Colombians wishing to travel to Venezuela will now have to apply for a visa on entry, according to a notice sent this weekend to Colombian airline Avianca by the Venezuelan migration service, reported El Nacional on Tuesday.
The Colombian airline received a statement from Venezuela’s Passport, Identification and Migration Services (SAIME) saying that from June 7 Colombian nationals entering the country must show a valid passport, proof of exit, and a hotel reservation or invitation from an acquaintance.
According to the notice, these requirements will also apply to those traveling overland to Venezuela.
Representatives from Avianca say that although the regulations were due to take effect this week, Colombians traveling to Venezuela have so far experienced no problems.
Officials from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry say they are surprised that they were not directly informed of the change and are attempting to contact the Venezuelan authorities to clarify the new regulations.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry has informed the Colombian government that it was not aware of the decision.
