Saturday, May 17, 2025
The US State Department has reissued a stark travel advisory urging Americans to avoid all travel to Venezuela, a country in South America bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, citing an escalating array of dangers. The advisory, updated in 2025, goes beyond typical cautions, uniquely advising travelers to prepare a will, designate insurance beneficiaries, and establish powers of attorney prior to travel, highlighting the grave risks involved.
This heightened alert comes amidst growing diplomatic tensions between the US and Venezuela, compounded by economic sanctions and the absence of a functioning US embassy in Caracas since March 2019, which has left Americans residing in or visiting Venezuela without official consular support or evacuation options.
Overview of Venezuela’s Political and Diplomatic Context
Venezuela has been in a prolonged state of political and economic crisis, with widespread shortages, civil unrest, and deteriorating public services, including healthcare infrastructure. The diplomatic relationship between the US and Venezuela has been strained for years, worsened in recent months by sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department.
A significant trigger was the revocation of Chevron’s license to export Venezuelan oil, an action taken by the US government aimed at pressuring the administration of President Nicolás Maduro. In retaliation, Venezuela suspended deportation flights from the US on March 8, although an agreement to resume repatriation flights for immigrants in the US illegally was reached later that month.
The US has not maintained a diplomatic presence in Venezuela since the closure of its embassy in 2019, significantly complicating assistance for American citizens there.
Detailed Contents of the New Travel Advisory
The updated travel advisory explicitly states:
“Do not travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.”
This warning underscores the heightened dangers facing travelers, including reports of arbitrary arrests and human rights abuses in detention facilities, as documented by the US Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
The advisory also reflects concerns about Venezuela’s ongoing social instability, pervasive crime rates, and fragile medical services that may be unable to provide adequate care in emergencies.
In addition, the advisory’s recommendation to prepare wills and powers of attorney is an unusual but necessary precaution given the volatile environment and the limited US government capacity to assist citizens abroad.
Impact on Americans in Venezuela
The lack of a US diplomatic mission means there is no consular support for Americans in Venezuela, no possibility of standard visa processing, nor typical evacuation options in case of emergency. The US Department of State encourages citizens to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates but warns that consular services are limited.
Travelers are also reminded of the risk of arbitrary detention and the need for heightened vigilance and contingency planning.
Wider US Government Travel Advisory Updates
The Venezuela advisory update is part of a broader review of travel warnings issued by the US government in May 2025. For example:
- The United Kingdom was downgraded to a Level 2 advisory due to terrorism risks, with a recommendation for increased caution.
- Myanmar (Burma) remains under a “Do Not Travel” warning, citing armed conflict and ongoing violence.
The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides these advisories to inform US citizens of current risks abroad, regularly updating them based on evolving conditions. These advisories can be accessed through their official website.
Broader Implications for US-Venezuela Relations
The advisory reissue reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions. The US’s sanctioning of key Venezuelan industries, such as oil, is part of a broader strategy to pressure the Maduro government toward democratic reforms. In response, Venezuela has taken measures impacting migration flows and cooperation on immigration enforcement.
The closure of the US embassy in Caracas and the lack of diplomatic channels hinder dialogue and complicate consular protection efforts, creating significant challenges for US citizens in the country.
Recommendations for Travelers and Families
Experts urge US citizens to consider the following precautions:
- Avoid travel to Venezuela unless absolutely necessary.
- If travel is essential, ensure that wills, insurance beneficiaries, and powers of attorney are updated and legally documented prior to departure.
- Maintain continuous communication with family or legal representatives back home.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive critical updates.
- Monitor the US Department of State website for the latest information.
Access to Official Resources
Citizens planning travel or currently residing in Venezuela can consult these authoritative government sources for guidance:
- US Department of State – Venezuela Travel Advisory
- US Department of Treasury – Sanctions Programs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Venezuela Travel Health Notices
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Conclusion
The US State Department’s updated travel advisory for Venezuela signals the gravity of risks faced by travelers and residents alike, including arbitrary detention, inadequate medical infrastructure, and civil unrest. In the absence of US diplomatic presence, the advisory’s unprecedented call to prepare wills and powers of attorney underlines the seriousness of the situation.
For those with plans to travel to Venezuela or who currently reside there, vigilance, thorough preparation, and close attention to official updates are essential to personal safety and security.
