The U.S. government has issued a stern warning to its citizens, advising against travel to Venezuela due to significant risks. The country is currently under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, the highest level of alert. This advisory cites numerous dangers including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.
A particularly concerning issue highlighted by the advisory is the high number of U.S. nationals wrongfully detained in Venezuela. The U.S. Department of State notes that more Americans are unjustly held there than in any other nation. Other foreign nationals face similar risks.
There is no operational U.S. embassy or consulate in Venezuela, which means the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to its citizens in the country. Furthermore, Venezuelan authorities do not notify the U.S. government about detentions nor allow detained individuals to contact family members or private attorneys.
Travelers are also warned about the unclear demarcation of Venezuelan borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. There is a risk of accidentally crossing into Venezuela and being detained as a result.
U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all Venezuelan borders and leave the country immediately if they are already present there.
For further information, individuals should consult the full Travel Advisory for Venezuela.