Travel and Visa Info for Venezuela - B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

At a Glance

Capital	Caracas
Language	Spanish
Population	28,436,000
GDP Total	$208.3 billion
GDP Per Capita	$7,212.20

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

When traveling to Venezuela, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you must obtain work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

Traveling for Business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Venezuela, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

» Attend business meetings
» Buy goods for sale outside the country
» Tour a company facility
» Attend a trade show or seminar convention

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Venezuela?

All foreign nationals entering Venezuela for the purpose of conducting business activities must obtain a Business Visa from a Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

Some nationalities may be eligible for a visa waiver to enter Venezuela; however, visa waivers are limited to touristic activities and not intended for business purposes.

Working in Venezuela

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Venezuelan law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Venezuela, even if conducted for a short duration.

» Project implementation
» Marketing
» Consulting

In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in certain professional activities without obtaining work authorization while on assignment, although strict preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is required before deciding whether an assignment exemption is applicable.

If I am traveling to Venezuela for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Venezuela. The most common type of work authorization for Venezuela is the Work Permit and Transient Labor Visa.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no long-term exemptions from work authorization requirements in Venezuela.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

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16 Sep 20

Venezuela

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Venezuela?

What types of activities require work authorization?

If I am traveling to Venezuela for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

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At a Glance

Venezuela

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Venezuela?

What types of activities require work authorization?

If I am traveling to Venezuela for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

News and Events

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