Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Venezuela

Venezuela
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 A None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 A None Multiple 60 Months
A-3 1 A None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 A None Multiple 60 Months
G-2 A None Multiple 60 Months
G-3 A None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 A None Multiple 60 Months
G-5 1 A None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2A None N/A N/A 3
H-2B None N/A N/A 3
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
I None Multiple 60 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 60 Months
L-2 None Multiple 60 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 60 Months
N-9 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 60 Months
R-2 None Multiple 60 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /

Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Partida de Nacimiento

Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Registro Civil) of the municipality or rural area in which the birth occurred  or the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral – CNE)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Birth certificates have no security features as they are a copy of the book where they are registered.  Each copy must have a note stating “es copia fiel del original” either stamped or as part of the standard wording toward the end of the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Must contain stamp and signature of the registry’s authority.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Procedures vary depending on the state/ registry from which it must be obtained.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: In the event that a birth certificate is unavailable, Venezuelans and foreign nationals residing in Venezuela may apply for Datos Filiatorios with Servicio Administrativo Identificacion Migracion y Extranjeria (SAIME). A Dato Filiatorio is a certified document signed by the Director of Central File Fingerprinting and SAIME that contains and verifies identifying information. Individuals can apply for Datos Filiatorios on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 7:30 to 3:30 at the SAIME office nearest them. For further information regarding this process, visit SAIME's website.

Comments:  

  • Birth certificates are available for all Venezuelan citizens born in the country or abroad. A certified birth certificate serves as evidence of date and place of birth. Birth registration is mandatory and it must be filed immediately, although this does not always occur. Civil registry offices are available in most maternity hospitals in Venezuela.
  • If the birth took place in a health care center in which the civil registrar does not have a presence or if it took place outside of a health care center (e.g. at home assisted by a midwife), parents have up to 90 days to file a birth registration at the nearest office of the registrar. Exceptions: If parents fail to register a birth within the 90 days deadline, they must request an extemporaneous Statement Report at the Council for the Protection of Children and Adolescents. This document must be presented along with the rest of the normal requisites for birth registration at a civil registrar.

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name: Acta de Defunción

Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Registro Civil) where the death occurred or the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral – CNE).

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Death certificates have no security features as they are a copy of the book where they are registered.  Each copy must have a note stating “es copia fiel del original” either stamped or as part of the standard wording towards the end of the document.

 Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Must contain stamp and signature of the registry’s authority.

Registration Criteria: It is mandatory to report deaths to the Civil Registrar within 48 hours of their occurrence. Direct family members, spouses or couples in a registered common law marriage, the captains of a vessel where a death took place, any civil, medic, and military or police authority with knowledge of an unknown deceased person may report deaths and obtain a registered death certificate. Upon registration of a death certificate the deceased person should automatically be removed from the Venezuelan Voter Registry (CNE).

Procedure for Obtaining: Procedures vary depending on the state/ registry from which it must be obtained.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name:  Acta de Matrimonio

Issuing Authority:  Civil Registry (Registro Civil) where the marriage was performed or the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral – CNE)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format Marriage certificates have no security features as they are a copy of the book where they are registered.  Each copy must have a note stating “es copia fiel del original” either stamped or as part of the standard wording towards the end of the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The Civil Authority (Jefe Civil) of a district, or Parrish Judge (Juez de Parroquia), or Communal Council (Junta Comunal). Must contain stamp and signature of the registry’s authority.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Procedures vary depending on the province/registry from which it must be obtained.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: Venezuela legally recognizes registered de facto or common law marriages (“concubinato”). In order to register a de facto marriage the parties must present proof that they are free to do so. They must be either single or present proof that any previous legal or de facto marriages have been legally terminated. The couple must present two (or more) witnesses who can testify the couple is living together. Upon the act of registration of a de facto marriage the couple can recognize any children they have together. De facto marriages do not entitle the parties the same rights as a legal civil marriage.

Exceptions: None

Comments:

  • The Venezuelan Civil Code states that a civil marriage can only be contracted between a woman and a man, and it must be performed in the municipality where either the man or the woman resides. Once the civil marriage ceremony is performed, the couple may have a religious marriage ceremony.  The religious ceremony may not be performed until the minister or priest has received the marriage certificate issued by the Venezuelan government.
  • In order to be legally married, females must be at least fourteen (14) years of age, and males must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Parties under 18 years of age cannot contract a marriage without the written consent of their parents. Both parties must enter the marriage voluntarily and of their own free will and must be legally free to marry. 
  • If either party’s prior marriage, religious or civil, has not been legally terminated (i.e. death or divorce) they cannot be married.
  • Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Venezuela.
 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees:  There are fees

Document Name: Sentencia de Divorcio (Divorce Decree)

Issuing Authority: Civil Tribunal of the Court of First Instance (Juzgado de la Primera Instancia en lo Civil)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Decrees of divorce have no security features and are only the judge’s written sentence of divorce.  

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge. Must contain stamp and signature of the Court and Judge that issued divorce decree.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Procedures vary depending on the state/court.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments:  It is important that the document reflects divorce (divorcio) and not separation (separación de cuerpos). Divorce suits originate in Civil Courts of First Instance (Juzgados de la Primera Instancia en lo Civil) and the decree is confirmed by the superior courts. There may be a fee for this service.

Adoption Certificates

Unavailable: Once the adoption is final, Venezuelan Law requires new birth certificates to be issued with the adoptive parents as biological parents, making no mention of the adoption. For this reason, adopted individuals do not receive additional adoption certificates.

Identity Card

Available:

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Cédula de Identidad (C.I.)

Issuing Authority: Servicio Administrativo de Identificación Migración y Extranjería (SAIME)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Newer cards (post 2012), feature several special features including lamination with embedded SAIME logo and black light threads in the paper. Cards issued in 2016 and later feature a black light-reactive seal of Venezuela on the back.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Current Director of SAIME

Registration Criteria: Available for citizens and permanent residents, whose cards state “Extranjero” and have a yellow background

Procedure for Obtaining: Citizens or residents must apply for a Cédula de Identidad at the Servicio Administrativo de Identificación Migración y Extranjería, (SAIME).

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates 

Available: To those 18 and older

Fees: There is no fee

Document Name: Certificación de Antecedentes Penales

Issuing Authority: Records are issued by the División de Antecedentes Penales del Ministerio de Interior y Justicia, Av. Urdaneta, Esq. Platanal, Edificio Sede MPPRIJP, Piso 4, La Candelaria, Caracas, Venezuela.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: On older versions of the record, there is a QR code on the top right corner and there are two barcodes on both bottom corners. Current versions of the records have the QR code on the top right and two QR codes on the bottom right and left corners. The document also exhibits a unique fourteen digit number between the bottom barcodes. There is a pre-scanned signature that corresponds to the signing authority along with a scanned stamp of the coat of arms with a line that says: “Certificación de Antecedentes Penales”.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Viceministra de Política Interior y Seguridad Jurídica (Viceminister of Inner Affairs and Judicial Security)

Registration Criteria: Applicants without criminal records will have "No Registra Antecedentes Penales" (does not have records) printed on the form.

Procedure for Obtaining: Police records are available free of charge to Venezuelans and non-Venezuelan residents of Venezuela over the age of 18 who possess national identity cards. Consult the following web site: mpprij.gob and select the option “Certificaciones para Trámites Internacionales.” The validity of the document is verifiable through the same website.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments:

  • This document certifies that the subject does not have any convictions or pending court cases. It does not certify that they have never been arrested.
  • Non-Venezuelans who are not residents of Venezuela (do not possess a national identity card) are unable to request police certificates at this time.  Applicants falling into this category should be prepared to show their current visa or explanation of non-resident status at the time of the visa interview.
  • Arrest records are unavailable to individuals and are not well centralized. The Certificación de Antecedentes Penales certifies that an individual has no prior convictions.
  • Prison records/penal certificates are unavailable to individuals; however state institutions may request a prison record for official purposes for no charge.

 

Prison Records

Unavailable to individuals, although state institutions may request a prison record for official purposes for no charge.

Military Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Constancia de Servicio

Issuing Authority: Each military service has a Comandancia General that is able to issue confirmation of service for active or retired officials through the department Ayudantia General. Undergraduates may request confirmation of service from the military school they attended.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Military Proof of Service has no special features but does include the signature of the director or captain in charge of the office that issued it.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Sargento Ayudante and Capitán.

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining: There is no procedure for obtaining.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Passports

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular, Diplomatic, and Official

Fees: Applicant must pay a fee that varies depending on the current rate of the Venezuelan tax unit at the time of application.

Document Name:  Pasaporte de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela

Issuing Government Authority: Servicio Administrativo de Identificación Migración y Extranjería, (SAIME)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Electronic passport, Mercosour compliant. Passports had maroon covers prior to 2015. In 2015 the Venezuelan government began printing passports with blue covers.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Current Director of SAIME

Registration Criteria: Must present birth certificate or cédula de identidad during an application appointment

Procedure for Obtaining: Must schedule an online appointment.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Starting November 1, 2017, SAIME allows for two year validity extensions of expired passports. Applicants can apply for a “prórroga” online at SAIME’s webpage. See the prórroga example below.

Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available

 

Passport Validity Extensions

Available

Fees: Applicant must pay a fee that varies depending on the current rate of the Venezuelan tax unit at the time of application.

Document Name:  Prórroga de Validez del Pasaporte de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela

Issuing Government Authority: Servicio Administrativo de Identificación Migración y Extranjería, (SAIME)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The passport extension consists of a foil, similar to a U.S. visa foil, that is applied on the first available blank visa page of the passport. The Passport Extension contains the same biographic information as in the bio page of the passport but with a new expiration date extending the validity of the expired passport for two more years from the time the extension is issued. The passport extension contains several ICAO-compliant security features such as UV reactive images, micro text, and offset printing among others.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Current Director of SAIME

Registration Criteria: Passport validity extensions may be requested for passports that expired in 2015 or later, as well as those that are about to expire in the next six months.  After 24 months, the procedure can be performed again.  The passport must be in “good condition” and contain at least four blank pages.

Procedure for Obtaining: Must schedule an appointment online

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments:  SAIME began offering passport extensions on November 1, 2017. Applicants can apply for a “prórroga” online at SAIME’s webpage.

Effective, June 7, 2019, Venezuelan passport validity was extended an additional five years  past the date of expiration printed in the passport. Venezuelan passport holders who have already received an extension or “prórogga” will have the validity period extended by five years from the end date of the extension. NVC will accept all Venezuelan passports, valid or expired, so long as it is still considered valid after adding five years to the printed expiration date.

Other Records

Penal Certificates

Unavailable to individuals, although state institutions may request a penal certificate for official purposes for no charge.

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Caracas, Venezuela (Embassy)

Mailing Address:
APO, AA 34037-3140

Street Address:
Calle Suapure and Calle F
Colinas de Valle Arriba
Caracas, Venezuela

Phone Number:
(58) (212) 975-6411
(58) (212) 975-9821-after hour emergencies

Comments and Notes:
On March 11, 2019, the Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of U.S. Embassy Caracas and withdrawal of diplomatic personnel. All consular services are suspended. Immigrant visa applicants should contact IVBogota@state.gov for additional instructions. 

Nonimmigrant visa applicants can apply at any U.S. embassy or consulate in another country. For more information regarding applying for nonimmigrant visas, please visit travel.state.gov.

Visa Services

On March 11, 2019, the Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of U.S. Embassy Caracas and withdrawal of diplomatic personnel. All consular services are suspended. Immigrant visa applicants should contact IVBogota@state.gov for additional instructions.  Nonimmigrant visa applicants can apply at any U.S. embassy or consulate in another country. For more information regarding applying for nonimmigrant visas, please visit travel.state.gov.


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Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.