Canada Visa RequirementsFor Venezuela passport holders
Venezuelans must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before visiting Canada. The visa costs $100 CAD and requires an online application through the IRCC portal.
Venezuela passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online through the IRCC portal at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship. Required documents: valid Venezuelan passport, digital passport photo, proof of financial means (bank statements), proof of accommodation in Canada, return flight reservation, letter of invitation (if visiting family), and proof of ties to Venezuela or your country of residence. Fee is $100 CAD. Processing takes 2-8 weeks or longer.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
Completed TRV application (IMM 5257)
Complete and submit online through the IRCC portal at canada.ca.
Venezuelan passport
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity; scan required for online application.
Digital passport photo
Recent photo meeting IRCC specifications (35 x 45 mm, white background).
Bank statements (3-6 months)
Demonstrating financial ability to support yourself in Canada and return home.
Proof of accommodation in Canada
Hotel bookings or invitation letter from Canadian host.
Return flight booking
Evidence of intent to leave Canada.
Purpose of visit letter
Covering your travel purpose, itinerary, and ties to home.
Proof of employment or studies
Employer letter, recent pay slips, or university enrollment letter.
Biometrics submission
Attend a VAC to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) after paying the biometrics fee.
Visa fee (CAD $100)
Pay online through the IRCC portal at time of application.
Current Travel Situation
Venezuela to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires a visa from Venezuelan nationals. Given that Venezuela is under targeted economic sanctions and Canada has called for democratic reforms in Venezuela, Venezuelan applicants face additional scrutiny. However, the visa application process is straightforward for those with strong applications showing financial means and intent to return. Canada also has a significant Venezuelan diaspora, which can support visit applications.
How to Get There
Venezuelans who were granted refugee or protected person status in Canada do not need a TRV for re-entry. If you are applying for refugee protection in Canada, different rules apply and you do not need a pre-travel visa. Contact IRCC or an immigration lawyer for refugee-specific guidance.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Card payments and ATMs are universal. Canada is moderately expensive; budget 150-250 CAD per day for mid-range travel. Toronto and Vancouver are among the more expensive cities.
Practical Tips
Most applicants include biometrics; biometric collection is available at the Canadian Embassy in Caracas (Avenida La Estancia, Chuao, Caracas). Venezuelans residing in a third country should apply through the IRCC portal and may submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in that country. Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR) are the main entry airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Venezuelan passport holders need a visa to visit Canada?
Yes. Venezuelan nationals require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. Canada is not in Venezuela's visa-free list. The visa costs $100 CAD and must be applied for through the IRCC online portal.
How do I apply for a Canadian visa as a Venezuelan?
Apply online through the IRCC portal at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship. You will need to create an IRCC account, complete the application form (IMM 5257), upload supporting documents, pay the $100 CAD fee, and likely provide biometrics at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Where do Venezuelans submit biometrics for a Canadian visa?
The Canadian Embassy in Caracas (Avenida La Estancia, Chuao, Caracas) or a designated VAC may handle biometrics. Venezuelans living abroad (in Colombia, Spain, etc.) should use the nearest VAC or designated collection site in their country of residence. Check the IRCC website for current biometrics collection locations.
What documents are needed for a Canadian visa for Venezuelan applicants?
Valid Venezuelan passport, completed visa application form (IMM 5257), digital passport photo, purpose of visit letter, proof of financial means (bank statements showing ability to support yourself in Canada), proof of accommodation (hotel or invitation from a Canadian resident), return flight booking, proof of employment or studies in Venezuela or country of residence, and potentially a police certificate.
How long does Canadian visa processing take for Venezuelans?
Processing times vary. Online applications typically take 2-8 weeks for non-complex cases, but can take longer depending on demand and required document checks. Apply well in advance, at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date if possible.
What are the top destinations in Canada for Venezuelan visitors?
Toronto (CN Tower, diverse neighborhoods, Niagara Falls day trip), Vancouver (Stanley Park, Gastown, Whistler, Rocky Mountains proximity), Montreal (bilingual French-English culture, vibrant arts scene, Old Montreal), Quebec City (fortified old city, most European feel in North America), Banff and Jasper National Parks (Rocky Mountains), and Prince Edward Island.
Can Venezuelans seek asylum or refugee status in Canada?
Yes. Canada is a destination for Venezuelan asylum seekers. Those fleeing political persecution, violence, or severe humanitarian conditions in Venezuela may be eligible to make a refugee claim upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry (airport or land border). An asylum claim does not require a pre-arranged visa; you can claim at the border. Contact a Canadian immigration lawyer or UNHCR for specific guidance.
What is the currency in Canada?
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Card payments and ATMs are universal. Canada is moderately expensive; Toronto and Vancouver are among the priciest cities. Budget CAD 150-250 per day for mid-range travel.