Venezuela Now Issuing 1 Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to US Citizens for $30.00

A few days ago, I wrote that US Citizens Will Now Require a Tourist Visa to Visit Venezuela. I speculated that Venezuela would charge US Passport holders $160 for a 10 year multiple entry visa because that’s how much the United States charges Venezuelans. I was dead wrong and Venezuela Now Issuing 1 Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to US Citizens for $30.00.

According to US Embassy website titled, “Message for U.S. Citizens: Update: Tourist Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Venezuela. March 4, 2015”,

“United States Embassy Caracas

On March 3, the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC posted updated tourist visa information for U.S. citizens planning travel to Venezuela.  According to the website of the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, U.S. citizens should plan to apply for a visa three months in advance of travel.  U.S. citizens should expect to pay $30 for a one-year, multiple-entry visa good for a 90 day stay in Venezuela.

All U.S. citizens planning travel to Venezuela must have a tourist visa.  The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is aware that airlines have refused to board U.S. citizens who do not possess a Venezuelan tourist visa.  The Embassy strongly urges all U.S. citizens planning travel to Venezuela to check both the Venezuelan Embassy’s English and Spanish webpages regularly for the most up to date information about visa application requirements and procedures.  U.S. citizens should direct questions to the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, DC or Venezuelan Consulates currently located in Boston, New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Houston, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.”

Apparently Venezuela is only granting 1 year multiple entry visas for $30 which is quite surprising. The good part is that it’s only $30, but the bad part is that it’s only good for 1 year.

Here’s a link on How to Apply for the Venezuelan 1 year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa – http://tramites.embavenez-us.org/preguntas/6/tourist-visa

According to the Tramites Venezuelan Embassay site, the tourist visa requirements are quite stringent:

– Application form filled out and signed.

–  One recent digital photo. See specifications and instructions here.

IMPORTANT: The applicants of San Francisco have to send two photos passport size in white background.

– Original passport with at least six months left before the expiration date.

– Certification of employment, in original written in the business letterheads paper, specifying the following: a) length of employment, b) position , c)salary.

– Bank reference letter (not bank statement) specifying the following: a) opening date, b) number and type of account, c) current balance.

– Non U.S. citizens need a copy of the green card, both sides, or copy of their current visa and I-94 form.

– Copy or scan of the CONFIRMED round trip ticket or flight itinerary, clearly indicating entry and exiting dates.

– Consular fee: US$ 30.00 in money order or company check payable to “Consulate of Venezuela”.

– In case that the applicant is a minor, or spouse, he/she has to bring an affidavit or letter of support or authorization duly notarized.

Here’s another version of the Tourist Visa requirements from the Sección Consular de Venezuela en Washington website: http://eeuu.embajada.gob.ve/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:visa-de-turista&catid=9:tramites&Itemid=57&lang=en

– A completed visa request form.

– Original passport with a minimum of six (6) months of validity remaining as of the expected travel date and at least two blank pages.

– Copies of the passport pages that show personal information, the expiration date and the photograph.

– One (1) recent front-facing photograph with a white background, size 2×2 inches (without glasses or hats).

– Proof of employment issued by the applicant’s place of work, on official letterhead and indicating a contact person and address for verification.

– If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, a copy of the green card or document that establishes residency in the country.

– Leasing contract for a residence or document demonstrating house ownership in the name of the applicant, or a document demonstrating ownership of a different type of property, including high value personal property (e.g. a vehicle or fine art), or commercial, business or industrial properties.

– Original latest bank statement or a letter issued by the bank which shows the current balance or a notarized letter of invitation of the person or institution in the U.S. or Venezuela who will cover the costs of the applicant’s stay.

– One (1) copy of the flight itinerary (which indicates the date of entry to and exit from Venezuela, the name of the airline and the flight number).

– A money order for $30 in the name of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

NOTE:

The Consular Section or Consulate may require an interview with the applicant.

The Consular Section or Consulate may request the applicant’s criminal record.

The tourist visa will be valid for one (1) years, including multiple entries. The duration of a visit will be limited to a maximum of ninety (90) days.

Bottom Line:

I don’t know about you, but these requirements are pretty ridiculous for a 1 year multiple entry visa even though the cost is only $30.00. It’s a huge hassle to get a Venezuelan Tourist Visa in Los Angeles because the nearest consular office is in San Francisco and I don’t feel comfortable mailing my passport.

If you have an upcoming trip booked to Venezuela and you don’t have a visa beforehand, some airlines like American Airlines won’t even let you board the plane.

New Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens traveling to Venezuela

Venezuela has just imposed a visa requirement effective immediately. American currently serves Caracas (CCS) and Maracaibo (MAR). All U.S. citizens will be denied boarding to Venezuela if they are not in possession of a valid Venezuelan visa. There are no exceptions for a U.S. passport holder born in Venezuela. Contact your nearest Venezuelan consulate for more information on obtaining a visa.

For more information on rescheduling your flight or a refund, contact the company or agent from where you purchased your ticket or American Airlines reservations at 800-245-0999.

Will you be going through great lengths to obtain a tourist visa for Venezuela?