venezuela travel from canada

Update April 12, 2024

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Venezuela Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, venezuela - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to Venezuela due to  crime , civil unrest, kidnapping , and the  arbitrary enforcement of local laws . Reconsider travel due to  wrongful detentions ,  terrorism , and  poor health infrastructure .

Country Summary:  On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas. All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. U.S. citizens in Venezuela who require consular services should try to leave the country as soon as safely possible and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.

Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common.  Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice.  Demonstrations typically elicit a strong police and security force response that includes the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants and occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism. Reports from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission document human rights abuses attributed to the Maduro regime, including torture, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and detentions without due process and/or fair trial guarantees or as a pretext for an illegitimate purpose. Shortages of gasoline, food, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies continue throughout much of Venezuela. The CDC issued a  Level 3 ‘Avoid Nonessential Travel’  notice on September 30, 2021, due to inadequate healthcare and the breakdown of the medical infrastructure in Venezuela.

The Department has determined that there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Maduro regime.

Regime-aligned security forces have detained U.S. citizens for long periods.  The Maduro regime does not notify the U.S. government of the detention of U.S. citizens and the U.S. government is not granted routine access to those U.S. citizens.

Colombian terrorist groups, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), and Segunda Marquetalia, operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Venezuela, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting all flight operations in the territory and airspace of Venezuela at altitudes below 26,000 feet. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices . Emergency medical evacuation flights between the United States and Venezuela may not be possible.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Venezuela.

If you decide to travel to Venezuela:

• Avoid all land border crossings into Venezuela on the Colombian border.
• Ensure you have a valid Venezuelan visa. Visas are not available upon arrival.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization. Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Avoid travel between cities, or between Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas at night.
• Do not take unregulated taxis from Simón Bolívar International Airport and avoid ATMs in this area.
• Consider hiring a professional security organization.
• Bring a sufficient supply of over the counter and prescription medicines for the duration of travel.
• Consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Venezuela.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Be prepared for the high risk of indefinite arbitrary detention on specious charges without consular access.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada - not both. Some people may only need their valid passport. Answer a few questions to see what's right for you.

See all entry requirements by country/territory

You can find the country code on your passport. Be careful when you select your country. Some countries have multiple options and codes are quite similar.

Answer yes if you’re a citizen of Canada and another country.

Look on the front cover of your passport for the symbol of a rectangle with a circle in the middle. If you see this symbol, you have an electronic passport.

Answer: You need a visitor visa

For visits of up to 6 months for most purposes. Cost: CAN $100

Get details about visitor visa Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For visits of up to 6 months or to transit via a Canadian airport. Cost: CAN $7

Get details about eTA Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need a valid Canadian passport

You need a  valid Canadian passport  to travel to Canada by air (board your flight).

Exception: If you’re an American-Canadian dual citizen with a valid U.S. passport, you don’t need a Canadian passport to fly to Canada. However, you still need to  carry proper identification Opens in a new tab  and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada Opens in a new tab .

Get details about travelling as a dual Canadian citizen Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need a valid passport or travel document to travel to Canada by car, train, bus or boat

If you decide to fly to a Canadian airport instead, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Learn about documents you may need Opens in a new tab

Answer: You need official proof of status in the U.S.

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
• a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

Answer: You need a transit visa 

To connect between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours. Cost: Free

Note: If you have more than 48 hours between international flights OR if you decide to visit Canada, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Get details about transit visa Opens in a new tab

Answer: You can apply for a parent and grandparent super visa to visit for more than 6 months

• The super visa is for visits of 5 years at a time .
• a letter from your child or grandchild with a promise to financially support you for the duration of your visit in Canada.
• More information on approved insurance providers outside of Canada will be available in the coming months.
• be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada
• provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
• You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada.
• Cost: CAN $100

Note : If you don't meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for a visitor visa.

Get details about super visa Opens in a new tab

Note : If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). An eTA allows for visits of up to 6 months.

Note : If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you can visit Canada for up to 6 months with a valid identity document. Bring identification such as a valid passport. Or, if a member of an official program such as Nexus, you may present your valid membership card.

If you don’t meet the criteria for a super visa, you can visit Canada for up to 6 months with

• a valid passport from your country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document Opens in a new tab ) and
• official proof of lawful permanent resident status in the U.S., such as a green card

Answer: You need a valid identity document

Bring identification such as a valid passport. Or, if a member of an official program such as Nexus, you may present your valid membership card.

Learn about the documents you may need Opens in a new tab

Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa

• You don’t need to submit a separate application for a visitor visa.

When you travel to Canada, bring your

• letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved, if you received one
• valid passport that has your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages

Learn about studying in Canada Opens in a new tab

Answer: You should already have a valid visitor visa

We automatically issued a  visitor visa to you when we approved your first study or work permit.

If you leave and return to Canada,  you must travel with:

• your valid study or work permit
• If you don’t have a valid visa when you check-in for a flight, it may result in travel delays (or a missed flight).
• your valid passport

Exception : If you return directly from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

If your visa has expired or was only valid for a single entry to Canada

You need to  apply for a new visa Opens in a new tab .

• A visa costs CAN$100.
• It’s valid for up to 10 years.

If your study or work permit will expire soon, you must extend it before you can apply for a new visitor visa.

You need a visitor visa to leave and return to Canada.  Apply for your visa before you leave.

You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:

• you’re already in Canada
• you hold a valid study or work permit
• you want to  leave and return to Canada  in the near future
• your existing  visitor visa Opens in a new tab  is expired or was valid for only one entry

Exception : If you return  directly  from a visit only to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t need a valid visitor visa if your study or work permit is still valid.

Processing times vary by country.  You may need to  give fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab  with your application. Processing times  don’t include  the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa Opens in a new tab

You need a  visitor visa  to travel to Canada.

A visitor visa:

• is a sticker we put in your passport
• costs CAN$100

Processing times vary by country.  You may need to  give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab  with your application. Processing time  doesn’t include  the time you need to give biometrics.

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a study permit

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a study permit Opens in a new tab

Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue a visitor visa for you

• letter of introduction that says your work permit application is approved, if you received one

Learn about working in Canada Opens in a new tab

We automatically issued a  visitor visa to you when we approved your first work permit.

Processing times vary by country.  You may need to  give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)  with your application. Processing time  doesn’t include  the time you need to give biometrics.

Apply for a visitor visa

Answer: Before you continue, find out if you need a work permit

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab

Answer: If we approve your study permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA)

• You don’t need to submit a separate application for an eTA.

If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.

Answer: You need an eTA to leave and return to Canada

Your study permit lets you study in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

What you need depends on your travel plans.

If you re-enter by a Canadian airport (fly back to Canada)

You must have:

• the passport that’s linked to a valid eTA and
• your valid study permit
• costs CAN $7
• is electronically linked to your passport

If you received your current study permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

If you don’t have an eTA or yours has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA.

Apply for an eTA Opens in a new tab

If you re-enter Canada by car, boat, bus or train

• a valid passport and

Answer: If you fly to a Canadian airport, you need an eTA

• costs CAN$7

Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests  can take several days  to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you drive or arrive by train, bus or boat

You just need a  valid passport or travel document Opens in a new tab  to get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat.

Answer: If we approve your work permit application, we’ll issue an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for you

• valid passport that you used to apply for your work permit

If you get a new passport before you come to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA if you plan to fly to a Canadian airport.

Your work permit lets you work in Canada. If you plan to leave and return to Canada, you need to make sure you have what you need to re-enter the country.

• your valid work permit

If you received your current work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you may have a valid eTA.

• your valid work or study permit

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

• valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work or study permit

When you travel to Canada, you must bring your:

• letter of introduction that says your study permit application is approved

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

If you’re driving or arriving by train, bus, or boat.

You just need to  bring the right travel documents Opens in a new tab .

If you fly to or transit through a Canadian airport

You just need to travel with your valid U.S. passport if you fly or transit through a Canadian airport.

• valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit
• valid work or study permit

Answer: Your permit is not an eTA or a visa

When you extend your study permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:

• the passport that’s linked to your valid eTA  and
• a valid visitor and

Apply for visitor visa Opens in a new tab

When you extend your work permit, you’ll also be issued an eTA if you don’t already have one. When you fly to a Canadian, you must have:

• a valid visitor visa and

Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA

You can apply for an  eTA  if you travel to Canada  by air only .

• is only valid when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

Most applicants get their eTA approval within minutes (via email). However, some requests  can take several days  to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

If you already have a  valid Canadian visitor visa  you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If your travel plans change

You need a  visitor visa  (not an eTA) if you decide to  get to Canada by car, train, bus or boat  instead.

Answer: You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa or eTA

• valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit and
• official proof of U.S. lawful permanent resident status

Answer: You need valid proof of lawful permanent resident status of the U.S. to leave and return to Canada

• valid study permit,
• valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your study permit, and

Answer: You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa

• valid passport or travel document and

You’ll need to answer some questions on another page to find out.

If you’re eligible to study without a study permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

• valid passport or travel document that you used to apply for your work permit and
• valid work permit
• valid work permit,

If you’re eligible to work without a work permit, you’ll need to come back to this page to find out what you need to travel to Canada.

Answer: You’re eligible to apply for an eTA

If you already have a  valid Canadian visitor visa , you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

If you transit through Canada to or from the United States

You  may  be able to  transit through Canada without a visa or eTA if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

• valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
• foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])
• valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Important note:

This tool provides information only. It was created to assist you as you decide what travel document you may need to travel to Canada. This tool may not provide information on all travel documents or your particular situation. If you choose to apply, we will assess your application in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its related Regulations. Read our complete terms and conditions (opens in a new tab) .

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Canada's response to the venezuela crisis, consular assistance.

The Embassy of Canada to Venezuela in Caracas has temporarily suspended its operations. You can obtain consular assistance and information from the Embassy of Canada to Colombia, in Bogotá.

Making international phone calls from Venezuela may be challenging. For emergency consular assistance, send an email to [email protected] to request a phone call. A consular officer will call you back without delay. Ensure that you provide a phone number where we can reach you.

From elsewhere, call the Embassy of Canada to Colombia, in Bogotá, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

On this page

Political situation, what canada is doing, human rights violations and crimes against humanity, humanitarian situation and development efforts, refugee and migrant situation, related links, x (twitter).

• Global Affairs Canada: #Together4Venezuelans
• Embassy of Canada in Venezuela
• Embajada de Canadá en Venezuela

The ongoing political, economic and humanitarian crises in Venezuela and its impact across the region, concerns Canada. The Maduro regime controls Venezuela’s institutions. This includes the judicial, executive and legislative branches. It exercises full control over all decision-making, election outcomes, and legal proceedings. The regime has criminalized and silenced dissent by arresting and harassing political figures and social leaders, including human rights defenders and humanitarian workers. More than 200 political prisoners are still in jail. Independent news media, journalists and media workers are targeted in Venezuela and subject to continued censorship measures.

Venezuela is one of the primary sources of geopolitical tension and instability in the Western hemisphere. The regime has developed illicit revenue sources with violent non-state actors, including transnational criminal gangs and foreign armed groups. This dynamic complicates Venezuela's return to democracy. It also strengthens armed groups that operate in Colombia, contributing to challenges in implementing the Colombian Peace Agreement.

The association of Maduro regime officers and the military with these non-state violent groups is of particular concern.

Regional destabilization is occurring due to participation in:

• gold mining
• drug trafficking
• human trafficking
• illicit financing
• environmental destruction

Canada is committed to protecting human rights. We’re helping Venezuelans find a negotiated solution to the crisis by promoting a peaceful return to democracy. Canada is supportive of the negotiation process between Venezuela’s democratic forces and the Maduro regime. Canada will support agreements made by the parties at the negotiation process. We strongly encourage the parties to take part in good faith.

Canada has been instrumental in the adoption of several statements and resolutions, namely within the following organizations:

• The UN Human Rights Council
• The Organization of American States

We support the people of Venezuela in their efforts to improve the human rights situation and living conditions.

We have joined with other countries to discuss the critical situation in Venezuela. We are exploring ways to contribute to restore of democracy through peaceful and negotiated means.

The situation in Venezuela has resulted in millions of Venezuelans leaving the country and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, leading to one of the largest displacements of people in the world. Canada has demonstrated leadership by highlighting the crisis internationally, particularly by hosting and participating in solidarity conferences to raise funds in support of responses in host countries. To learn more, please visit International conferences in solidarity with Venezuelan refugees and migrants .

In its September 2022 report, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela concluded that de facto President Maduro, seconded by other high-level officials, made concerted efforts to remain in power. Particularly, by resorting to means that include the commission of crimes and violations amounting to crimes against humanity against opponents and persons perceived as such.

In November 2021, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court opened a formal investigation to find if crimes against humanity have been committed by the regime.

In September 2020, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela found reasonable grounds to believe that members of the Maduro regime committed acts that constituted “crimes against humanity”.

In 2018, Canada joined with partners to refer the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court. This was based on credible reports of systematic violations of human rights concluding that serious international crimes may have been committed.

Canada has imposed sanctions on individuals involved in:

• attacks on democratic institution
• gross violations of human rights
• acts of significant corruption

We promote accountability, and end impunity for those responsible for such acts. These measures consist of asset freezes and prohibitions on dealings with sanctioned individuals. Canada reviews its sanctions on an ongoing basis and takes action as needed.

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela continues to affect access to basic commodities and essential services such as:

As of 2022, 81.5% of Venezuelans live in poverty, and 53.3% in extreme poverty. COVID-19 has placed extra strain on the healthcare system.

Since 2019, Canada has provided over $50 million in humanitarian, development, and stabilization assistance.

Canada’s bilateral development program in Venezuela focuses on women and girls facing increased vulnerabilities in:

For example, Canada’s support for school lunches ensures vulnerable children stay in school and helps in meeting critical nutritional needs. Canada is also supporting the sexual reproductive health and rights of Venezuelan adolescent girls and boys.

More than 7.2 million Venezuelans have fled or left Venezuela since 2015.

About 85% of this population remain in:

This is placing significant pressure on receiving countries to provide basic services, such as:

Canada recognizes the leadership of many Latin American and Caribbean countries in responding to this unprecedented situation and applauds their efforts to integrate Venezuelan refugees and migrants into their countries and communities.

Canada supports the efforts of host countries. Since 2019, Canada has provided over CAD $180 million to help meet the needs of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and the communities hosting them.

This includes support to improve access to:

• protection services

We’re strengthening migration-related institutions and combatting human trafficking.

For example, since 2015 Canada has provided funding to Cuso International to improve inclusive economic growth in Colombia.

This project has provided training for women, victims of armed conflict, at-risk youth, and Venezuelan migrants. This program led to employment for:

• Venezuelan refugees and migrants
• returned Colombians
• members of host communities

In 2022, the project expanded to Ecuador and Peru.

Canada works with the Group of Friends of the Quito Process, which is a donor group that supports the efforts of host countries to find coordinated regional responses to respond to the needs of Venezuelan refugees and migrants and their host communities.

Canada has been instrumental in the passing of several statements and resolutions at the Organization of American States supporting the people of Venezuela in their efforts to achieve political and economic reforms. We have also joined with other countries in the hemisphere to address the critical situation in Venezuela and to explore ways to contribute to the restoration of democracy through peaceful and negotiated means.

Statement type

Canadian statements: Statements issued by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and/or the Minister of International Development communicating Canada’s position on the situation in Venezuela, including ongoing efforts to respond to the crisis.

Lima Group statements: Joint declarations issued by Canada and its Lima Group partners with regard to ongoing developments in Venezuela, outlining the Lima Group’s position and its efforts to respond to the crisis.

Multilateral organization statements: Joint statements, supported by Canada, issued by or delivered at multilateral organizations regarding the situation in Venezuela.

• Embassy of Canada in Venezuela (operations temporarily suspended)
• Venezuela travel advice and advisories
• Canadian sanctions related to Venezuela
• The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

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Global Affairs Canada warns Canadians to avoid 'all' travel to Venezuela

Violent crime, unstable political situation and shortages of food and medicine prompt advisory change.

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Global Affairs Canada has updated its official travel advisory for Venezuela to warn Canadians to avoid all travel to the South American country because of the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis there.

"Avoid all travel to Venezuela due to the significant level of violent crime, the unstable political and economic situations and the decline in basic living conditions, including shortages of medication, food staples, gasoline and water," Global Affairs says on its website.

Venezuela is a major oil producer that has been wracked by hyperinflation, food shortages and rising violent crime since Nicolas Maduro came to power in 2013 by a thin margin following the death of socialist leader Hugo Chavez. 

Maduro was inaugurated Jan. 10 to another term in office following a widely boycotted election that many foreign governments — Canada included — described as a fraudulent.

Maduro's government accuses the U.S. and other countries of launching an "economic war" against Venezuela, blaming foreign sanctions against his country for most of its problems.

• Lima Group embraces Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido, calls on military to quit Maduro
• POWER & POLITICS Peaceful transition 'absolutely' possible in Venezuela, says Freeland

The change to the official travel advisory comes a day after the Liberal government hosted a gathering of foreign affairs ministers from the Lima Group of countries in an effort to find a resolution to the crisis gripping Venezuela.

At the close of that meeting in Ottawa on Monday, the Lima Group — Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia — officially elevated Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido to the status of a "fully fledged" member of the group.

Guaido, the head of the National Assembly, swore himself in as interim president last month and was quickly recognized as such by Canada, the U.S. and other nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. After taking office in December, Mexico's new president Andrés Manuel López Obrador dropped the previous government's opposition to Maduro and said his administration will follow a policy of non-intervention.

Bolivia, Cuba, Turkey and Russia, among others, have not followed suit and continue to back Maduro as the rightful president, accusing the U.S. and others of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs.

"It is very important to understand that Guaido derives his legitimacy from the National Assembly, which is the sole remaining democratically constituted body in Venezuela," Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said at the closing press conference of the Lima Group meeting.​

Related Stories

External links.

• Global Affairs Canada travel advisory for Venezuela

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Within 80km of the Venezuela-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all travel to within 80km (50 miles) of the border with Colombia. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active along the border area with Colombia and there is a risk of criminal kidnapping.

Zulia State

FCDO advises against all travel to Zulia State, which has prolonged power cuts, water shortages, violence and local conflict.

Within 40km of the Venezuela-Brazil border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Brazil. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active along the border area with Brazil and there is a risk of criminal kidnapping.

All other areas of Venezuela

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of Venezuela, due to ongoing crime and instability.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Canada issues updated travel advisory for Guyana due to border dispute referendum in Venezuela

The Canadian government is warning against travelling in Guyana near the border with Venezuela due to a weekend referendum that saw Venezuelans asked about the future of an of oil-rich region that is the centre of a territorial boundary dispute.

On Friday, the federal government updated the travel advisory for Canadian travellers in Guyana, which currently warns Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution,” citing Sunday’s referendum as a cause for concern.

“The security environment could deteriorate at the border between Venezuela and Guyana due to the ongoing discord over the Guyana Essequibo region and the upcoming referendum in Venezuela on December 3, 2023,” the advisory update states.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The advisory added that those who do choose to travel in the Guyana Essequibo region near the border with Venezuela should remain cautious, monitor local media for updates and follow instructions from any local authorities.

Sunday’s vote asked Venezuelans whether they supported establishing a state in the disputed territory of Essequibo, which makes up two-thirds of Guyana’s land mass. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro described the vote as a success during a speech Monday, indicating that the majority had voted in favour of Essequibo being part of Venezuela, but reports of low turnout and empty polling stations in a country known for long lines during elections have cast a pall on Maduro’s victory.

• Read more: Venezuela's government wins vote on claiming part of Guyana, but turnout seems lackluster  

Guyana says it sees the referendum as a step towards annexation and had previously asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Venezuela to halt parts of the vote.

While the court did not halt the vote, it did order Venezuela on Friday not to take any action that would alter Guyana’s control over Essequibo, with ICJ president Joan E. Donoghue saying that statements from Venezuela government suggest it “is taking steps with a view toward acquiring control over and administering the territory in dispute.”

Canada has stated it is “closely monitoring recent developments” surrounding the referendum.

“Canada reiterates its support for a peaceful and diplomatic solution at the ICJ,” Global Affairs told CTVNews.ca in a statement Monday. “Canada supports a peaceful resolution to the long-standing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.”

Venezuela has disputed Guyana’s ownership of the Essequibo region for more than 100 years. The region was within Venezuela’s boundaries during the Spanish colonial period, but Essequibo became part of Guyana in 1899 when international arbitrators agreed upon borders, back when Guyana was still a British colony. Venezuelan officials maintain that a 1966 agreement to resolve the ongoing border dispute makes the 1899 arbitration null and void.

Inflaming the dispute is the fact that Essequibo, a region larger than Greece, is rich in minerals and provides access to an area of the Atlantic Ocean where oil was found in 2015.

The referendum consisted of five questions, one of which was whether voters agree to reject the 1899 boundary drawn up by the United Nations’ top court. The practical and legal implications of the referendum were still unclear as of Monday.

Venezuela is already flagged as “avoid all travel” by Canada, with the Canadian travel advisory citing violent crime, “unstable political and economic situations,” and shortages in medicine, fuel and water.

In its travel advisory for Guyana, the Canadian government says that there are no official border crossings between Guyana and Venezuela, and that areas near the border “can be dangerous due to cross-border, gang-related violence.” Prior to Friday’s update about elevated concerns around the border, Guyana was already marked as “exercise a high degree of caution,” largely due to high crime rates.

The travel advisory suggests that Canadians in Guyana only use the official border crossings with Brazil and Suriname. 

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Venezuela visa

Having to get a visa to Venezuela takes all the fun out of traveling. We are here to get it back. Just apply online below and let us do the rest

Call us FREE

Venezuela Visa Types

The visa you apply for will depend on the purpose of your trip. Bear in mind that different visas have different durations and cannot be used for any other purpose besides what it was issued for.

• r Tourist visa required
• r Business visa required

As a means to continue to strengthen the fight against COVID-19 and to protect the health of its people, the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela has included the control of the passengers arriving into and departing from the country as a sanitary measure.

Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.

Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.

Passport-type photograph. Include a passport style photo, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.

Proof of status. A copy of immigration status in Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) such as a resident card, work, or study permit.

Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on the reservation.

Business Support Letter. A support letter from the sending company which introduces the applicant, states the nature of the trip, and specifies the type and desired validity of the visa. The sample format for this letter can be found here

Business invitation. A business invitation letter from the sponsoring company in the destination country. The letter should be printed on company letterhead stationery, addressed to "The Consulate of Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Visa Section", and signed by a senior manager. The business letter must adhere to the following guidelines: Briefly introduce the applicant (please specify employment status/position held in the company by applicant). State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) and the names and addresses of companies to be contacted in the destination country. Specify the Type and desired Validity of the visa (i.e. a one year multiple entry business visa).

Letter of Incorporation. Copy of the sending company's Certificate of Incorporation.

Documents for business visa. A completed checklist of required documents. This form is available here .

Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for

A visa is not required for this destination.

Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for Tourist visa

• Check the current validity of your passport and the availability of blank visa pages
• Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Venezuela Take advantage of our extensive embassy and consular database to find the nearest one. Upon contacting the embassy confirm the required documents, the time it takes to process the visa and whether the consulate accepts applications by mail.

Venezuela Tourist visa fees for citizens of United States of America

Venezuela visa policy.

All visitors coming to Venezuela must obtain a visa from any of their diplomatic missions abroad unless they come from a visa-free country. The visa waiver list contains a list of countries whose nationals are free to enter the country for a short time without having to secure a visa in advance. Visitors are required to have valid passports and proof of funds to cover the duration of their stay in the country.

Transit visitors heading to a third country must show an onward ticket for the next destination. Otherwise, they will be refused entry. The government of Venezuela doesn't expect visas from naturalized Venezuelans. However, they must have a passport issued by the second country and a national ID card called Cedula de Identidad, which is an original copy issued by the government to naturalized citizens. Furthermore, only passports with a minimum of six months' validity are allowed.

The citizens of more than 70 countries can visit without visas and stay for up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism and any other purpose unless otherwise stated. Also, they can extend their stay once for another 90 days, but this option is closed to citizens of Colombia and Bolivia.

The visa waiver list is by no means absolute, as it changes frequently in light of current diplomatic realities. For instance, Ghana and the Benin Republic have signed visa waiver agreements with Venezuela, but the deal is yet to be ratified. So as a visitor, it is best to check out the current list for your country so you know whether you need a visa for the trip or not.

How To Apply For a Venezuelan Visa

To apply for a Venezuelan Visa, you must submit a completed application form alongside your travel documents to an embassy or consulate of Venezuela. Visas can only be applied abroad unless, in special cases where the visitor is issued the visa on arrival. This process is only open to selected foreign nationals. Visa applicants must submit their passports, relevant travel document, and an application fee for processing.

Venezuela Travel Tips for First Time Travelers

Passport Validity:  As a visitor to Venezuela, your passport validity is calculated from the first time you enter the country, not when the visa is issued. Visitors' passports must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. Furthermore, your visa expires once the passport it is attached to expires.

Application For Extension:  If you decide to apply for a 90 days extension, you must do it before your current visa expires or you exceed the maximum number of days your visa allows. Applications must be submitted to the interior ministry at least a week before your stay expires, and you can only extend it once for a maximum period of 90 days. There is no room for a second extension.

Safety:  Due to severe economic downturns brought on by internal political tensions and economic embargo, crimes like armed robbery, murder, sexual assaults, and drive-by shootings are rife in Venezuela. If you must visit, avoid isolated places, especially at night. Don't water expensive jewelry in public or go to unfamiliar places alone.

Use Approved Routes:  Bolivia's borders with Brazil, Colombia, and Guyana are highly unsafe due to armed gangs and terrorist cells. If you must travel by road, please use only approved routes. Kidnapping is a huge threat to Foreigners along these routes and inside the country. Use only official taxis for commuting.

Bring Your Necessities:  The country faces severe shortages of groceries with long lines of frustrated customers, which can lead to looting and fights. Consider bringing your essential supplies like food, water, medication, and other necessities. If you choose to buy in the country, you will pay a premium price for them.

Beware of Hurricanes:  May to December are volatile as this is the time of the year when earthquakes, hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather occur, all during the rainy season. Keep close tabs on the information released by the meteorologists during this period.

Vaccination:  Serious insect-borne diseases are common in the country, so you should look to protect yourself. Consult your doctor to know if you will need vaccinations before your trip. One highly recommended vaccine is the Zika vaccine, especially for pregnant women. The yellow fever vaccine is also highly recommended. Only sleep with treated nets, and always wear thick clothing that will cover your arms and legs when visiting interior areas. Other viruses to keep an eye out for include measles, hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis, typhoid fever, mumps, rabies, and bilharzia. Only drink bottled water and avoid swimming in freshwater bodies. You must show your vaccine certificates at the entry point if you are vaccinated.

Severe Laws:  Venezuela has harsh laws with severe penalties for offenders f drug offenses. Even a small dose of marijuana can result in a long jail time, and their jails are some of the most dangerous in the world.

Please don't Take Pictures: It is illegal to take pictures of airports, military installations, and buildings of strategic importance to the country.

Traveling With Minors:  According to the laws protecting minors, children are not allowed into the country without showing signed permission from both parents. This is called a parental consent letter.

Transit Travelers: As a transit passenger, you must show your confirmed flight ticket for the onward trip as proof of departure. In some cases, the immigration officers may even request to see your visa or residency document for the next country if you are not a citizen of the said country.

Venezuela e-Visa Online – Get your Venezuela e-Visa with VisaHQ

Foreign nationals who may wish to travel to Venezuela may need a visa, depending on their nationality. 

The country is a sovereign nation and has its visa policy, which determines who is eligible for a visa and who is not. If you want to visit a Latin American country, you must meet all the requirements first.

Venezuela COVID-19 travel restrictions

• Entry is open Venezuela is now open for international visitors. Prior to arrival requirements Valid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure. Valid visa. Please see the instructions above if visa is needed and apply. Negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival . All travelers entering Venezuela must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 48 hours of boarding their incoming flight. All individuals will be subjected to a COVID-19 test at port of entry to be administered by local health authorities. 📝 Health form is required for all arrivals. Travelers are required to complete their Health Pass prior to departure. The QR code generated is required to be presented upon arrival. Upon arrival restrictions 😷 Masks are required in public spaces and transport.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela visa

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Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

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