The U.S. Department of State has issued its “highest risk” travel advisory for Venezuela, designating it as Level 4: “Do Not Travel.” This designation reflects escalating dangers, including wrongful detentions, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, rampant crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. The advisory underscores that Venezuela currently detains more U.S. citizens wrongfully than any other country.
Since March 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas has ceased operations, leaving American citizens without consular services in the country. The State Department emphasizes that dual citizenship, a Venezuelan visa, past travel to Venezuela, or employment in the country does not protect U.S. nationals from potential detainment by President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Travelers are advised to prepare legal documents such as wills and power of attorney, arrange professional security, and establish communication protocols with family or employers. Healthcare in Venezuela is scarce, and the U.S. government will be unable to assist with lost or expired documentation. In the wake of the “highest risk” designation, Americans currently in Venezuela are urged to leave immediately due to escalating instability and lack of support from U.S. diplomatic missions.
