DO NOT GO TO VENEZUELA!

U.S. ISSUES DIRE WARNING

Venezuela Poses Extreme Risk for American Travelers

The U.S. State Department has escalated its travel advisory for Venezuela to Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing unprecedented dangers for American citizens. The advisory highlights risks including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This marks Venezuela as one of the most hazardous destinations for Americans, with the U.S. government urging immediate departure for those in the country.

Since March 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas has been shuttered, leaving no consular support for Americans. This absence amplifies risks, as detainees often face prolonged isolation without access to family or legal counsel. The advisory chillingly recommends that travelers prepare a will and designate insurance beneficiaries before considering a trip, underscoring the severity of the situation. Reports indicate that more U.S. nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else globally, with security forces employing brutal tactics against anti-regime protests.

Travel to Venezuela has plummeted amid ongoing instability. In 2013, approximately 815,000 Americans visited the country, but by 2019, this number dropped to 400,000, reflecting growing concerns over safety and political turmoil. Current estimates suggest fewer than 100,000 Americans travel to Venezuela annually, with many visits tied to family or essential business rather than tourism. The collapse of diplomatic relations and airline services has further deterred travel, with major U.S. carriers slashing routes due to economic disputes.

For Americans living in Venezuela full-time, precise figures are scarce due to the lack of consular data. Estimates from 2019 suggest around 10,000–15,000 U.S. citizens resided there, primarily dual nationals or those with deep familial ties. However, ongoing crises, including medicine shortages and violent crime, have reportedly. reduced this number significantly. The State Department advises these residents to depart immediately, warning that no government assistance is available.

The advisory’s stark language reflects Venezuela’s descent into chaos under Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which faces accusations of human rights abuses and electoral fraud. For Americans, the message is clear: Venezuela is a no-go zone, with risks outweighing any potential rewards of travel or residency.