U.S. Embassy urges citizens to leave Venezuela immediately due to security risks

U.S. Embassy Urges Citizens to Leave Venezuela Immediately Due to Escalating Security Risks

On January 3, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela issued a critical statement advising all American citizens to evacuate the country immediately due to severe security threats. This advisory comes in light of recent reports of explosions occurring in and around the capital city of Caracas, raising alarms over the safety of U.S. nationals in the region.

Key Details

The U.S. Embassy"s warning explicitly states: "Do not travel to Venezuela; shelter in place." The embassy has also encouraged American citizens currently residing in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely security updates. The embassy in Bogota, Colombia, is monitoring the situation closely and has reiterated the dangers associated with travel to Venezuela.

Venezuela currently holds the highest Travel Advisory level, designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel. This classification is due to a multitude of severe risks faced by Americans, including wrongful detention, torture while in custody, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, rampant crime, civil unrest, and a deteriorating health infrastructure. The Travel Advisory, updated on December 3, 2025, strongly advises all U.S. citizens in Venezuela to depart the country immediately.

In a significant move, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas in March 2019, effectively suspending all operations. As a result, all consular services, including both routine and emergency assistance, remain suspended, leaving the U.S. government unable to provide emergency services to its citizens in Venezuela.

The embassy"s advisory includes specific actions for U.S. citizens in Venezuela: they are urged to shelter in place and to leave the country as soon as it is safe to do so. Additionally, individuals are advised to establish multiple methods of communication with friends and family outside of Venezuela to ensure their safety and maintain contact.

Background

The current situation in Venezuela is marked by ongoing instability, characterized by political turmoil, economic collapse, and social unrest. The country has been grappling with a humanitarian crisis, leading to mass emigration and a significant decline in living conditions. The U.S. government has expressed concerns over the treatment of American citizens in Venezuela, particularly in light of the country"s history of arbitrary detentions and human rights violations.

Recent developments have further escalated tensions in the region. Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed that U.S. Air Force operations targeted multiple sites in Venezuela, which may have contributed to the current security situation. This has raised concerns regarding the potential for increased military engagement and its implications for U.S. citizens in the area. For more on this, see our related coverage.

What"s Next

The U.S. Embassy"s urgent advisory highlights the critical need for American citizens to prioritize their safety and consider leaving Venezuela as soon as possible. The situation remains fluid, and the embassy continues to monitor developments closely. As the U.S. government has limited capacity to assist its citizens in Venezuela, the emphasis on immediate evacuation is paramount.

For ongoing updates and further information regarding U.S. military operations and their impact on the region, refer to our article on U.S. Special Forces engaged in military operations in Venezuela.

In summary, the U.S. Embassy"s warning serves as a stark reminder of the precarious conditions in Venezuela and the urgent need for American citizens to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.