A consular information sheet on Venezuela, published in May 2005 by the United States Department of State, outlines the following exit/entry requirements for the travel of minors:

Venezuela's legal code mandates that minors (under 18) who are residents of Venezuela (regardless of nationality) and who are traveling alone, with only one parent or with a third party, must present a copy of their birth certificate and written authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This authorization must reflect the precise date and time of the travel, including flight and or other pertinent information. Without this authorization immigration authorities will prevent the child's departure from Venezuela. The Venezuelan Government no longer recognizes blanket or non-specific travel authorizations. When a parent is deceased, a notarized copy of the death certificate is required in lieu of the written authorization (20 May 2005).

The preceding information was partially corroborated by the entry/exit requirements section of the travel report on Venezuela found on the Foreign Affairs Canada Website (7 July 2005). Specifically, the Venezuela travel report mentioned that "[m]inors (18 years old or under) travelling alone will need to present a legally certified letter of consent from both parents" (Canada 7 July 2005).

In addition, the Embassy of Venezuela in Canada Website noted that in order to obtain travel authorization for minors and adolescents to leave Venezuela, the applicant(s) must submit the child's birth certificate and passport as well as the parents' identity cards and/or passports (n.d.a). In the case of a legal guardian, a document of representation (documento de representacion) must be submitted (Venezuela n.d.a). Moreover, the parents or guardians must be present to sign any relevant documentation (ibid.).

To acquire a passport for a minor, the Embassy of Venezuela in Canada Website stated that approval of both parents is necessary (ibid. n.d.b). When one of the parents is absent or does not consent to the child's travel, the applicant would require an approval (visto bueno) from a family and minors judge (juez de menores del domicilio) (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Canada. 7 July 2005. Foreign Affairs Canada. "Travel Report - Venezuela." http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/reportPF-en.asp?country=313000 [Accessed 13 July 2005]

United States (US). 20 May 2005. Department of State. Bureau of Consular Affairs. "Consular Information Sheet - Venezuela." http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1059.html?css=print [Accessed 11 July 2005]

Venezuela. N.d.a. Embassy of Venezuela in Canada. "Autorizacion de viaje para ninos y adolecentes." http://www.misionvenezuela.org/spanish/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=103&op=page&SubMenu= [Accessed 6 July 2005]

_____. N.d.b. Embassy of Venezuela in Canada. "Pasaporte para los menores de edad." http://www.misionvenezuela.org/spanish/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=126&op=page&SubMenu=# [Accessed 6 July 2005]

Internet sites, including: Venezuela - Gobierno en linea, Venezuela - Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Venezuela - Ministerio del Interior y Justicia, United States - Reciprocity Schedule for Venezuela.