Flying private to Venezuela: permits, paperwork and handling
Venezuela requires foreign private and business aircraft to obtain authorization from INAC Venezuela before landing or overflying. This guide covers what you need, how far in advance to ask, and which airports accept international arrivals, using live data from the i-Handler airport directory, sourced from the country AIP.
Authority: INAC Venezuela · Reviewed: 2026-09-27
Permits: who issues them and when to apply
Landing and overflight permits for foreign civil aircraft are handled by INAC Venezuela. Venezuela enforces prior authorization strictly and processing can be slow: request permits at least 5 business days ahead and do not depart without written confirmation.
Reference the approved permit in your ICAO flight plan (item 18) and file the plan only once the permit is confirmed. Private non-revenue and charter (revenue) flights follow different tracks; charter requires additional commercial documentation, so start earlier.
Check current airspace notices and your own government advisories before planning Venezuela; requirements and airport availability change with little notice. A local handler is essential.
Documents you will be asked for
Aircraft: certificate of airworthiness, certificate of registration, international insurance certificate with coverage valid for Venezuela, and noise certificate.
Crew: pilot licenses and current medical certificates.
Passengers: passports (6 months validity is the safe standard) and a General Declaration (GENDEC) for arrival.
The i-Handler App generates the GENDEC, passenger manifests and the ICAO flight plan from your trip data, so the paperwork above is produced in minutes instead of retyped per flight.
Airports of entry
Caracas Maiquetia (SVMI) is the main gateway; regional internationals include Maracaibo (SVMC), Valencia (SVVA) and Porlamar (SVMG).
Plan your first landing at an airport of entry. Other fields may show customs in the AIP data, but use them as onward stops after clearing in, unless the authority authorizes otherwise. The live table below marks entry, customs, mandatory handling, slots and fuel per airport.
Venezuela airports at a glance (live from the i-Handler directory)
| Airport | Entry | Customs | Handling | Slots | Fuel | Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SVBCBarcelona/Gen. Jose Antonio Anzoategui Intl | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 2 |
| SVBMBarquisimeto/Gen Jacinto Lara International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 2 |
| SVJCParaguana/Josefa Camejo International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 3 |
| SVMCMaracaibo/La Chinita International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 4 |
| SVMGMargarita/Porlamar Gen Jefe Santiago Marino Intl | Yes | Yes | Mandatory | No | AVGAS JET | 4 |
| SVMICaracas (Maiquetia)/Simon Bolivar Intl | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 8 |
| SVPRPuerto Ordaz/Gen Manuel Carlos Piar Intl | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 1 |
| SVSASan Antonio Del Tachira/Juan Vicente Gomez | Yes | Yes | No | No | JET | 2 |
| SVSOSanto Domingo/Mayor Buenaventura Vivas Intl | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 1 |
| SVVAValencia/Arturo Michelena International | Yes | Yes | No | No | AVGAS JET | 2 |
Live data from the i-Handler directory; each ICAO links to the airport page with contacts, frequencies and live METAR/TAF.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landing permit for a private flight to Venezuela?
Yes. Foreign private and business aircraft need authorization from INAC Venezuela. Venezuela enforces prior authorization strictly and processing can be slow: request permits at least 5 business days ahead and do not depart without written confirmation. The permit goes in item 18 of your ICAO flight plan.
Which airports in Venezuela accept international arrivals?
Caracas Maiquetia (SVMI) is the main gateway; regional internationals include Maracaibo (SVMC), Valencia (SVVA) and Porlamar (SVMG). The table on this page shows entry, customs and handling status per airport, live from the i-Handler directory.
How do I find a handler or FBO in Venezuela?
The i-Handler airport directory lists ground handlers and FBOs per airport with phone numbers, and pilots contact them by chat through the free i-Handler App.
What paperwork does a flight to Venezuela require?
Aircraft certificates, insurance, crew licenses, passports and a General Declaration. The i-Handler App generates the GENDEC, manifests and ICAO flight plan automatically from your trip.
Do the paperwork once, not per flight
The free i-Handler App organizes the trip, generates the GENDEC, manifests and ICAO flight plan, and connects you by chat with the handlers and FBOs listed at your destination. Create your pilot account at i-handler.app.
Create your free pilot accountLast reviewed 2026-09-27 against operational sources. Requirements change: always confirm current rules with INAC Venezuela or your handler before the flight. This page is operational guidance, not legal advice.