visas do not permit journalistic activities. Unauthorized journalism can result in detention, deportation, and equipment confiscation. Contact the Venezuelan embassy well in advance and be aware that accreditation may be difficult to obtain. Filming or photography of government buildings, military installations, or infrastructure may be prohibited.

Business Travelers

Business travel to Venezuela requires a business visa, not a tourist visa. Applications require invitation letters from Venezuelan companies, proof of business relationship, and additional documentation. Business visas have specific restrictions on activities permitted. Engaging in business activities on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation. The business environment in Venezuela is challenging, with currency controls, regulations, and economic instability. Consult with legal and business advisors before business travel.