Key Takeaways:
- Colombia and Peru warn of a potential new influx of Venezuelan refugees following the political crisis.
- The Venezuelan diaspora is one of the world's largest, with 7.9 million people living abroad.
- Venezuelans currently enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, a right that could come under pressure.
- Legal protections for Venezuelans vary drastically between host countries, from 10-year residency in Colombia to revoked status in the US.
Neighboring countries in Latin America are sounding the alarm. Following the dramatic abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, nations like Colombia and Peru have warned they could face a fresh surge of refugees if Venezuela descends further into instability.
This potential new wave would add to one of the world's largest diasporas. As of early 2026, at least 7.9 million Venezuelans—over a quarter of the country's pre-crisis population—live abroad. This exodus is the direct result of nearly a decade of profound political and economic collapse.
For European travelers and policymakers, the situation raises critical questions about regional stability and the future of freedom of movement. Could a renewed crisis trigger secondary migration towards Europe?
Where Are Venezuelans Living Now?
The Venezuelan migration story began slowly but accelerated into a flood after 2014. Plummeting oil prices triggered a hyperinflationary economic collapse, making basic life unaffordable for millions.
Today, the vast majority of displaced Venezuelans remain within Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the UNHCR, 85% (6.7 million people) are hosted in the region. The top host countries are:
- Colombia: 2.8 million
- Peru: 1.7 million
- United States: 987,600
- Brazil: 732,300
- Chile: 669,400
Notably, Spain hosts over 600,000 Venezuelans, representing the largest community in Europe and a primary destination for those with family ties or seeking EU stability.
A Patchwork of Legal Protections
The legal standing of Venezuelans abroad is a complex and uneven landscape. The UNHCR classifies them under a unique category due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which should grant access to essential services.
However, national policies differ wildly:
- In Colombia, the Temporary Protection Statute offers a 10-year residency permit, a model of regional solidarity.
- In the United States, the picture is bleak. The Trump administration revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans in late 2025, stripping over 600,000 people of legal work and residency rights overnight. Subsequent deportations to third countries have drawn condemnation from rights groups.
The human cost is severe. UN data shows nearly half of displaced Venezuelans rely on informal work, 42% struggle to afford food, and 23% live in overcrowded housing.
The Schengen Link: Venezuelan Passport Strength
Despite Venezuela's domestic turmoil, its passport remains surprisingly powerful for international travel—a key point for EU border policy.
The 2026 Passport Index ranks it 42nd globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 124 countries. Crucially, this includes:
- Visa-free access to the Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Extensive travel rights across South America thanks to historic regional treaties.
This Schengen visa waiver is a significant channel for Venezuelans seeking entry to Europe, whether for tourism, family visits, or as a potential first step for those exploring asylum avenues. Any future large-scale destabilization could test the resilience of this long-standing agreement, as EU states weigh humanitarian concerns against border control pressures.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Europe
The situation demands close monitoring. A significant new outflow from Venezuela would first strain neighboring Latin American countries. However, Europe is not insulated.
Secondary movement towards the Schengen Area is a possibility, especially for those with means or networks in Spain. The strength of the Venezuelan passport means airline travel to Europe remains legally straightforward for now.
The core challenge is one of protection. With legal pathways in the US severely restricted and regional hosts like Colombia already under immense pressure, the international community—including the EU—may need to reassess coordinated responses to prevent a deepening human tragedy and manage associated migration flows.