diff --git a/tools/provision b/tools/provision
index 0f5218f..66349d8 100755
--- a/tools/provision
+++ b/tools/provision
@@ -40,6 +40,12 @@ the Python version this command is executed with."""
     py_version = tuple(int(num) for num in py_version_list)
     venv_name = 'zulip-api-py{}-venv'.format(py_version[0])
 
+    if py_version <= (3, 1) and (not options.force):
+        print(red + "Provision failed: Cannot create venv with outdated Python version ({}).\n"
+              "Run this script with --force if you want to proceed anyway."
+              .format(py_version_output.strip()) + end_format)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
     venv_dir = os.path.join(base_dir, venv_name)
     if not os.path.isdir(venv_dir):
         try:
@@ -88,11 +94,6 @@ the Python version this command is executed with."""
     install_dependencies('requirements.txt')
     if py_version > (3, 1):
         install_dependencies('py3_requirements.txt')
-    elif not options.force:
-        print(red + "Provision failed: Cannot create venv with outdated Python version ({}).\n"
-              "Run this script with --force if you want to proceed anyway."
-              .format(py_version_output.strip()) + end_format)
-        sys.exit(1)
 
     print(green + 'Success!' + end_format)