Venezuela entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can enter Venezuela without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This policy remains in effect as of 2026, but you must meet specific entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Venezuela. Airlines check this at check-in — 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 return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they will check the date matches your allowed 90-day stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark if asked. | Recommended |
Political and safety situation
Venezuela has ongoing political instability, high crime rates, and limited medical infrastructure. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid protests and large gatherings.
Currency and cash
ATMs are scarce and often unreliable. Bring enough US dollars in cash for your entire stay. Exchange only at official exchange houses or banks to avoid scams.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first-night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at the airport in Venezuela
At Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (serving Caracas) or other international airports, proceed to the immigration hall. Join the line for foreign passport holders.
3
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
5
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to pass through customs screening. Keep your declaration form if you have one.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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 date
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 150 VES)
Requires application at Venezuelan embassy in Portugal. Extensions possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 300 VES)
Allows multiple entries; same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 500 VES)
Requires sponsorship from a Venezuelan entity or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 500 VES)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$80 USD (approx. 400 VES)
For enrolled students at a recognized Venezuelan institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,000 VES)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $10,000 USD) in a Venezuelan business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 10 VES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Portugal holders transiting through Venezuela do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 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 risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazonas, Bolívar, and Delta Amacuro states. Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
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) Main Office
Av. Urdaneta, Esq. de Platanal, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and visa renewals. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Maracaibo
SAIME Regional Office Maracaibo
Calle 77, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo, Zulia
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
For visitors in western Venezuela. Same requirements as Caracas.
Practical information for PT 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you stay in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you do not need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you must meet the visa-free entry requirements.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at the border.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration for Portuguese passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
The local currency is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but bring small bills. Credit cards are not reliable. Exchange money at official exchange houses or banks.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you are traveling to forested areas. No vaccine is mandatory for entry, but check with your doctor for current health advice.
Yes, you can enter by land at official border crossings. The same visa-free rules apply. Be prepared for longer processing times and have all documents ready.
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.