The U.S. Government issued this Tuesday, May 27, 2025, an official level 4 alert, the highest category of the State Department’s warning system, urging its citizens not to travel to Venezuela for any reason.
In addition, it requests Americans or legal residents of the United States who are currently in Venezuelan territory to leave the country immediately.
Venezuela Travel Alert
According to the State Department statement, Venezuela currently presents an extreme risk environment, with threats that include:
Arbitrary detentions without due process.
Torture during the period of detention.
Terrorism and kidnapping.
Abusive police practices.
Common violent crimes.
Civil unrest.
Collapse of the healthcare system, including drug shortages and inadequate medical care.
The official report also details that Venezuela is the country with the highest number of U.S. citizens unjustly detained, according to U.S. government records.
No embassy or consular assistance
One of the most alarming aspects is that the United States currently has no embassy or consulate in Venezuela, which means that it cannot provide any consular assistance to its citizens.
In addition, Venezuelan authorities do not notify the United States when they detain a U.S. citizen, making any attempt at diplomatic intervention or legal assistance even more difficult.
The State Department was emphatic in stating that having dual citizenship, a valid Venezuelan visa, having previously traveled to Venezuela, or even working legally in the country, does not protect U.S. citizens from arrest or detention.
Venezuela responds with similar warning
Hours after the U.S. announcement, the Venezuelan government issued its own alert, advising its citizens against traveling to the United States.
In addition, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil urged Venezuelans residing in the U.S. to leave the country, claiming that they are victims of systematic human rights violations, arbitrary arrests and deportations, and that they are being transferred to detention centers in third countries.
Gil also denounced what he called a “xenophobia operation” promoted by sectors of the Venezuelan and U.S. ultra-right, in a message disseminated via Telegram.
What should Hispanics in the U.S. do?
Buzzy
For the Hispanic community residing in the U.S., especially those who have family or professional ties with Venezuela, this alert implies that travel to the Caribbean country is not recommended under any circumstances.
It is also important to warn family members who are considering a trip that they could be left in a situation of total defenselessness in case of a legal or medical emergency.
Those already in Venezuela should seek a safe departure as soon as possible and may consult with embassies of allied third countries for assistance.
In addition, the State Department suggests that all U.S. citizens abroad register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updated security alerts and facilitate communication in crisis situations.
For more news, visit QueOnnda.com.
