The U.S. State Department has issued a stark warning to American citizens, urging them to avoid all travel to Venezuela due to severe risks, including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, and widespread civil unrest. On May 27, 2025, the department escalated its travel advisory to Level 4: Do Not Travel, the highest level, emphasizing the growing dangers for U.S. nationals in the South American country. This advisory comes as Venezuela holds more Americans in wrongful detention than any other nation, according to U.S. officials. For those already in Venezuela or considering travel, the message is clear: the risks are extreme, and the U.S. government’s ability to assist is severely limited.
The updated travel advisory highlights a range of threats facing Americans in Venezuela. The State Department cites wrongful detention as a primary concern, with Venezuelan security forces reportedly holding U.S. citizens for up to five years without due process. Detainees often face harsh conditions, including torture, and are frequently denied access to family or legal representation. Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s special presidential envoy for hostage recovery, stated, “There are more U.S. citizens being held in prisons in Venezuela than any other country. And these are not people that did anything wrong.” This sobering statistic underscores the gravity of the situation.
The absence of a U.S. embassy or consulate in Venezuela since its closure in 2019 further complicates matters. Without diplomatic presence, the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services, leaving detained Americans with little recourse. The advisory warns that Venezuelan authorities often fail to notify the U.S. government of detentions, and those detained are typically cut off from communication with the outside world. Even U.S. citizens with dual citizenship or valid visas are not immune, as visas and residence permits can be canceled without warning.
Beyond wrongful detention, the advisory points to other significant risks, including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic turmoil, exacerbated by the disputed July 2024 presidential election, has fueled widespread protests and violent crackdowns. The government’s “Operation Tun-Tun” has led to thousands of detentions, including opposition members and even children, with reports of torture and human rights abuses. Poor healthcare infrastructure and shortages of basic necessities like medicine, water, and electricity add further danger for travelers.
The State Department’s decision to reissue the Level 4 advisory, which has been in place since February 2019, reflects escalating concerns about Venezuela’s deteriorating conditions. The advisory was updated to “emphasize the extreme danger” to U.S. citizens, with new language urging those in Venezuela to “depart immediately.” In a rare and alarming directive, the advisory even suggests that travelers prepare a will and designate power of attorney before visiting, highlighting the severity of the risks.
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have been strained for years, with recent developments adding fuel to the fire. The U.S. Treasury Department’s revocation of Chevron’s license to export Venezuelan oil in early 2025 prompted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to suspend deportation flights, further souring relations. Meanwhile, Venezuela has accused the U.S. of systematic rights abuses against its citizens, issuing its own travel warning in response. These tit-for-tat actions have created a volatile environment for Americans in Venezuela.
The advisory also cautions against traveling near Venezuela’s borders, noting that even brief crossings can result in detention. Several Americans have been detained at land borders, airports, and maritime ports, often on vague charges like terrorism. The State Department advises against nighttime travel and recommends purchasing medical evacuation insurance, as local healthcare options are unreliable.
Venezuela’s track record of detaining Americans has drawn increasing scrutiny. While the Trump administration has secured the release of several U.S. citizens, including US Air Force veteran Joe St. Clair in May 2025, others remain in custody. St. Clair’s release, negotiated by special envoy Richard Grenell in a neutral country, was a rare success story amid a growing number of detentions. The advisory notes that family members or partners of U.S. nationals are sometimes detained alongside them, putting even non-Americans at risk.
The State Department has not disclosed the exact number of Americans currently detained, citing national security concerns. However, officials have emphasized that Venezuela’s detention practices are arbitrary and often politically motivated. The lack of transparency and due process makes it difficult for families to advocate for their loved ones or even confirm their status.
Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has worsened in recent years, driving millions to flee the country. The disputed July 2024 election, which saw Maduro claim victory amid allegations of fraud, sparked nationwide protests and a brutal government response. An independent panel backed by the Organization of American States described the post-election period as “the most severe and sophisticated phase of political repression in Venezuela’s modern history,” with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass detentions.
This unrest has created a dangerous environment for both residents and visitors. Despite Venezuela reporting 1.6 million foreign tourists in 2023, primarily from neighboring countries, the risks for Americans are uniquely high due to strained U.S.-Venezuela relations. The advisory’s strong language reflects the U.S. government’s concern that Americans, particularly those with ties to loved ones in Venezuela, may underestimate these dangers.
The State Department’s message is unequivocal: do not travel to Venezuela, and if you are already there, leave immediately. For those who must travel, the advisory offers practical advice:
The advisory also warns that even those with familial ties to Venezuela, such as dual citizens or those visiting spouses’ families, face the same risks as other travelers. The U.S. government’s limited ability to intervene means that preparation and caution are critical.
Venezuela is not the only country on the State Department’s Level 4 list. Other nations, including North Korea, Syria, Iran, and Myanmar, also carry the highest travel warning due to risks like armed conflict, terrorism, and wrongful detention. In May 2025, the U.S. issued or updated advisories for 21 countries, with Venezuela standing out due to its high number of detained Americans.
For comparison, the U.K. received a Level 2 advisory in May 2025 due to terrorism risks, while countries like Russia and Haiti also carry Level 4 warnings. These advisories reflect a broader effort by the U.S. to keep citizens informed of global risks, particularly in regions with limited diplomatic support.
The U.S. travel advisory for Venezuela serves as a sobering reminder of the country’s ongoing crisis and its implications for American travelers. With no immediate resolution to the political and economic turmoil, the risks of wrongful detention, violence, and inadequate infrastructure are likely to persist. For Americans, the safest course of action is to avoid Venezuela entirely and heed the State Department’s urgent call to depart.
As the U.S. continues to navigate its strained relationship with Venezuela, the focus remains on securing the release of detained citizens and preventing further incidents. For now, the message to Americans is clear: Venezuela is not a safe destination, and the consequences of travel could be life-altering. By staying informed and prioritizing safety, travelers can make responsible decisions in an increasingly uncertain world.
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