The State Department has renewed its long-standing “do not travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing high risks across crime, terrorism, detention, and weak health infrastructure, Fox News reports. U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are urged to depart promptly, with officials noting there is no safe way to travel to the country and that the U.S. cannot guarantee emergency services or consular assistance there. Travelers are warned that even small border incursions can lead to detention, and that violent crime—including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking—is common.
The advisory thoroughly highlights additional dangers for visitors, such as risks from unregulated taxis near Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport and problematic ATM use. It also points to activity by dangerous Colombian terrorist groups near Venezuela’s borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.
Citizens detained abroad may face lengthy detentions without due process, limited or no communications, and harsh treatment, including torture, according to former detainees and independent human rights groups. The State Department also cautions travelers to prepare a “proof of life” plan and to assume that government assistance may be unavailable.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Americans are being detained in Venezuela, a claim reflected in the advisory’s warnings. Ongoing shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicines, and medical supplies are noted as further reasons for caution.
Despite the advisory, Venezuela offers notable tourist sights, such as Canaima National Park and its famed Saltos Angel waterfalls, as well as the Los Roques Archipelago with its white-sand beaches. The renewed warning arrives as President Trump intensifies his campaign against narco-terrorism, promising broader action against drug traffickers and emphasizing accusations against the Maduro government for weaponizing migration and for alleged involvement with organized crime.