State Department extends Venezuelan passport validity

The U.S. State Department announced Friday that it will recognize Venezuelan passports for five years past their printed date of expiration.

Key Points:

• Venezuelan passport holders will be able to use their passport for consular services or entry into the United States, provided they are otherwise admissible, for five years past the printed expiration date on their passport.
• The action does not alter visa requirements for anyone traveling to the U.S. on a Venezuelan passport.

Background: A number of countries have changed immigration and travel requirements for Venezuelan nationals amid the country’s ongoing political and economic crisis. The U.S. suspended air travel between the two countries last month. The State Department’s action on Friday came after opposition leader Juan Guaidó, whom the U.S. recognizes as Venezuela’s interim president, signed a decree to extend Venezuelan passport validity.

BAL Analysis: The move to extend passport validity will make it easier for Venezuelans to obtain consular services or enter the U.S., especially given delays applicants often face in obtaining passports or other services in Venezuela.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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