U.S. Issues A ‘Do Not Travel’ Warning, Advises No Traveling to Venezuela

The U.S. has officially renewed its “Do not travel” warning for Venezuela, informing Americans to understand that the government “has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens” amidst ongoing threats of terrorism and civil unrest within the country.

The Department of State asked Americans to reconsider traveling there “due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” in their recent travel advisory update.

Withdrawing all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and suspending all U.S. operations in Venezuela, the new warning was issued on May 13 after originally being issued in 2019.

Ahead of the upcoming Venezuelan election in late July, political demonstrations have become more frequent and happen at short notice. With the election involving current leader Nicolas Maduro, the Department of State recognized and warned travelers that “Anti-Maduro demonstrations have elicited a strong police and security force response.”

Additionally, shortages of electricity, water, medicine and other necessities continue across the country.

If you do decide to travel to Venezuela, the Department of State asks that you read their advisory on how to travel safely if you must.