The U.S. State Department has reissued its strongest travel advisory—Level 4: Do Not Travel—for Venezuela, citing growing threats, including wrongful detentions, political unrest, and a deteriorating healthcare system.
In an updated security alert released on January 6, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, reiterated the longstanding directive that American citizens should avoid all travel to Venezuela.
The embassy also urged those already in the country to depart immediately, warning of limited U.S. government capabilities to assist in emergencies due to the suspension of diplomatic operations since 2019.
“The security situation in Venezuela remains unpredictable and dangerous,” the alert states. “U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave now and take precautions to ensure their safety while they arrange for departure.”
Key concerns include:
- Arbitrary enforcement of local laws
- Risk of wrongful detention and torture
- Frequent power and utility outages
- A fragile healthcare system
- High crime rates, including kidnapping and violent robbery
According to the State Department, these threats have persisted and intensified since the withdrawal of all diplomatic personnel from Caracas nearly seven years ago. Without consular services operating in-country, U.S. citizens face significant risks if caught in legal or medical emergencies.
A senior State Department official, speaking on background, told reporters: “We continue to receive credible reports of Americans being targeted in Venezuela—whether for extortion, political leverage, or ransom. This is not a theoretical risk. It’s happening.”
Commercial flights have resumed on a limited basis, but ticket availability remains scarce due to high demand and constrained operations. The embassy advises travelers to monitor airline websites regularly and make swift arrangements to exit the country.
In addition, Americans in Venezuela are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and establish communication with loved ones abroad.
Venezuela has consistently ranked among the most dangerous countries for foreign visitors, according to independent travel risk assessments. While some countries maintain minimal diplomatic presence in Caracas, the U.S. has continued to route all consular affairs for Venezuela through its embassy in Bogotá.
As of January 2026, the travel advisory remains unchanged at Level 4, aligning Venezuela with countries like North Korea, Syria, and Afghanistan in terms of traveler risk.
For official updates and emergency assistance, U.S. citizens are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá or the State Department’s Office of Consular Affairs.
