January 10, 2026: Do Not Travel to Venezuela; Depart Immediately
The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela, reiterating warnings against travel to Venezuela dating to 2019. As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates.
Before departure, U.S. citizens should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road.
Intermittent power and utility outages continue throughout the country.
Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4: Do Not Travel – due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
In March 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas and suspended operations. All consular services in Venezuela, routine and emergency, remain suspended. The U.S. government continues to be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.
Actions to Take:
• Do not travel to Venezuela.
• U.S. citizens in Venezuela should take precautions to ensure their safety.
• All U.S. citizens in Venezuela are advised to leave Venezuela as soon as they feel it is safe to do so.
• U.S. citizens in Venezuela are advised to check flight information in order to depart the country. Some commercial airlines have resumed operations from Venezuela, but tickets may be subject to high demand and limited availability. Monitor airlines’ communications and websites for updated information.
• U.S. citizens in Venezuela should establish multiple methods of communication with friends and family outside of Venezuela.
• U.S. citizens who choose not to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations, as the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and follow us on Facebook and X to receive security updates.