What do you need to travel to Venezuela in 2026?

Official stated by a public body on its page, in a statement or in the Gazette. Reported from operators, press or travel media, with their date. Unconfirmed no reliable source: confirm before you go.

Visa rules by nationality

Spain adds that officers may ask for a return ticket, proof of funds and proof of accommodation Official. Stays over 3 months need a visa Official.

US citizens: the US Embassy in Caracas reopened in March 2026 Official, but its consular section offers emergency services only for US citizens, and US visa services are handled from Bogotá Official. The renewed diplomatic ties may change how Venezuelan visas are issued to Americans. Read our sister guide on the Venezuela visa for US citizens (linked below) and contact the Venezuelan consulate that serves you.

Passport validity: plan on 6 months

Sources disagree. Canada wants 6 months beyond your departure date Official. Spain wants 6 months Official. The Venezuelan consulate in France asks for more than 3 months from entry Unconfirmed. Airlines may apply the stricter rule, so travel with at least 6 months left.

Dual nationals

If you also hold Venezuelan nationality, enter and leave on your Venezuelan passport. Canada says dual citizens “must enter and exit Venezuela using a Venezuelan passport” Official, and Spain says the same for Spanish-Venezuelans Official. Check it is valid before you book.

Venezuelans with an expired passport

The 2026 rules are confusing and we found no SAIME page that settles them:

• A 2026 guide says that since June 1, 2026 the salvoconducto (safe-conduct letter) is electronic only, requested online, and valid to enter but not to leave Unconfirmed.
• To leave the country you need a valid passport, according to the consulate in France Unconfirmed.
• The 5-year extension sticker is disputed: one site says it still applies, an October 2026 article says SAIME no longer issues it Unconfirmed.

Flights to Venezuela

• From the US. American Airlines (operated by Envoy) restarted direct Miami–Caracas flights on April 30, 2026, the first since 2019 Reported. It began daily and announced a second daily flight from May 21 Reported. The permit also covers Miami–Maracaibo, but we could not confirm it is flying Unconfirmed. JetBlue announced Fort Lauderdale–Caracas “before the end of the year” Unconfirmed.
• Maiquetía after the earthquake. The airport closed for about two months and reopened on September 1, 2026 in a temporary terminal of about 3,300 m², with no shops or cafés when it opened Reported. By early September, 19 airlines were flying, 11 of them international Reported. On November 3 the airline association ALAV counted 178 weekly flights, against 260 before the quakes Reported. See the Maiquetía airport status and which airlines fly today.
• Airlines at the reopening Reported: international, Plus Ultra, Iberia, Air Europa, American, Copa, LATAM Colombia, Avianca and GOL; domestic, Laser, Conviasa, Venezolana, Estelar, Rutaca and Avior.
• Common connections: Panama City (Copa), Bogotá (Avianca, LATAM), Madrid (Iberia, Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Laser), Miami (American, Laser) and Mexico City (Conviasa) Reported.
• Other international airports: Valencia, Barquisimeto, Barcelona and Maracaibo Official. The UK notes that commercial flights are limited Official.

Land in daylight with a pickup booked. Our Venezuela safety guide explains why.

Money: bring US dollars

• US dollars are widely accepted and needed for many everyday purchases Official.
• ATMs won’t work with your card: “Cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ATMs are not possible” Official.
• Exchange only at the official rate, through authorised institutions. Black-market exchange can bring fines Official. Check the day’s BCV rate before paying in bolívares.
• IGTF surcharge. If you pay in foreign currency, the business may add 3%: special taxpayers collect it as collection agents, also on foreign-currency bank payments Reported, under Decree 4.972 (Gazette 6.821 Extraordinary, July 2024). Paying in bolívares avoids it Unconfirmed.
• Cash is scarce. Spain describes a “chronic shortage of cash” Official. Bring small, clean bills: common traveller advice with no official source Unconfirmed.

Add it all up with the trip budget calculator. In Los Roques and Canaima many places take cash only.

Declaring more than US$10,000

Carrying more than US$10,000 in or out? Declare it at customs Official. For what else you can pack, see the aduanasve.com guide linked below.

SIM cards and connectivity

• The usual option is a local prepaid SIM from Movistar, Digitel or Movilnet, registered with your passport Unconfirmed. They are sold at the airport and official stores; 4G covers Caracas, Maracaibo and Valencia, with patchy service Unconfirmed.
• eSIM reports conflict: some resellers sell plans on Digitel or Movistar, others say there is no Venezuela offer in 2026 Unconfirmed.
• Power outages also take down mobile networks and can last days, even in Caracas Official. Download offline maps.

Health and insurance

Canada requires yellow fever vaccination proof if you arrive from Brazil Official, and Spain recommends the vaccine Official. Travel insurance isn’t required by any official source we read, but you should have it. Details are in our Venezuela safety guide.

Quick checklist

1. Passport

   At least 6 months' validity. Dual nationals: the Venezuelan one.

2. Visa

   US and Canadian citizens: arranged before you fly.

3. Flight and pickup

   Daylight arrival at Maiquetía and a pre-booked transfer.

4. Money

   US dollars in small bills; declare anything above US$10,000.

5. Health

   Yellow fever vaccine and insurance with medical evacuation.