Venezuela offers visa-free access to citizens of many countries for up to 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days. IMPORTANT: All major governments issue Level 4 Do Not Travel advisories for Venezuela due to high crime rates, political instability, arbitrary detention risks, and severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and gasoline. Venezuela does not have a digital nomad visa program. The country has experienced significant economic challenges but has seen some improvement in 2024-2025 with de facto dollarization. Internet infrastructure is highly variable with private fiber providers offering 100-300 Mbps in major cities while state-run CANTV provides much slower service. Banking for foreigners is extremely difficult due to strict regulations requiring Venezuelan citizenship for most accounts.
7
Visa Types
118
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Tourist Card (Visa-Free Entry by Air)
Citizens of visa-exempt countries arriving by air receive a tourist card on arrival valid for 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days at SAIME offices.
90 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$200 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No advance visa application required
✓Free entry for qualifying nationalities
✓Can extend once for additional 90 days
✓Multiple entries possible during validity
📋 Requirements (4)
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Return or onward ticket
•Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
•Proof of sufficient funds for stay
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate on arrival
1Arrive at Venezuelan airport with valid passport
2Present return/onward ticket and accommodation proof to immigration
Process: Apply at any SAIME office before tourist card expires. Bring passport, tourist card, proof of funds, and extension fee. Processing typically same day but can vary.
Renewal: After using the extension, you must leave Venezuela. A new tourist card requires exiting and re-entering the country.
💡 Pro Tips
•Arrive and depart only during daylight hours for safety
•Have accommodation arranged before arrival
•Carry USD cash as primary payment method
•Register with your embassy before travel
•Do not overstay - penalties can be severe
Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)
TouristPopular
Required for nationals who do not qualify for visa-free entry or arriving overland/by sea. Applied at Venezuelan embassies/consulates before travel.
90d
Duration
$110
— fee
+$200 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱10-15 business days, may extend to 4-6 weeks
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Tourist visa application feeStandard fee, varies by nationality (USD 60-100)
$60—
Notarization/apostille feesFor required documents
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Travel insurance (90 days)Strongly recommended
$150—
Medical certificate feeIf required by consulate
$50—
Required Total
$110—
+ Additional (estimated)
$200—
Estimated Total
$310—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Completed visa application form
•Two recent passport-size photos (color, white background)
•Bank statement showing sufficient funds
•Employment letter or proof of income
•Hotel reservation or notarized invitation letter
•Return/onward flight ticket
•Medical certificate (some consulates)
•Proof of payment of consular fee
📝 Application Steps
1Contact nearest Venezuelan embassy/consulate for specific requirements
2Complete application form (often available online)
3Gather all required documents with translations if needed
4Schedule appointment at embassy/consulate
5Submit application in person with all documents
6Pay visa fee
7Wait for processing (10-15 business days)
8Collect passport with visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work legally
•Requires advance planning
•Processing times can be unpredictable
•Venezuelan embassies in some countries are closed or have limited operations
💡 Tips
•US citizens must apply at Venezuelan Embassy in Mexico City as US embassy/consulates are closed
•Start application process well in advance
•Confirm embassy operations before planning - many are closed or limited
•Have all documents notarized and apostilled as required
Business Visa (TR-N)
businessPopular
Transient business visa for executives, representatives, and entrepreneurs conducting commercial, mercantile, or financial activities without migrating to Venezuela.
180d
Duration
$200
— fee
+$500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 business days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Business visa application feeApproximate fee, varies by nationality
$100—
Document legalization feesApostille and translation costs
$100—
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceRecommended for complex applications
$500—
Required Total
$200—
+ Additional (estimated)
$500—
Estimated Total
$700—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Completed visa application form
•Business letter from employer or own company
•Invitation letter from Venezuelan business partner
•Company registration documents
•Bank statements showing financial capability
•Two passport photos
•Medical certificate
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain invitation letter from Venezuelan business partner
2Prepare company documentation with apostille
3Submit application at Venezuelan embassy/consulate
4Attend interview if required
5Pay visa fee
6Wait for approval and collect visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot be extended
•Cannot work as employee in Venezuela
•Stay limited to 180 days per year
•Business activities only - no local employment
💡 Tips
•Ensure all documents are properly apostilled
•Have Venezuelan business contact handle local requirements
•Keep detailed records of business activities
•Consult with immigration lawyer for complex situations
Work Visa (TR-L)
Work
Required for foreign nationals employed by Venezuelan companies. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval from Ministry of Labor before visa application.
365d
Duration
$500
— fee
+$1,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱30-60 days total (work permit + visa processing)
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Work visa application feeEmbassy consular fee
$150—
Work permit processingMinistry of Labor fee (paid by employer)
$200—
Document legalizationApostille and translations
$150—
Additional (estimated)
Legal/immigration assistanceRecommended for navigating complex process
$1,000—
Required Total
$500—
+ Additional (estimated)
$1,000—
Estimated Total
$1,500—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
1Employer in Venezuela initiates work permit at Ministry of Labor
2Work permit approved by Ministry of Labor
3Employer provides documentation to employee
4Employee applies for TR-L visa at Venezuelan embassy
5Visa interview and biometrics
6Pay visa fee
7Receive visa and travel to Venezuela
8Register with SAIME upon arrival
9Obtain Venezuelan cedula (ID card)
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer
•Must notify authorities of job changes
•Complex bureaucratic process
•Subject to Venezuelan labor laws
💡 Tips
•Ensure employer handles work permit properly
•Keep all documentation organized
•Register with SAIME immediately upon arrival
•Consider current economic/political situation carefully
Resident Visa
Special Program
Permanent residence visa for foreigners who have legally resided in Venezuela for at least one year (two years for some categories). Grants indefinite stay.
3650d
Duration
$400
— fee
+$800 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-6 months or longer
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Residence visa application feeSAIME processing fee
$200—
Document processingApostilles and translations
$150—
Cedula issuanceVenezuelan ID card fee
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceImmigration lawyer fees
$800—
Required Total
$400—
+ Additional (estimated)
$800—
Estimated Total
$1,200—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Proof of legal residence for 1-2 years (TR-L, TR-F, or other valid visa)
•Current transient visa
•Police clearance certificate
•Medical certificate
•Proof of economic solvency
•Venezuelan cedula or proof of application
•Tax declarations if applicable
•Marriage certificate/birth certificates for family ties (if applicable)
📝 Application Steps
1Complete at least one year legal residence on transient visa
2Gather all required documentation
3Submit application at SAIME (Ministry of Interior)
4Attend interview
5Pay fees
6Wait for approval (can take several months)
7Receive resident visa and updated cedula
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must maintain residence in Venezuela
•Subject to Venezuelan tax on worldwide income after 183 days
•Extended absences may affect status
•Complex application process
💡 Tips
•Maintain clear documentation throughout transient visa period
•Consult immigration lawyer for application
•Start process well before transient visa expires
•Consider political/economic situation long-term
Family Dependent Visa (TR-F)
Special Program
Transient family visa for spouse, children under 18, parents, and in-laws of TR-L work visa holders.
No, Venezuela does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa program. Remote workers typically enter on a tourist card (visa-free for many nationalities) which allows 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days. Working remotely for foreign clients while on a tourist visa exists in a legal gray area, but given Venezuela's economic crisis and de facto dollarization, enforcement is minimal. However, all major governments issue Level 4 Do Not Travel advisories for Venezuela due to severe safety concerns.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Venezuela on a tourist visa?
Technically, tourist visas do not permit any form of work. However, remote work for foreign clients is a gray area that is generally tolerated given Venezuela's economic situation. There is no specific enforcement mechanism for remote workers earning foreign income. Be aware that if you stay more than 183 days in a calendar year, you may be considered a tax resident and subject to Venezuelan income tax on worldwide income (progressive rates up to 34%). Given the current political situation, the primary concerns should be safety rather than work authorization.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Venezuela?
Overstaying your visa in Venezuela can result in fines and arrest when attempting to leave the country. You must apply for an extension at a SAIME office before your tourist card expires. The extension fee is approximately USD 50 and grants an additional 90 days. Given the arbitrary enforcement of laws in Venezuela, overstaying can have unpredictable consequences. Always maintain valid immigration status.
How is internet connectivity in Venezuela for remote work?
Internet in Venezuela is highly variable. State-run CANTV provides slow service averaging around 54 Mbps fixed broadband nationally (as of mid-2024). However, private fiber providers like NetUno, Inter, Fibex, and Thundernet offer speeds of 100-300 Mbps in major cities like Caracas, with Thundernet reaching up to 139 Mbps average. Mobile internet averages around 14-15 Mbps (4G). Major challenges include frequent power outages that disrupt connectivity (22 of 23 states experience routine outages), and 5G is not yet available. Urban areas in Caracas have the best connectivity; rural areas are severely underserved.
Can foreigners open a bank account in Venezuela?
Opening a bank account in Venezuela as a foreigner is extremely difficult. Most banks require Venezuelan citizenship (cedula) to open accounts. Some banks may accept resident foreigners with proper documentation, but policies are inconsistent and change frequently. Even residents report difficulties. Most expats and digital nomads rely on international digital banking services like Wise, Payoneer, or Revolut, and conduct transactions in USD cash which is now widely accepted throughout the country due to de facto dollarization.
What is the cost of living in Venezuela?
Venezuela has a dual economy. For those earning in USD or other foreign currencies, costs are extremely low. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Caracas ranges USD 500-1000/month, utilities average USD 19-25/month, internet about USD 20/month, and you can eat out for USD 10-20/person. The minimum wage is only about USD 3-7/month, making imported goods and quality services expensive for locals but affordable for foreigners. The economy operates largely in USD (de facto dollarization) despite official use of Venezuelan Bolivar.
What are the tax implications of staying in Venezuela long-term?
If you stay in Venezuela for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you become a tax resident and are subject to Venezuelan income tax on worldwide income. Tax rates are progressive from 6% to 34%. Non-residents are taxed only on Venezuelan-source income at a flat 34% rate. Venezuela has double taxation treaties with approximately 31 countries. Given the economic crisis, tax enforcement on foreign remote workers is minimal, but you should consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
How can US citizens apply for a Venezuelan visa?
Since the US embassy in Caracas is closed (since March 2019), US citizens must apply for Venezuelan visas at the Venezuelan Embassy in Mexico City. The US State Department maintains a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela, emphasizing extreme danger including high risk of wrongful detention (US citizens have been detained for up to 5 years without due process), torture, terrorism, kidnapping, and poor health infrastructure. If you still choose to travel, have all documents properly apostilled and allow extra time for processing.
Is Venezuela safe for tourists and digital nomads?
All major governments (US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU) issue their highest-level travel warnings advising against all travel to Venezuela. Risks include: violent crime (one of world's highest homicide rates), kidnapping (including express kidnapping), arbitrary detention of foreigners, political instability, severe shortages of food/water/medicine/gasoline, and collapsed healthcare. Border regions with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana are especially dangerous due to armed groups and drug trafficking. If you choose to travel despite warnings, take extreme precautions, register with your embassy, have medical evacuation insurance, and avoid border regions and nighttime travel.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Venezuela?
If traveling to Venezuela despite safety warnings, Caracas offers the best infrastructure for remote work with access to faster fiber internet providers (100-300 Mbps), coworking spaces, and modern amenities in certain neighborhoods like Altamira, Las Mercedes, and El Rosal. Los Roques archipelago is much safer and popular with tourists but has limited connectivity. Other cities like Valencia, Maracaibo, and Mérida have growing infrastructure but more frequent power outages. Avoid Petare, 23 de Enero, and other high-crime neighborhoods. Always prioritize safety over amenities.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025