United States Visa RequirementsFor Venezuela passport holders
Venezuelan passport holders require a B1/B2 visa to enter the US. As there is no US Embassy operating in Venezuela, Venezuelans must travel to a third country, most commonly Colombia, to apply. The $185 MRV fee applies and an in-person interview is required.
Venezuela passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
There is no US Embassy in Venezuela. Venezuelans must apply at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia (Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50), or another US embassy in the region. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview in Bogota or your nearest available embassy. Factor in the cost of travel to Colombia for the interview.
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
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy in Bogota or another third country
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Venezuela to United States: What You Need to Know
Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States have been severely strained since the late 2010s. The US suspended embassy operations in Caracas in 2019. Despite this, Venezuelans can still apply for B1/B2 visas at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, or other US embassies in the region. The Venezuelan diaspora in the United States has grown significantly, with over 500,000 Venezuelans living in the US, concentrated in Florida. Given the political situation, Venezuelan applicants should be prepared to demonstrate particularly strong ties to Venezuela or their country of current residence, and must travel to Colombia or elsewhere to submit their application.
How to Get There
From Caracas (CCS), there are limited direct flights to US cities. American Airlines, United, and Copa Airlines operate some routes, often through Bogota (BOG), Panama City (PTY), or Miami (MIA). Many Venezuelans living abroad fly from their country of residence. Avianca and Copa have the most connections through South America to US hubs.
Money & Banking
The US dollar is widely used in Venezuela already for many transactions. In the US, tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 per bag for porters. Credit cards are universally accepted across the US, and ATMs are everywhere. Major cities in the US are expensive: budget $150 to $250 per day for accommodation and meals.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes, particularly for the Bogota embassy which handles significant volume. Complete the DS-160 very carefully. Venezuelan applicants may face additional scrutiny: document your ties to Venezuela or your country of residence thoroughly. If currently residing outside Venezuela, apply at the US embassy covering your country of residence. Apply well in advance as wait times in Bogota can be long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Venezuelan citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Venezuelan passport holders require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. Venezuela is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available for Venezuelan citizens.
Is there a US Embassy in Venezuela?
No. The United States suspended embassy operations in Caracas in 2019. Venezuelans must apply for US visas at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, or another US embassy in the region where they are legally residing.
Where do Venezuelans apply for a US visa?
Venezuelans primarily apply at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia (Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50). If you are residing in another country, you can apply at the US Embassy covering your country of residence. Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 fee, and schedule your appointment in Bogota.
How much does the US visa cost for Venezuelans?
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 USD, paid before scheduling your interview. This fee cannot be refunded regardless of the visa outcome. Factor in the additional cost of traveling to Bogota or another embassy city for the interview.
How long can Venezuelans stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?
The authorized stay is determined by a CBP officer at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months per visit. However, Venezuela-US relations may affect processing. If approved, the visa is typically valid for a limited period rather than the standard 10 years due to reciprocity.
What airlines fly from Venezuela to the United States?
American Airlines, United, and Copa Airlines operate some routes from Caracas (CCS) to the US, often with connections through Bogota, Panama City, or other hubs. Many Venezuelans living abroad fly from their country of residence to the US. Check current airline schedules as service to Venezuela can vary.
Can Venezuelans living outside Venezuela apply for a US visa?
Yes. If you are legally residing in another country, you can apply at the US Embassy that covers that country. You do not have to apply at the embassy covering your country of citizenship. The consular officer may consider your country of residence when evaluating ties.
How do I demonstrate ties to Venezuela or my country of residence for a US visa?
Provide documentation of your legal status and residence in your country of residence, employment or business ownership, property, bank accounts, and family. If residing in Colombia, for example, provide your Colombian residence permit, employer letter, and local bank statements.