U.S. Warns Citizens to Leave Venezuela Immediately Due to Extreme Risks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert on May 12, 2025, urging all American citizens and lawful permanent residents in Venezuela to leave the country immediately due to extreme risks of arbitrary detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, and criminal violence.

The alert is a stark warning against traveling to Venezuela. It states, “Do not travel or stay in Venezuela for any reason,” explaining that the U.S. Government cannot offer any consular or emergency assistance to its citizens in the South American country.

Since March 2019, when the U.S. Embassy in Caracas closed, American officials have had no official presence in Venezuela. The document detailed that travel routes between Maiquetía Airport and Caracas are particularly dangerous.

According to the State Department, Venezuelan security forces have detained U.S. citizens for periods of up to five years without access to legal representation or contact with family. Reports from former detainees and independent human rights organizations describe severe torture and cruel treatment, including beatings and simulated drowning.

The alert noted that the risk of arbitrary detention is not limited to those entering with a U.S. passport. Any individual with U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status in the U.S. in Venezuela can face arrest without due process.

In Venezuela, criminal violence such as homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, and carjacking is common. Political protests are often met with tear gas and rubber bullets, sometimes resulting in looting and vandalism.

The humanitarian situation is also dire, with widespread shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicines, and basic medical supplies, complicating even minor health emergencies. The Department advises anyone traveling to Venezuela to bring sufficient medication for their stay.

Additionally, travelers are urged to update all standard vaccinations and consider protection against diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, polio, and potential malaria prophylaxis due to high infection risks.

Attempting to enter Venezuela without a valid visa may lead to indefinite detention. Visas are not issued upon arrival, and crossing even a few meters over the land border could result in detention.

The U.S. Government also highlights that the Maduro regime may cancel existing visas or residency permits at any time without notice.

Conditions at airports pose further risks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a ban on civilian flights in Venezuelan airspace, and U.S. authorities discourage the use of unregulated taxis at Maiquetía Airport.

For those who choose to travel or remain in Venezuela despite the warnings, the State Department recommends preparing a will, designating beneficiaries for insurance, and establishing communication protocols with family members.

The final message from the Department of State is clear: “There is no safe way to travel to Venezuela. The only safe option is to not go.”