Where Can Venezuelans Travel Without a Visa?

Many countries require venezuelans to apply for a visa prior to travel. This is mainly due to security and other reasons.

The good news is that there are several destinations where venezuelans can enter without a visa, or at least on arrival. These include the United States, Canada and Mexico.

United States

The United States is not a visa-free destination for Venezuelans. While it is possible to visit the country without a visa, the risk of crime and violence can be high.

In addition, many Venezuelans do not have access to reliable and secure public services and face significant obstacles gaining residency or work status in the U.S. In response to these challenges, the United States has imposed several restrictive migratory policies on Venezuelan nationals, including a visa requirement, that have limited their ability to travel safely and legally.

A recent shift in migrant policies in Mexico, where many Venezuelans are now seeking sanctuary, also makes it more difficult for them to cross into the United States and remain. As a result, CBP reported an unprecedented spike in the number of Venezuelans arriving at the Southwest border in 2021 and early 2022.

Even in those cases where a visa is available, the process can be lengthy and complicated. For this reason, it is important to seek legal assistance when applying for a visa.

For those who want to travel to the United States for tourism, there are a few ways to get a visa. You can apply for a visa on arrival (VOA), make an appointment with a local visa application center, or submit a traditional paper visa application.

Tourist visas are usually issued for stays of up to six months and can be obtained at the embassy or consulate of your country. They are available free of charge for nationals from the countries listed in the chart below and can be obtained with valid air tickets, but if you plan to stay longer or wish to leave the country, you will need to pay for a separate visa.

If you are traveling to the United States for business purposes, you can also get a visa from your country’s embassy or consulate. In this case, you will need to complete a visa application form and provide evidence of your business plans.

For those who are unable to obtain a visa in their home country, they can apply for an e-visa. This is a more straightforward process than a traditional paper visa application, but it requires you to pay for your visa before it is approved. You can then print out your e-visa and bring it with you when you cross the border into the United States.

Canada

If you’re traveling to Canada, you may be able to get a visa on arrival. This type of visa is granted after you’ve entered the country and can be issued to citizens from a number of countries including Venezuela. The process is relatively quick and easy, but it’s important to plan ahead.

Obtain a Canada tourist visa well in advance of your travel dates to ensure there is enough time for processing and to avoid any unexpected issues. You will need a valid passport and a completed visa application form, along with other supporting documents.

A Canadian visa must be held for the duration of your stay in Canada, which is usually 180 days. The Canada government is unlikely to reject an application for a visa if it contains accurate and up-to-date information. However, the process can take longer if you’re not provided with all of the necessary documents or if you have a criminal record.

It’s also recommended to apply for an eVisa before you leave. These are usually approved online and will provide you with a document to carry with you when crossing the border.

The eVisa process is similar to the traditional visa process, except that you don’t have to visit a visa center. You can apply for an eVisa online, make payment and submit your documents before you leave.

Venezuelans with expired or soon-to-expire passports can apply for a visa. This can help you to enter and exit Canada and other countries without any delays.

To apply for a visa, you must have your valid passport and proof of financial stability. You should be able to show your bank statement from your home country with your name and account balances clearly printed on the statement.

You should also have a detailed itinerary of where you’re going and when, as well as a copy of your flight tickets and hotel bookings. Having these documents with you will make it easier for customs officials to check your identity when you pass through the airport.

If you’re travelling with a child, you’ll need to provide proof that they have a passport and are in good health. You should also carry a medical travel insurance policy to cover your expenses in case of an emergency or injury.

Mexico

Venezuelans do not currently need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, but they must apply for a consular visit visa if they are planning to work, study, or do any business in the country. This is a complicated and expensive process that can take several months.

As a result, the government of Mexico has imposed new requirements on visitors from Venezuela. These include proving that they have a job and money in their bank account or holding property. The ministry said this was a way to curb a surge of irregular migration from the South American nation, which has been driven by economic crisis and a lack of opportunity.

Those who do not meet these requirements must obtain a tourist visa or an ETIAS (Electronic Travel Authorization System) waiver, according to Reuters. The process takes weeks, and it requires an interview with a local immigration official to verify your intentions.

The new requirement is designed to halt the illegal flow of people from Venezuela, which has been exploited by criminal gangs and people smugglers. The government said the number of people crossing the border without permission was more than 1,000% higher last year than in the past five years.

Human Rights Watch is concerned about the impact of these restrictions on vulnerable migrants, particularly unaccompanied children and women who have no legal status in their countries and are unable to make their own way to safety. It warned that those who choose to migrate must be prepared for a dangerous journey.

One of the most popular routes for migrant families is through the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle area between Colombia and Panama that leads to the United States. A new Human Rights Watch report shows that many of the Venezuelans who cross there are fleeing a deep economic crisis in their country.

Another migrant route is across the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. It is a popular destination for families with young children. A WOLA analysis of Customs and Border Protection data found that 92% of the Venezuelans who crossed into the United States in July were on this route.

Europe

Venezuelan citizens can visit many countries in Europe without a visa. But they need to be aware of some changes that are coming soon in order to stay safe and secure while travelling abroad.

First, starting in November 2023, Venezuelans will have to apply for a new travel authorization known as ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area. This is a quick, easy to obtain permit that will be available online. It will allow travelers to travel to the European Union and other participating countries for up to 90 days in a 180 day period.

The ETIAS system is designed to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers to ensure they are not a security threat or an unauthorized person. This is done by cross-checking all ETIAS requests against a range of international databases, including INTERPOL and EUROPOL.

This process is quick and simple, and takes no longer than ten minutes to complete. Once you have successfully submitted your ETIAS application, you will receive a visa waiver in the form of an electronic document in your email.

After you have received your ETIAS, it will be valid for three years and will allow you to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, your passport must be valid when you submit your ETIAS and for a minimum of three months after your return from Europe.

During this time, the traveler must also be in good health and be prepared to prove their identity in case of an emergency. They should also carry their current medical insurance documentation, as well as any other prescription medication.

Finally, venezuelans should make sure that their passport is valid for the duration of the trip. If it expires before the 3 year period is up, the traveler will have to apply for a new passport and apply again for their ETIAS.

For more information on ETIAS and other travel rules and regulations, you can visit the Venezuelan Embassy in Spain or any of the consulates general in Madrid, Bilbao, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Vigo. They can also provide you with useful information about obtaining a visa and other practical issues that may arise when traveling to Europe.