The U.S. Department of State has reissued its travel advisory for Venezuela, strongly urging U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela due to numerous critical safety concerns. This updated advisory emphasizes the persistent and extreme dangers facing U.S. citizens who choose to live in or travel to Venezuela. The risks are significant and encompass wrongful detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of laws, widespread crime, civil unrest, and a severely compromised healthcare system.
Why is Travel to Venezuela So Dangerous?
In 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas ceased operations and all diplomatic personnel were withdrawn. This drastic measure underscores the U.S. government’s extremely limited capacity to assist American citizens within Venezuela. Currently, all consular services, including both routine and emergency assistance, remain suspended indefinitely. This means the U.S. government is severely restricted in its ability to provide any kind of emergency support to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. For Americans requiring consular help, the advisory is clear: leave Venezuela as soon as it is safely possible and seek assistance from a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.
The Grave Risk of Wrongful Detention
One of the most alarming aspects highlighted in the Venezuela Travel Advisory is the high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals. The advisory explicitly states that Venezuelan security forces have detained U.S. citizens for extended periods, in some cases for as long as five years. Compounding this issue is the fact that the U.S. government is often not even informed when a U.S. citizen is detained in Venezuela, and access to these prisoners is frequently denied. This lack of transparency and access creates an exceptionally precarious situation for any American citizen in Venezuela.
Pervasive Crime, Terrorism, and Civil Unrest
Beyond the risk of wrongful detention, Venezuela is plagued by widespread violent crime. The advisory points to homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking as common occurrences. Political instability further exacerbates the danger. Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent and can erupt with little to no warning. Venezuelan police and security forces have been known to respond to anti-government demonstrations with excessive force, including tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. These situations can quickly descend into chaos, with instances of looting and vandalism.
Furthermore, the presence of Colombian terrorist groups in Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana adds another layer of serious security concerns. These groups operate with a degree of impunity in these areas, posing a threat to safety and security.
Critical Shortages and Failing Infrastructure
The Venezuela travel advisory also emphasizes the ongoing shortages of basic necessities. Gasoline, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies are consistently scarce throughout much of Venezuela. This breakdown in essential infrastructure further complicates daily life and significantly impacts safety and well-being, especially in the event of an emergency. The already strained and poor health infrastructure means that access to adequate medical care is not guaranteed.
Limited U.S. Government Assistance: Plan Accordingly
The U.S. government’s ability to assist citizens in Venezuela is severely limited. The advisory stresses that U.S. citizens should not rely on U.S. government assistance when making contingency plans for travel to Venezuela. This is a critical point: if you choose to travel to Venezuela, you are largely on your own. The U.S. government cannot guarantee assistance with lost or expired travel documents, medical emergencies, or evacuations.
If You Decide to Travel to Venezuela: Essential Precautions
Despite the strong “Do Not Travel” advisory, if you deem travel to Venezuela unavoidable, the Department of State provides critical advice for mitigating risks:
- Avoid all travel via land border crossings. These routes are particularly dangerous. Night travel between cities, including travel between Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas, is unsafe.
- Do not attempt to enter Venezuela without a valid Venezuelan visa obtained in advance. Visas are not available upon arrival, and attempting entry without one can lead to indefinite detention without consular access.
- Prepare for the worst-case scenario: Draft a will, designate insurance beneficiaries, and establish power of attorney.
- Develop a robust communication plan with family, employers, or host organizations, including a “proof of life” protocol in case of kidnapping.
- Purchase medical evacuation insurance. Emergency medical care and evacuation are not guaranteed, and the U.S. government cannot provide assistance.
- Consider hiring professional security. Given the high crime rates, personal security measures may be necessary.
- Be self-sufficient with medications. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines may be unavailable.
Stay Informed and Safe
For more detailed information, U.S. citizens are urged to consult the Department of State’s country information page for Venezuela. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S. embassy to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Venezuela and the CDC’s Travel Health Information for the most up-to-date safety and health guidance.
The Venezuela travel advisory is unequivocal: travel to Venezuela is currently unsafe for U.S. citizens. The risks are severe and multifaceted, and the ability of the U.S. government to provide assistance is severely limited. Reconsider all travel to Venezuela at this time.
