Venezuela's SAIME introduces same‑day passport issuance and outlines document custody rules

The Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería (SAIME) announced that passports can now be processed and issued on the same day at its main office in El Silencio, Caracas. The express service operates from 08:00 to 16:30 and requires adults to present a valid laminated identity card, while minors must bring a birth certificate copy, their identity card (if any) and be accompanied by a legal guardian.

SAIME also clarified its document protection and custody procedures. Passports, IDs and visas are held in a vault for up to five months at the selected office; if not collected, they are transferred to the Caracas headquarters, where a custodial fee applies. Should a document remain unclaimed for 12 months at the main office, SAIME will invalidate it, forcing the holder to start a new application.