Venezuela entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Venezuela visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days. This policy is valid through 2026, but you must meet standard entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Venezuela | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Venezuela | Immigration officers at Maiquetía Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. If you do not have one, you may be refused entry or sent to buy one at the airline counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers sometimes ask where you are staying, and not having an answer can slow things down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you are not coming to work illegally. | Recommended |
Cash is essential
ATMs are unreliable and often run out of cash. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside upscale hotels. Bring enough US dollars in small denominations for your entire stay.
No visa needed, but don't skip the checklist
Visa-free doesn't mean no preparation. Immigration can still deny entry if your passport is too short, you lack a return ticket, or you can't show where you're staying. Have everything ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Venezuelan airport (Maiquetía near Caracas is the main one), join the 'Extranjeros' line. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents and receive stamp
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days. No fee.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD
Apply at Venezuelan embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$60 USD
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Permiso de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Venezuelan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Venezuelan business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not used. | ~$30 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$60 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | ~$2 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Venezuelan airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) · Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) · La Chinita International Airport (MAR)
Health & vaccines for Venezuela
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; consider prophylaxis.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
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. Baralt, Esq. de Camejo, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; expect long queues.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for western Venezuela.
Practical information for NZ 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 visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Not required for New Zealand passport holders arriving directly. But if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need proof of vaccination.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Yes, but the same visa-free rules apply. You'll go through immigration at the border crossing. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
Cash is king in Venezuela. US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Bring small bills ($1, $5, $10) as change is often scarce. Credit cards are rarely used outside major hotels.
Safety conditions vary. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Petty crime is common in cities, and political unrest can occur. Register with your embassy on arrival.
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.