Venezuela entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Venezuelan visa at the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate before travel. The official visa portal is run by SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería). Processing times vary by embassy — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Venezuela. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from the passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Printed or digital | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport and other entry points routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Venezuela. Officers may ask for the address and contact details of where you are staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds for your stay, or have at least $500 USD in cash. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Kenyan passport holders cannot enter Venezuela without a pre-approved visa. There is no e-visa or visa-on-arrival. Start the application process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Safety and security concerns
Venezuela is currently experiencing political unrest, shortages of basic goods, and high crime rates. Check your government's travel advisory and consider travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Venezuelan embassy
Find the Venezuelan embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., Nairobi, if you're in Kenya). Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, fees, and appointment availability. Some embassies require an in-person interview.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Attend your appointment at the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically $30–$100 USD, depending on nationality and visa type). Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Venezuela
At the airport in Venezuela (e.g., Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES)
Must apply at Venezuelan embassy in Kenya or nearest jurisdiction.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 7,800 KES)
Requires proof of multiple travel plans.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES)
Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable based on course duration
~$50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) plus processing fees
For enrollment in accredited Venezuelan educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 KES) plus investment proof
For those investing a minimum of $10,000 USD in Venezuelan business or real estate. Requires detailed investment plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Kenya passport holders; apply at Venezuelan embassy. | $30 USD (approx. 3,900 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. 7,800 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES). | $2 USD per day (approx. 260 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, even if staying airside. Apply at Venezuelan embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 yellow fever risk (Kenya is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaModerate risk
Present in rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon and Orinoco regions; 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 office for visa extensions and immigration matters; arrive early.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Maracaibo
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo, Zulia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for western Venezuela.
Practical information for KE 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 = 652.97 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kenyan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary depending on the embassy and time of year. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type, but expect to pay between $30 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Venezuela does not require a yellow fever vaccination for entry, but it is recommended if you plan to visit rural or jungle areas. Check with your doctor.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you are transiting through a Venezuelan airport and do not leave the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, check with your airline as policies can change.
Venezuela has high levels of crime and political instability. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Many embassies advise against non-essential travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.