The State Department has renewed its “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela without changes, warning U.S. citizens that the risks include violent crime, terrorism, wrongful detention, and limited medical care.
“All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately,” the advisory says. U.S. officials have not maintained an embassy in Caracas since 2019, after Washington severed diplomatic ties with Venezuela and withdrew its diplomatic personnel, leaving the U.S. government unable to provide routine or emergency consular services in the country.
The advisory states, “There is no safe way to travel to Venezuela,” and urges Americans to avoid travel “by any means,” including land routes, warning that even inadvertently crossing the border can result in detention. It also notes, “Travelers face [an] increased risk [if] using unregulated taxis from the Maiquetia Simón Bolívar International Airport and using ATMs in the area,” and warns that “Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking, are common in Venezuela,” particularly given the country’s strained security environment and poor health infrastructure.
The advisory also points to cross-border threats, noting that “Dangerous Colombian terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.” It adds that Venezuelan security forces have detained U.S. citizens for years without due process and that, if Americans are detained, the U.S. government is generally not informed and has no reliable way to make contact — leaving detainees cut off from communication.
The renewed warning comes as U.S. officials have stepped up counterdrug efforts in the broader region, including a recent U.S. military strike campaign targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.
Since early September, the operations have drawn international attention and bipartisan scrutiny in Washington, including questions about the legal basis for strikes and allegations surrounding follow-on attacks after initial hits on boats.
For Americans who still plan travel to or from Venezuela, the State Department says they should not rely on U.S. government assistance and should prepare a “proof of life” plan in advance.
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