Effective 6 April 2026, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the “Ministry”) implemented a mandatory electronic visa (e-Visa) application process for U.S. nationals traveling to Venezuela under the Business Visa (TR-N) and Tourist Visa (T) categories. This new system replaces the traditional in-person consular filings, requiring applicants to submit requests through a centralized online government portal.1,2
WHY THIS MATTERS
This procedural shift is significant for global mobility stakeholders, including employers, HR professionals, and mobile employees. The move to an electronic process eliminates the need for in-person consular visits, which may reduce administrative burdens and shorten the visa application timeline. However, the requirement for online submission and digital document management introduces new compliance obligations and may result in processing delays or travel disruptions if not carefully planned.
Key Highlights
From 6 April 2026, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires U.S. nationals applying for Business (TR-N) and Tourist (T) visas to use a centralized online portal for all application steps. This transition aims to reduce processing times, improve accessibility, and eliminate the need for physical consular attendance. The digital process is expected to expedite administrative handling while maintaining the same eligibility and visa validity terms as before.
- Online submission: Visa applications are required to be submitted via the official Ministry portal. Applicants create individual accounts, complete electronic forms, upload documents, and pay government fees digitally.
- Electronic issuance: Approved visas are issued in electronic format and delivered by email. Applicants are advised to print the visa for presentation at Venezuelan border control.
- Scope: The requirement currently applies to business and tourist travelers. There is potential for the system to expand to additional visa categories, though no announcements have been made.
- Processing times: Estimated at 15–30 days post-submission of required documents, compared with the previous six-week timeline. No formal processing timeframes have been published.
- Fees: The fee is expected to increase to $180, up from $60, though confirmation is pending.
- Visa validity: Business and tourist visas continue to be valid for one year and are issued as multiple-entry visas.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The shift to a digital application platform reflects Venezuela's commitment to modernizing immigration procedures and reducing operational burdens for applicants. While the new system offers greater convenience and improved processing efficiency, the lack of formalized processing timelines and fee confirmation introduces uncertainty for applicants and organizations planning international assignments or business travel.
In light of the changes, organizations and entities might wish to consider the following:
- Organizations could review their internal mobility policies to ensure alignment with the new electronic process, including early application submission, digital document preparation, and monitoring of fee updates.
- Companies could provide guidance to mobile employees on account creation, document uploads, and visa printing to avoid entry complications. It may also be prudent to plan for possible processing delays, especially during the initial rollout period.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in Venezuela (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTES:
1 VisaVerge, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Fully Online Electronic Visa (e-Visa) System, published on 7 April 2026.
2 For more information, see Venezuela: Electronic Visa Application Process Update - U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Venezuela.
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