The United States has renewed its highest-level travel warning for Venezuela, citing extreme dangers tied to terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the collapse of basic services. The State Department reissued the “do not travel” advisory on Wednesday, emphasizing that “All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately.” The notice comes as President Donald Trump intensifies his campaign against narco-terror operations threatening Americans at home and abroad.
The renewed advisory repeats that the U.S. cannot provide emergency assistance in Venezuela following the 2019 severing of diplomatic ties and closure of the U.S. embassy. Officials stated plainly that “There is no safe way to travel to Venezuela,” urging Americans to avoid the country by any method of entry. Reports have documented that tourists face high risks of detention for even accidental border crossings. Violent crimes—including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking—remain widespread throughout the country. Travelers are warned that risks increase when using unregulated taxis or nearby ATMs at Maiquetia Simón Bolívar International Airport.
The advisory highlights that Colombian terrorist groups operate freely along Venezuela’s borders with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for years at a time without due process. Former detainees have reported severe torture, including beatings, waterboarding and prolonged stress-position restraint. The State Department instructed Americans with unavoidable travel plans to create a “proof of life” plan and not rely on government assistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in March that Americans remain wrongfully detained in the country. The advisory also outlines widespread shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicine and medical supplies, underscoring the deep instability under Nicolás Maduro’s socialist regime. Despite Venezuela’s dramatic natural landscapes, including Canaima National Park and the Los Roques Archipelago, officials stressed that tourism cannot outweigh the life-threatening conditions.
President Trump linked the renewed warning to his broader push against international narco-terrorism. “We’re knocking out drug boats right now at a level that we haven’t seen,” he said. “Very soon we’re going to start doing it on land too.” He again criticized Maduro for weaponizing migration, stating that Venezuela “sent us killers, murderers … drug dealers at the highest level … gang members and people from their mental institutions.”
As the administration continues tightening counter-terror and anti-drug operations, federal officials warn Americans to take the travel warning seriously. The State Department maintains that Venezuela poses one of the most dangerous environments in the Western Hemisphere, with no reliable protections for foreign citizens.
