The U.S. State Department has reissued its most severe travel advisory for Venezuela, urging all U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents to depart the country immediately. This is a Level 4: "Do Not Travel" warning, the highest level of caution issued by the U.S. government, underscoring the extreme danger faced by Americans currently in the nation.
Why the Urgent Call to Depart?
The advisory cites a confluence of extreme and life-threatening risks, making the environment in Venezuela highly perilous for U.S. nationals. The key threats highlighted by the State Department include:
High Risk of Wrongful Detention: The U.S. government has determined there is a very high risk of U.S. nationals being wrongfully detained. Venezuelan security forces have held U.S. citizens for extended periods—up to five years—often without respect for due process or consular access. Reports indicate detainees have been subjected to torture and cruel, inhumane treatment.
Crime and Kidnapping: Violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, and carjacking, is pervasive. Kidnapping, including "express kidnappings," is a serious and frequent threat, particularly along airport routes and in border regions.
Civil Unrest and Political Instability: The political and economic situation remains volatile. Demonstrations and civil unrest occur often with little warning and can turn violent, with authorities employing force against participants.
Terrorism and Arbitrary Enforcement of Laws: The presence of terrorist groups in border areas and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws create an unpredictable and dangerous legal environment for foreigners.
Collapsed Infrastructure and Poor Health System: Severe shortages of basic necessities like fuel, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies continue nationwide. The health infrastructure has collapsed, meaning medical emergencies or evacuations may be impossible to facilitate.
The Challenge of Consular Assistance
A critical factor driving the urgency is the U.S. government's severely limited ability to provide assistance. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in March 2019.
Crucially, the U.S. government cannot provide emergency or routine consular services, assist in replacing lost or expired travel documents, or aid should the need for a medical emergency or evacuation arise.
U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Venezuela are essentially on their own, facing the high possibility of detention without consular notification or access to family/legal counsel.
Immediate Actions for U.S. Citizens in Venezuela
If you or a loved one are a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident currently in Venezuela, the U.S. State Department’s message is clear: Depart immediately by commercial means if it is safe to do so.
For those unable to leave immediately, the State Department offers grim but necessary contingency planning steps:
Do Not Rely on U.S. Government Help: Contingency plans must not depend on government assistance.
Secure Medical Evacuation Insurance: Purchase medical evacuation insurance, as air evacuations may not be possible.
Create a "Proof of Life" Protocol: Develop a communication plan with family that includes a specific "proof of life" protocol to use if you are wrongfully detained, to help expose potential extortion scams.
Prepare Legal Documents: Prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
The renewed Level 4 advisory is a stark reminder of the extreme and unique risks facing Americans in Venezuela. The combined threat of wrongful detention, widespread violent crime, and a crumbling infrastructure underscores the necessity of heeding this urgent call to evacuate.
⚠️ Resources for Concerned Family and Friends
If you have a family member in Venezuela, you can monitor the official U.S. State Department Venezuela Travel Advisory for the latest official information.