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Venezuela Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa Required

US citizens need a Venezuelan visa (Sticker visa) obtained via a Venezuelan embassy/consulate in the United States; apply through the official portal at https://www.mppre.gob.ve/ and your local consulate; typical visa fee around USD 160; processing 5–10 business days after appointment.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Venezuela and have at least two blank visa pages.\n- Specific forms: Formulario de Solicitud de Visto (Venezuela). Available on https://www.mppre.gob.ve/ or at the Venezuelan consulate; complete the form before your appointment.\n- Financial proof: bank statements for the last 3 months and/or evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay; include official letters if employed, or sponsorship letters if someone else is funding.\n- Accommodation and return ticket: confirmed hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Venezuela; return or onward flight ticket required.\n- Photo spec: two recent passport photos (2x2 inches / 51x51 mm) with a plain white background.\n- Biometrics: biometric data is typically collected at the consulate during the visa appointment (photo and fingerprints).\n- Travel health insurance: not mandatory, but strongly recommended; the consulate may ask for proof of coverage or a willingness to obtain coverage for the stay.

Visa types

  • Visto de Turista (Tourist Visa): Official name Visto de Turista. Typical validity up to 90 days per entry; single entry commonly issued; maximum stay per visit generally 90 days; approximate fee USD 160.\n- Visto de Negocios (Business Visa): Official name Visto de Negocios. Valid for 90 days to 1 year depending on consulate; multiple entries sometimes allowed; maximum stay per visit 90 days; approximate fee USD 160.\n- Visto de Estudiante (Student Visa): Official name Visto de Estudiante. Valid for the duration of the study program (often multiple entries); approximate fee USD 160.\n- Visto de Trabajo (Work Visa): Official name Visto de Trabajo. Valid for up to 1–2 years depending on the contract; multiple entries possible; approximate fee USD 160.\n- Visto de Tránsito (Transit Visa): Official name Visto de Tránsito. Valid for short transit periods (up to 72 hours); single entry; approximate fee USD 60.

How to apply

  • How to apply online: Sticker visas are issued through the Venezuelan embassy/consulate system; start at the official portal https://www.mppre.gob.ve/ and select the visa section for the United States, then follow the consulate instructions.\n- Steps: 1) Complete the Formulario de Solicitud de Visto; 2) Gather required documents listed in the consulate’s site; 3) Submit your application to the relevant Venezuelan embassy/consulate in the United States (DC, Houston, Miami, New York, etc.) for review; 4) Pay the visa fee in USD (and any consular service fees); 5) Attend the visa appointment/interview if required and provide biometrics; 6) Passport return with visa sticker can be picked up or mailed back as arranged.\n- Processing time: typically 5–10 business days after your appointment; allow more time during peak seasons or if additional documents are requested.\n- Notes: Some posts may require in-person submission or mail-in applications; always verify the specific consulate’s procedures on its official page.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: USD 160 (paid at the consulate; check if the local post accepts USD or requires local currency as per consulate).\n- VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable when applying directly at the consulate; some posts may use third-party service providers with their own service charges; verify with the consulate.\n- Total cost estimate: USD 160 plus any applicable service fees.\n- Standard processing time: 5–10 business days after appointment; expedited processing (where available) may reduce time but adds extra fees (often around USD 60).

Tips for United States travelers

  • Plan 6–8 weeks in advance of your intended travel date to ensure time for document gathering and consulate appointment.\n- Common rejection reasons: incomplete/submitted documents, inconsistent travel purpose vs. documents (e.g., no hotel or invitation letter when claiming tourism), insufficient funds proof, passport validity issues, or failure to demonstrate ties to the United States to warrant return.\n- VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: For Venezuela, visa processing is typically handled directly by the relevant Venezuelan embassy/consulate in the United States; check whether your consulate accepts mail submissions or requires in-person visits.\n- Travel advisories: The U.S. Department of State currently maintains a Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, and health risks; verify latest advisory before you travel. Consider registering with the U.S. government STEP program for alerts.\n- Extension options inside Venezuela: Tourism or other visa extensions, if granted, are processed by SAIME (the Venezuelan migration authority) in Venezuela; extensions are typically requested before the current visa expires and may extend stay by up to an additional period as allowed by SAIME; check with the local migración office in Venezuela for exact limits.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.