Venezuela entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter Venezuela without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, you just need your passport and a return ticket at the airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Venezuela. Airlines check this at check-in. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Venezuelan law. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Venezuela | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Airlines may also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Venezuela. Officers occasionally ask for this at passport control, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to funds. Venezuelan immigration may ask how you plan to cover your expenses. A daily budget of roughly $50–$100 USD is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. No exceptions.
Cash is king in Venezuela
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring US dollars in small bills (1s, 5s, 10s) for everyday purchases. ATMs are scarce and often run out of cash.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or save your return ticket, and have your first night's accommodation booking handy. Get travel insurance and a local eSIM if you want to skip airport queues.
2
Arrive at the airport in Venezuela
At Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) or any other port of entry, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp your entry, and may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter to ensure the dates are correct.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There are no additional visa-related steps. You're free to enter Venezuela.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries; no visa needed.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of income, background check, and local sponsor. Apply at Venezuelan embassy in Switzerland.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia por Inversión (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (estimated, plus legal fees)
For retirees with a stable pension or investment income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,000 USD and a local sponsor. Allows permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated, plus employer fees)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Leads to residency.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a recognized Venezuelan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate visa needed. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within the 90-day period. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstay to prevent complications. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
| Overstay fine maximum capNo official cap known; overstay may lead to deportation or ban. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Venezuela
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, as long as they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) - Caracas · Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) - Valencia · La Chinita International Airport (MAR) - Maracaibo
Health & vaccines for Venezuela
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderYellow Fever (if not required)Recommended
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar states; consider prophylaxis.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain; no vaccine available.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas of Amazonas, Bolívar, and Delta Amacuro states. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Caracas
SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería)
Av. Urdaneta, Esquina de Platanal, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Expect long queues; bring all original documents.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Maracaibo
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo, Zulia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela. Limited services; check if appointment needed.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalCaracas
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyVenezuelan bolívar (VES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 517.96 VES
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B: two flat pins (ungrounded) and two flat pins with round grounding pin.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Venezuela before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at a Venezuelan consulate before traveling.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Venezuelan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Venezuela does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry from Switzerland, but it is recommended if you plan to visit rural or jungle areas. Check with a travel clinic before your trip.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask for proof that you're leaving within the 90-day period. A one-way ticket may result in denied boarding.
Safety conditions vary. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. In general, avoid protests, stay in tourist areas, and keep valuables out of sight. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required for Swiss passport holders. You simply show up at immigration with your passport and documents.
The local currency is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and hotels. Bring cash in small denominations — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. ATMs can be unreliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.