Caracas Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
If you carry a passport from a Mercosur member state or several Caribbean nations, you can walk straight in, no visa needed for tourism or business.
The officer at the booth still has the final say. Have an onward ticket and proof of funds ready.
Countries that once entered visa-free now need an online permit before they board.
Cost: Pay the processing fee online with a credit card in bolívares at the official exchange rate.
Print the ETA; it goes beside your passport at immigration and runs for 90 days from the issue date, not the day you arrive.
Travelers whose home countries have no bilateral deal must secure a tourist visa from a Venezuelan consulate before departure.
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport, electronic or paper copies won't scan at Caracas immigration.
Arrival Process
The jet bridge door swings open and warm air wraps around you, carrying the distant growl of engines and the green smell of tropical hills beyond the runway.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Customs keeps it simple: green lane for nothing to declare, red for dutiable or restricted goods. Staff may still wave you into the red lane at random.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh meat or dairy products - risk of foot-and-mouth disease
- Narcotics of any quantity - zero tolerance policy
- Counterfeit currency or goods - subject to seizure
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition - require prior police permit
- Medication containing controlled substances - bring prescription in Spanish
- Drones - must register with INAC before arrival
Health Requirements
Venezuela now zeroes in on yellow fever for zones near Caracas. Keep routine shots up to date against everyday travel bugs.
Required Vaccinations
- Arrive from an endemic country in Africa or South America and you'll need a yellow fever certificate.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Routine MMR, DPT, influenza
Health Insurance
No law demands insurance. But buy a policy that covers emergency evacuation, Caracas medical facilities are stretched.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Caracas Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Both parents must show up. If one is absent, carry a notarized consent letter translated into Spanish plus the child's birth certificate with apostille.
Dogs and cats need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, rabies vaccination valid at least 30 days, and an import permit requested 15 days before arrival.
Need longer? Apply for a prórroga at the SAIME office on Avenida Urdaneta. The extension adds 90 days to a tourist visa and requires bank statements plus a fee paid in bolívares.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Caracas Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Caracas?
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