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By Hollie Silverman
News Editor
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The U.S. State Department ordered American citizens and lawful permanent residents on Saturday to leave Venezuela "immediately," citing an increasingly dangerous security environment and specific threats to U.S. nationals.
The warning came in a post on X as the U.S. Embassy responsible for Venezuela relayed reports of armed militias targeting travelers for evidence of American citizenship amid mounting civil unrest and public safety breakdowns.
"The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid," the State Department wrote on X. "As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately."
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Why It Matters
The State Department directive follows a fresh spike in violence and instability throughout Venezuela, a country already subject to a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory since 2019.
The evacuation order follows notable turbulence in the country's political landscape, including the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces last week, widespread protests, and a series of high-profile prisoner releases by acting Venezuelan authorities.
What To Know
The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela warned that armed groups known as "colectivos" have set up roadblocks by stopping vehicles and searching for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the U.S.
American citizens are urged to be cautious, especially when traveling by road, and to maintain heightened vigilance. The State Department also reaffirmed its highest-level advisory—Level 4: Do Not Travel—citing wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, breakdowns of law enforcement, civil unrest, and poor healthcare for the reason.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents already inside Venezuela are instructed to depart immediately, with officials emphasizing that assistance from the U.S. government is not available under current diplomatic constraints.
There have been no American diplomatic personnel in Venezuela since March 2019. As a result, the embassy’s functions have been transferred to officials in Bogotá, Colombia, with no routine or emergency consular operations active in Venezuela.
Citizens requiring assistance are directed to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá or the Department of State for guidance.
U.S. advisories also emphasized Venezuela’s nationwide shortages of fuel, electricity, water, food, medicines, and medical supplies.
Citizens are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates, keep regular contact with friends and family outside Venezuela, and plan contingency communication methods.
What Happens Next
The U.S. is expected to maintain its Level 4 advisory for Venezuela as long as security conditions and risks to Americans remain severe.
U.S. citizens still inside Venezuela are also urged to monitor commercial airline availability for departures and keep updated via official embassy channels.
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