In a stark message released by the US Embassy in Caracas on May 27, citizens were told to stay away from Venezuela due to “severe risks” that make any travel unsafe.
Venezuela – once popular with tourists due to its stunning natural attractions, including Angel Falls and a diverse range of wildlife – has been impacted severe economic and political crisis since 2013, with several countries introducing travel advisories.
The State Department’s Stark Advisory
The US Department of State has maintained a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela for several years. But the alert has intensified in light of what officials describe as a surge in wrongful detentions of US nationals.
According to the advisory, more Americans are wrongfully imprisoned in Venezuela than in any other country on Earth.
“Do not travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure,” the State Department said in a news release. “No trip is worth the price of freedom.”
The US Embassy in Caracas suspended operations back in March 2019. With no consular staff or emergency services available, US citizens are effectively on their own inside the country.
Dangers Facing Americans in Venezuela
The advisory paints a grim picture of the situation on the ground. Americans entering Venezuela — even with valid visas or dual citizenship — are at “extreme risk” of being detained.
The US government warns that citizens “may be unjustly charged with terrorism or other serious crimes and detained for long periods.” This includes detentions at land borders, airports, and maritime ports. According to the official statement, “Venezuelan authorities do not inform the US government of the detention of US citizens and the US government is not able to visit those citizens. Venezuelan authorities do not allow detained US citizens to contact family members or private attorneys.”
Even close proximity to Venezuela’s borders with Colombia, Brazil, or Guyana poses a risk. The borders “are not clearly marked in many locations,” and travelers risk accidentally crossing into Venezuelan territory — a mistake that could lead to immediate detention.
“Do not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally and being detained,” the statement warns.
“Operation Tun-Tun” and Political Unrest
Venezuela’s deteriorating political climate has only added fuel to the fire. Following the disputed July 2024 presidential election, the Maduro-led government launched “Operation Tun-Tun,” a massive crackdown that resulted in thousands of detentions, per KTLA. Among those detained were opposition members and even children, with widespread reports of torture.
The country continues to suffer from massive shortages of essential goods such as gasoline, electricity, water, and medicine. The health infrastructure is described as “poor,” making access to basic medical care nearly impossible for foreigners and locals alike.
What Should Americans Do?
The US government’s position is clear: “There is no safe way for Americans to travel to Venezuela.”
There is also a direct appeal to Americans currently inside the country. The government recommends that “all US citizens in Venezuela leave immediately.” The advisory also instructs US citizens to avoid all border areas and refrain from any attempts to travel through or near Venezuela.
Family members and partners of US nationals have also been detained alongside American travelers, demonstrating that even indirect connections to the United States can lead to arrest.
