The U.S. Department of State is advising U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Venezuela and its surrounding border regions.

Venezuela is currently under a Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest level issued.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against traveling to Venezuela due to the significant dangers present.

These dangers include the risk of wrongful detention, torture while detained, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, widespread crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Currently, Venezuela holds more U.S. nationals as wrongful detainees than any other nation.

In March of 2019, the Department of State removed all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, effectively suspending its operations.

Consequently, there is no U.S. consulate operating within Venezuela, and the U.S. government’s ability to provide standard or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela is severely limited.

Venezuelan authorities have violently suppressed pro-democracy or anti-government demonstrations, employing tactics such as tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against protestors, leading to instances of looting and vandalism.

If travel to Venezuela is unavoidable, the State Department advises taking the following precautions before departure.

Travelers should prepare a will, designate beneficiaries for insurance policies, and grant power of attorney.

Establish a communication strategy with family or employers that includes a “proof of life” protocol, and consider employing a professional security firm.

Travelers should be aware that medical care in Venezuela is limited, particularly access to over-the-counter medications.

Avoid Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana due to the presence of Colombian armed groups operating in these areas.

If you choose to travel to Venezuela, the U.S. government will be unable to assist in recovering lost, stolen, or expired travel documents.

U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela are strongly advised to leave the country immediately.

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