
The Venezuelan diaspora: who hosts the exodus
Nearly 8 million Venezuelans live abroad—about a quarter of the population—making the diaspora one of the world’s largest, with the majority in Latin America and the Caribbean. The biggest host countries are Colombia (2.8M), Peru (1.7M), and the United States (about 988k), followed by Brazil, Chile, Spain and others. The UNHCR notes a global diaspora of roughly 7.9–8 million as of early 2026. Protections vary by country: Colombia offers a 10‑year residency under a Temporary Protection Statute, while the US revoked its Venezuelan TPS in 2025, leaving many in uncertain status. Despite hardship, Venezuela’s passport remains relatively strong, enabling broad travel through regional and global agreements.











