U.S. Visa for Venezuelans 2026: Requirements and Complete Process

The U.S. visa is the document that generates the most questions among Venezuelans who want to travel, reunite with family, or pursue opportunities in the United States. In 2026 the landscape changed: a Presidential Proclamation suspended the issuance of B1/B2 visas for Venezuelans starting in June 2025, and a bond program created an alternative path with specific conditions. This guide explains the current status and how the process works step by step.

The June 4, 2025 Presidential Proclamation: what it means for Venezuelans

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed Presidential Proclamation 10949, effective June 9, 2025. This proclamation suspended the issuance of nonimmigrant visas — B1/B2, F, M, and J — for nationals of Venezuela (along with Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan), citing deficiencies in Venezuelan identity documents and the Venezuelan government's refusal to accept the return of its deported nationals.

On December 16, 2025, a new proclamation (PP 10998, effective January 1, 2026) maintained and updated these restrictions, also eliminating some exceptions that existed in the original version.

Who is affected by the suspension?

The suspension applies to Venezuelans who, as of June 9, 2025, met both of these conditions at the same time:

• Were outside the United States as of June 9, 2025, AND
• Did not have a valid U.S. visa as of that date

If you already had a valid visa on June 9, 2025, your visa was not revoked and you can continue using it while it remains valid.

Who is exempt from the suspension?

The proclamation establishes categories of people not subject to the suspension:

• Permanent residents (Green Card): The suspension does not affect those who already have permanent residency in the U.S.
• Valid visa before June 9, 2025: If your visa was issued before that date and remains valid, you can continue traveling normally.
• Dual nationality: If you're Venezuelan but also hold citizenship from another country not included in the proclamation, and you travel with that foreign passport, the suspension does not apply to you.
• Diplomatic and official visas: Categories A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, and NATO-1 through NATO-6 are exempt.
• Athletes and delegations for international events: Athletes, coaches, and support staff for the World Cup, Olympics, and other events designated by the Secretary of State.
• National interest exception: At the discretion of the Secretary of State or the Attorney General, on a case-by-case basis, when entry serves humanitarian objectives or the national interest of the U.S. It's difficult to obtain and not guaranteed.

So how can you obtain a B1/B2 visa?

Types of U.S. visas for Venezuelans

The first step is understanding what type of visa you need. The most requested by Venezuelans traveling for tourism or family visits is:

B1/B2 Visa (tourism and business)

The most common nonimmigrant visa. B1 is for business travel and B2 is for tourism, family visits, or medical care. They're generally granted together as B1/B2. It's the one most Venezuelans apply for when they want to travel, visit family, or explore the possibility of moving.

Other common visas for Venezuelans

• F-1 (student): To study at a U.S. institution. Requires a letter of admission.
• H-1B (specialized work): For workers with a job offer from a U.S. company.
• K-1 (fiancé(e) of a citizen): If your partner is a U.S. citizen and you're going to marry in the U.S.
• CR1/IR1 (spouse of a citizen): For permanent residency based on marriage.
• ESTA (Visa Waiver): Venezuela is NOT in the visa waiver program, so Venezuelans do need to apply for a visa even for short visits.

General requirements for the B1/B2 visa

To apply for the tourism/business visa, you need:

The step-by-step process

1. 1
   Fill out the DS-160 form online

   Go to ceac.state.gov and complete the visa application. It's long and detailed — set aside at least 1-2 hours. You'll need your passport, travel history, and employment information. When finished, save the DS-160 confirmation barcode.

2. 2
   Pay the MRV fee ($185 USD)

   This fee is paid on the portal of the country where you'll book your appointment. It's non-refundable — if your visa is denied, you don't get it back. Keep the payment receipt.

3. 3
   Create your profile on the appointment portal

   Each country has its own portal (ais.usvisa-info.com). Create your account, register your DS-160 and MRV payment, then select an available interview date.

4. 4
   Gather your supporting documents

   Employment letters, bank statements (last 3-6 months), property titles, letter of invitation (if applicable), hotel/flight reservations (only as reference, not as a commitment). See the full list below.

5. 5
   Attend the consular interview

   Arrive early (30 minutes ahead). Bring all your documents organized. The interview with the consular officer lasts between 2 and 10 minutes. It doesn't take long, but the decision is made right there.

6. 6
   Pay the bond (Venezuelans: mandatory step)

   If the officer approves your visa, they'll tell you the bond amount: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. You must pay it on Pay.gov (the official U.S. Treasury portal) before the visa is issued. Don't pay intermediaries or before the officer tells you the amount. The bond is refundable if you meet the conditions (leaving on time through an authorized airport).

7. 7
   Receive your visa

   Once the bond is paid, your passport goes to printing. In some countries it's sent to you by courier; in others you pick it up at a delivery point. The process takes 3-10 business days.

The mandatory bond for Venezuelans (2026): everything you need to know

This is the most important change of 2026 for Venezuelans applying for a B1/B2 visa. Starting January 21, 2026, Venezuela was included in the State Department's pilot bond program along with Cuba, Nicaragua, and 35 other countries.

How does the bond work?

• Amount: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 USD — the consular officer determines the exact figure during the interview based on the applicant's profile.
• When it's paid: Only after the officer confirms you're eligible for the visa and tells you the amount. Never before, and never through intermediaries.
• How it's paid: Through Pay.gov, the official U.S. Treasury portal. There is no other valid method of payment.
• Permitted stay: Visas issued under this program generally authorize stays of up to 30 days, not 180 days like regular visas.
• Authorized airports: You must enter and exit the U.S. only through JFK (New York), Dulles/IAD (Washington D.C.), or Boston/BOS. You cannot enter directly through Houston or Dallas.
• Refund: The bond is automatically returned if you leave the U.S. by the authorized date (or earlier) through one of the designated airports.
• If your visa is denied: The bond is not charged — it only becomes effective if the visa is approved.
• Exceptions: The consular officer can waive the bond in urgent humanitarian cases or cases of interest to the U.S., but this is exceptional.

Where do Venezuelans book their appointment?

The U.S. embassy in Caracas has effectively been closed for consular services since 2019. Venezuelans must process their visa in third countries. The most commonly used options:

Colombia (Bogotá and Medellín)

The most popular option due to proximity and accessibility. Bogotá has one of the largest U.S. consular sections in Latin America. Wait times vary, but tend to be shorter than in Caracas. Medellín has a U.S. consulate with available appointments.

Mexico (CDMX, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mérida, Nogales)

An excellent option with multiple consulates. Mérida and Nogales have historically had faster availability than CDMX. Requires a Mexican visa for Venezuelans — check current requirements.

Panama

Very popular among Venezuelans. No visa requirement for Venezuelans with certain documents. Active U.S. embassy in Panama City.

Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica

Valid alternatives with active consulates. In some cases Venezuelans can enter without a prior visa (check the current status of each country).

If you're already in the United States

If you're in the U.S. under a legal status (TPS, parole, any valid visa), you can apply for a B1/B2 visa directly in the U.S. through USCIS or, in some cases, renew it. This is a different situation that requires specialized immigration advice.

Complete list of recommended documents

Beyond the mandatory documents, here are the ones that help the most at the interview:

Financial documents

• Bank statements from the last 3-6 months (showing balance and regular activity)
• Employment letter with salary, position, and length of service (in the country where you're applying)
• Tax return or income declaration
• If you own a business: business registration, business financial statements

Ties documents (connections to your country)

• Property title for a house or apartment
• Current lease agreement
• Documents for children or a spouse who remain in the country
• Letter from your employer confirming you have a job to return to

Purpose of the trip

• Letter of invitation from the family member or host in the U.S. (not mandatory but useful)
• Tentative travel itinerary (don't buy tickets before you have the visa)
• Letter explaining the reason for your trip (optional, but can help)

The interview: how to prepare

The consular interview is the decisive moment. Here are the most important tips:

• Be direct and honest: The officer asks few direct questions. Answer clearly and briefly. Don't over-explain.
• Typical questions: What's the purpose of your trip? Do you have family in the U.S.? What do you do for work? How long do you plan to stay? Do you have property or a job to return to?
• Don't lie: Lying on a visa application is grounds for permanent denial and can affect future applications.
• Bring everything organized: Documents should be sorted and ready to show. The officer won't review all of them, but if requested, they should be available.
• Speak in Spanish if you prefer: You have the right to an interpreter, although at many consulates the officer speaks Spanish.

What happens if your visa is denied?

A denial isn't the end. You can reapply, but it's important to understand why it was denied. The most common causes are:

• Section 214(b): You didn't demonstrate enough ties to your country. This is the most common reason. You can reapply when your situation changes (more stable employment, property, family in the country).
• Inconsistent information: If something on the DS-160 doesn't match what you said at the interview.
• History of overstay: If on a past trip you stayed longer than authorized.
• Previous travel to certain countries or ties to sanctioned individuals.

U.S. visa renewal

Venezuelans already in the U.S.

If you're already in the United States under TPS (Temporary Protected Status), parole, or any other status, your immigration situation is different. To travel abroad and return, you need specific travel documents (Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Document, etc.) — not a B1/B2 visa. This topic requires specialized immigration advice. At XploraTrip we can guide you and connect you with the right resources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the June 4, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and how does it affect Venezuelans?

It's an executive order from President Trump that suspended the issuance of B1/B2, F, M, and J visas for Venezuelans starting June 9, 2025 — most without a valid visa as of that date can no longer obtain a new tourist visa under normal conditions. The bond program (since January 21, 2026) is the main available path, with strict conditions: $5,000–$15,000 USD, a maximum stay of 30 days, and designated airports.

What is the bond and why is it required of Venezuelans?

Since January 21, 2026, Venezuela is on the list of countries whose nationals must pay a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 USD to receive a B1/B2 visa. The amount is determined by the consular officer at the interview. The bond is a security deposit — it's refunded if you leave the U.S. on time through an authorized airport (JFK, Dulles, or Boston). It's not charged if your visa is denied.

Do I need a valid Venezuelan passport to apply for the visa?

Yes. The Venezuelan passport must be valid at the time of application, and it's recommended to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of your planned trip to the U.S. If your passport is expired, renew it first.

How much does the U.S. visa cost for Venezuelans?

The MRV application fee is $185 USD for a B1/B2 visa (non-refundable). Additionally, if your visa is approved, you must pay the bond of $5,000 to $15,000 USD through Pay.gov. Work visas (H, L, O, etc.) have an MRV fee of $205 USD.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

As early as possible. Wait times vary enormously by country and season. Some consulates may have availability in 2-3 weeks; in others wait times exceed 6 months. Register on the portal and turn on availability alerts.

Can I bring my kids to my appointment?

Children under 14 often don't need an interview, but they do need their own DS-160 and MRV fee. Children under 14 can generally have their visa approved without attending the appointment, or they attend accompanied by their parents. Check the specific consulate's instructions.