Countries Hosting Largest Venezuelan Populations Prepare for New Refugee Influx

Venezuelan Population Abroad

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States on January 3, neighboring countries such as Colombia and Peru have warned of a potential new wave of refugees if the situation in Venezuela destabilizes further. The Venezuelan diaspora remains one of the largest in the world, with at least 7.9 million individuals living abroad as of early 2026, largely due to nearly a decade of ongoing political and economic crises.

Main Host Countries for Venezuelans

Venezuelan migration began with a small number of professionals leaving the country after leftist leader Hugo Chavez became president in 1999, promising to transform the old political system. Venezuela, a resource-rich nation, has faced severe economic collapse since Chavez's death in 2013, forcing millions to flee to other countries, primarily in South and Central America, as well as the United States.

Available Protections for Venezuelans

According to UNHCR, Venezuelans are classified as displaced persons due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in their country. This classification grants access to essential services such as legal aid, medical care, and shelter in host countries. In Colombia, home to 2.8 million Venezuelans, the Temporary Protection Status provides a ten-year residency permit. However, in the United States, the temporary protection status for Venezuelans was terminated at the end of 2025, leaving over 600,000 Venezuelans facing an uncertain future.

Information on the Venezuelan Passport

Despite the political and economic instability in Venezuela, its passport remains one of the strongest travel documents in the world, ranking 42nd in the 2026 passport index. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 124 countries.