U.S. Government issues travel advisory: Avoid Venezuela due to high risks
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 28, 2025, 02:30 IST
( Image credit : NYT News Service, TOIGLOBAL )
Travel to Venezuela is highly discouraged by the U.S. government due to significant risks such as arbitrary arrest, violence, and rampant crime. With the U.S. embassy in Caracas shut down, support for American citizens is severely limited. Authorities have intensified their response to protests, creating a precarious environment. Travelers should take precautions, including preparing legal documents and ensuring personal safety.
The United States government is advising U.S. citizens against traveling to Venezuela due to severe risks, including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level of 4. The U.S. Department of State warns citizens not to travel to Venezuela. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela because the DOS withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas in March 2019 and suspended operations.
Venezuela currently has the highest Travel Advisory with a level 4.
The U.S. Department of State warns citizens not to travel to Venezuela due to severe risks.
These risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
Currently, more U.S. nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else in the world.
In March 2019, the DOS withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations.
This means there is no U.S. consulate operating in Venezuela and the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.
Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism.
If you are planning to still travel to Venezuela, the State Department recommends you do the following before traveling.
Travelers should prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney.
Develop a communication plan with family or your company with a "proof of life" protocol and consider hiring a professional security detail.
Travelers should have an understanding that medical care will be limited in Venezuela, especially over-the-counter medication.
Avoid Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana as Colombian terrorist groups operate in those areas.
If you choose to travel to Venezuela, the U.S. will not be able to assist you in recovering lost, stolen or expired travel documents.
It is advised that any U.S. citizen currently in Venezuela should depart immediately.
"VENEZUELA WILL FACE ‘SEVERE, AND ESCALATING SANCTIONS' IF IT DOESN'T ACCEPT ITS CITIZENS, RUBIO SAYS"
"AMERICANS HELD CAPTIVE BY SOUTH AMERICAN DICTATOR SYMPTOM OF DEEPER THREAT, SAYS FORMER GREEN BERET"
Venezuela currently has the highest Travel Advisory with a level 4.
The U.S. Department of State warns citizens not to travel to Venezuela due to severe risks.
These risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
Currently, more U.S. nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else in the world.
In March 2019, the DOS withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations.
This means there is no U.S. consulate operating in Venezuela and the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.
Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism.
If you are planning to still travel to Venezuela, the State Department recommends you do the following before traveling.
Travelers should prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney.
Develop a communication plan with family or your company with a "proof of life" protocol and consider hiring a professional security detail.
Travelers should have an understanding that medical care will be limited in Venezuela, especially over-the-counter medication.
Avoid Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana as Colombian terrorist groups operate in those areas.
If you choose to travel to Venezuela, the U.S. will not be able to assist you in recovering lost, stolen or expired travel documents.
It is advised that any U.S. citizen currently in Venezuela should depart immediately.
"VENEZUELA WILL FACE ‘SEVERE, AND ESCALATING SANCTIONS' IF IT DOESN'T ACCEPT ITS CITIZENS, RUBIO SAYS"
"AMERICANS HELD CAPTIVE BY SOUTH AMERICAN DICTATOR SYMPTOM OF DEEPER THREAT, SAYS FORMER GREEN BERET"