The State Department Issues a Strict Warning: Do Not Travel to This Country!

The U.S. State Department has once again issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing “severe risks” to American citizens including the threat of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and torture.

In a statement released Tuesday, the State Department emphasized the absence of an operational embassy or consulate in Venezuela, which severely limits the U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency consular services to its citizens within the country. The advisory strongly urges all U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela to depart immediately.

“U.S. citizens are at extreme risk of detention when entering Venezuela at any location. They may be unjustly charged with terrorism or other serious crimes and detained for long periods,” the State Department warned in a news release. The department further noted that “U.S. citizens have been detained upon arrival at land borders, airports, and maritime ports of entry,” underscoring that “There is no safe way for Americans to travel to Venezuela.”

The State Department has maintained a Level 4 travel advisory for Venezuela since at least March 2019, when it announced the temporary suspension of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Travel advisories at levels 3 and 4 are subject to review at least every six months.

According to the State Department, more U.S. nationals are currently wrongfully detained in Venezuela than in any other country globally. In some instances, detentions have occurred when individuals inadvertently crossed into Venezuelan territory from neighboring countries where border demarcations may be unclear. Detained Americans may also face unjust accusations of serious crimes, including terrorism.

The Venezuelan government does not notify the U.S. government of detentions, hindering the U.S.’s ability to visit or provide assistance to these citizens. The State Department also reports that U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela are often unable to contact family members or private legal counsel.

In addition to the risk of detention and kidnapping, the State Department highlights other potential dangers in Venezuela, including the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, civil unrest, and a fragile health infrastructure.