Venezuelan Visas

Venezuelan visas have different requirements, depending on the type of visa issued. The type depends on the purpose of your visit.

Types Available

There are two major types of visas for Venezuela: tourist visa and visitor visa. A visitor visa is further divided into different types, based on the purpose of visit.

A. Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is issued to people who want to visit Venezuela for leisure purposes, health, or any non-lucrative or non-remunerating activities. The tourist visa is also issued to those who wish to make contacts with enterprises within the country or to persons who work with them, private or public sector-wise. The visa is valid for one year with a multiple-entry clause. There is a limit of 90 days per entry, which can be extended for an additional time by the Venezuelan Ministry of the Interior and Justice.

B. Visitor Visas

The visitor visa is issued to people who have a specific business of any kind in Venezuela, other than leisure and vacation. There are different types of Visitor visas:

Business Visitor – is issued to non-immigrants and visitors who enter the country for the purpose of carrying out any activity or transaction related to trade, financial, mercantile, or any lucrative business. The visa is valid for one year, with the bearer given multiple-entry rights. The visitor may stay in Venezuela for up to 180 days per entry. The stay cannot be extended beyond this period.

Student Visitor – is issued to non-immigrants and visitors who wish to enter the country to attend professional courses or study in any college or university. Those who wish to take part in practice related to their major field of study are also issued this type of visa. The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries. The student is allowed to stay in the country for the same period of time, and he or she can request an extension from the Ministry of the Interior and Justice provided he or she can present proof of continuation of studies.

Work Permit – is given to foreigners whose services have been hired by a Venezuelan enterprise or citizen. The visa must be authorized by the Ministry of the Interior and Justice, with the prior consent of the Venezuelan Ministry of Labor. There is a one year grant for this type of visa, with multiple entries. The individual could also stay in the country for the same period and it is up to the Ministry of the Interior and Justice to extend it upon the individual’s request, provided that the Ministry of Labor has ratified the work authorization.

Investor Visitor – issued to foreigners or foreign enterprise’s representatives who were proven by a legal document that they have made an investment that was accepted by an official agency in Venezuela. Investor visitor visas grant the bearer three-year validity with multiple entries and the right to stay in the country indefinitely. There is an option for an extension for up to two years, after which the foreigner can apply for a Residency status in Venezuela, provided all the requirements have been met.

Entrepreneur/Industrialist Visitor – is issued to foreigners who have established that they own or manage an enterprise in their home country and that they have a branch in Venezuela where they need to carry out any activity related to the said enterprise. A visa of this category is valid for two years, with multiple entry visits. Each visit must not exceed four months and cannot be extended.

Family Relation Visitor – is given to the Venezuelan citizen’s spouse, provided that the marriage was celebrated outside the country and was registered before a Venezuelan Consulate. Dependents under 18 years of age as well as the parents and in-laws are also entitled to this visa. The validity of the visa is one year with multiple entries. The bearer can stay in the country indefinitely.

Religious Visitor – is issued to foreigners who are members of any religious order or mission and who are in Venezuela to carry out their religious duties. The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries and allows the bearer to stay in the country for up to a year.

Family Member Visitor – issued to family members who hold visitor visas under the following categories: business visitor, entrepreneur/industrialist visitor, investor visitor, student visitor, returning residents, religious visitor, and work permit visitors. The visa is subject to the same conditions and time constraints as that of the visa of the primary sponsor.

Returning Resident – issued to Venezuelan residents who have been outside the country for more than two years but have not become legal residents of a foreign country, provided that no more than 30 consecutive days have passed since their Venezuelan resident status has expired. Also, the visa is granted to people whose visitor status given by the Ministry of the Interior and Justice has expired while outside the country, provided that they have not stayed outside Venezuela for more than 30 consecutive days. The visa issued for returning residents is valid for six months with a single entry.

Transit Visa – issued to foreigners who are passing through Venezuela en route to another country.

Requirements

The general requirements for all visas are the same. They are:

• A passport that has six months of validity left at the time the visa application was submitted.
• Two 2×2 color photographs taken recently.
• A filled-out visa application, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
• Payment of visa application processing.

There are also specific requirements, depending on the type of visitor visa you’re applying for.

For Business Visitor Visas:

• A company letter specifying the following: a) the position, b) the purpose of the trip, c) the contact person or company’s name in Venezuela, d) length of stay, e) the company that will pay for the person’s expenses while in Venezuela.
• A photocopy of the itinerary or the round-trip ticket.
• Documents showing that the applicant owns a business or enterprise, if such is the case.

For Student Visitor Visas:

• An application issued by the institution that supports the applicant stating the funds available to the applicant while in Venezuela.
• Letter of admission issued by the educational institution where the applicant is enrolled.
• Documents attesting to the applicant’s academic degrees.

For Work Permits:

• The requirements needed by the hiring parties will be given by the two ministries.
• The applicant must prove his labor capabilities and condition (experience, academic degrees, etc.)
• Authorization given by the National Office of Identification and Foreign Population Affairs to the Consular Section of the local Venezuelan Embassy.

For Entrepreneur/Industrialist Visitor Visas:

• A letter issued by the respective Chamber or Association of Commerce and Industry. The mercantile registry number of the enterprise or industry the applicant is in is also applicable.

For Family Relation Visitor Visas:

• The family member must travel with the Venezuelan citizen upon entry to Venezuela.
• The marriage certificate certified by the Venezuelan Consul in the district where the marriage was officiated.

For Religious Visitor Visas:

• A letter from the head of the religious order stating the following: a) the ritual or religious ceremony to be performed by the applicant, b) the length of stay in Venezuela, c) the applicant’s address in Venezuela, d) date of expected entry, e) the name of the applicant, f) a photocopy of the passport.

For Returning Residents:

• Original identity card issued in Venezuela.

Additional Information

British, Australian, Canadian, and US citizens don’t need a visa to get in. European countries also do not need visas, except for those living in Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, and Malta. There might be additional visa requirements depending on the country you are in, so it is recommended that you consult with your local Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate. After getting your visa, time to go to Venezuela and learn the Top Ten ways to make traveling easier.