In a significant move, the U.S. government issued a travel alert on Tuesday, strongly advising against travel to Venezuela. The Department of State has assigned Venezuela its highest Travel Advisory level—Level 4: Do Not Travel—citing severe risks to U.S. citizens, including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, unfair law enforcement practices, violent crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare.
U.S. embassies in neighboring countries and those with direct air links to Venezuela have echoed these concerns, highlighting the escalating dangers for American travelers. A particularly alarming statistic shared in the advisory is that more U.S. nationals are currently wrongfully detained in Venezuela than in any other nation, with Venezuelan security forces reportedly holding U.S. citizens for extensive periods—sometimes up to five years—without due process and frequently under harsh conditions that include allegations of torture.
Notably, there is no U.S. embassy or consulate operational within Venezuela, which further complicates matters for Americans in the country. Venezuelan authorities often fail to notify U.S. officials when American citizens are detained and deny them access to family and legal counsel. As a result, routine and emergency consular assistance is not available for U.S. nationals in Venezuela.
The warning extends beyond individual travelers; many Americans visiting Venezuela to reunite with loved ones or family members face the same risks. The advisory points out that family members accompanying U.S. nationals may also be at risk of detention.
The U.S. Department of State has made it clear that dual citizenship, a Venezuelan visa, previous travel to Venezuela, or employment in the country do not provide immunity from the risks posed by the current regime. The advisory unequivocally states that every American in the country is at risk of detention.
In light of these concerns, the Department of State strongly urges any U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela to leave the country immediately, regardless of their residency status or the type of passport they hold. The government advises against all travel to Venezuela for any reason, emphasizing the urgent need for caution and the potential threats present.
