Venezuela entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela in 2026. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Nigerians. Start the process at least 6 weeks 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 SAIME immigration portal (saime.gob.ve) handles visa processing — expect biometrics and an in-person interview. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your Nigerian 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 itself. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Venezuela. Have a printed itinerary or digital boarding pass ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a notarized letter of invitation from a Venezuelan host. Officers at the border may ask where you are staying — vague answers can get you questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Venezuela has cash shortages — bring crisp US dollars (no tears, no marks) as ATMs often run dry. | Recommended |
Safety first
Venezuela is currently under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory from many governments due to crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. If you decide to go, have a robust safety plan, register with your embassy, and carry emergency contacts.
Visa application is your only option
There is no e-visa or visa-on-arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before departure. Start the process early — delays are common.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Venezuelan embassy or consulate
Find the Venezuelan diplomatic mission responsible for your region. In Nigeria, that's the Embassy in Abuja. Call or email to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and appointment availability.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and insurance. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate. Submit your documents, pay the fee, and have your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken if required. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, you'll be notified to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa's validity dates and any conditions (like single or multiple entry) before you travel.
5
Arrive in Venezuela
At the airport in Caracas or other entry points, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit and funds. Keep your documents handy.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD
For frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Nigerian passport holders. | $30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ~$2 USD per day (max $100 USD) |
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
Nigerian passport holders transiting through Venezuela must obtain a transit visa before travel, even if not leaving the airport.
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) · Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN)
Health & vaccines for Venezuela
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Nigeria is considered endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in some rural areas, especially near borders.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas and Bolívar 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. Baralt, Esq. de San Jacinto, Torre SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Maracaibo
SAIME Zulia
Calle 77, Edificio SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela.
Practical information for NG 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. Venezuela does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and the time of year. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is usually between $30 and $100 USD. Check with the Venezuelan Embassy in Abuja for the exact amount and accepted payment methods (cash, bank transfer, etc.).
Yes, Venezuela requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Nigeria. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the immigration office (SAIME) in Venezuela before your visa expires. The process can be slow and bureaucratic — it's easier to plan your trip within the visa's allowed period.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Venezuela. The fine is calculated per day overstayed. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension if needed.
Venezuela has high levels of crime, political instability, and shortages of basic goods like food and medicine. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. If you do go, stay in secure areas, avoid protests, and have a solid plan for emergencies.
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.