Venezuela visa change

On March 15, 2015, I had just competed back-to-back group tours and was continuing traveling on my own, scheduled for a 5-day adventure at Angel Falls. (I fly a lot in premium class, and putting many trips together saves airfare.)

At the international airport in Lima, Peru, I was preparing to board an Avianca flight to Bogotá, Colombia, and on to Caracas, Venezuela, when two men at Avianca’s check-in counter told me that Venezuela had become restrictive on visas and recommended that I not try to go there, since I did not have a visa.

I had no viable alternative, however, other than going home. I checked the Internet, and all the articles I read indicated that, if all else was in good order, there should be no problem obtaining a visa at the border.

Upon arriving in Bogotá and checking in for the flight to Caracas, no problem was noted.

When I arrived in Caracas, an Immigration official led me to an office. Another man perused my passport, which was in order and had many empty pages, despite Venezuela’s being the 15th country on my overall trip. 

When I asked if a visa would be issued to me, the man replied, “Yes.” I asked two more times, always being told “Yes.” 

After about an hour, another man entered and told me to walk with him. He took me to an Avianca gate where passengers were boarding for a flight to Bogotá. I was given a boarding pass and told to take my seat on the plane.

There was no opportunity for appeal.

WILL BOOTH

San Jose, CA

Venezuela enacted stricter visa regulations for US visitors on March 3, 2015. Previously, US citizens were able to obtain visas upon arrival. US citizens now must apply for visas at the Venezuelan embassy or one of the consulates before departing for Venezuela.

To receive a visa, a traveler must have a passport that will have at least six months of validity remaining past the scheduled departure date from Venezuela. Documents needed for the visa application include home-ownership or rent records, bank statements and flight itinerary. Proof of employment and any criminal records also may be requested. Documents must be presented at the embassy or consulate in person. A visa application costs $30. The Venezuelan embassy recommends that travelers apply for a visa 90 days before departure, though some visas may be granted in as little as two weeks.