The United States government has issued an urgent security alert, calling on all American citizens currently in Venezuela to depart the country immediately. The advisory, released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, cites a volatile security environment and significant threats to U.S. nationals.
Heightened Security Risks
The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela warned that the local security situation is unstable and could deteriorate rapidly. Specific concerns include reports of armed militia groups, known locally as "collectivos," setting up unauthorized roadblocks. These groups are reportedly searching vehicles and individuals for proof of American citizenship or affiliation with U.S. interests.
Level 4 Travel Advisory: Do Not Travel
Venezuela remains at the highest level of U.S. travel warnings (Level 4: Do Not Travel). The State Department highlighted a wide range of critical risks, including:
Arbitrary Detention: High risk of U.S. citizens being held without clear legal cause.
Torture and Abuse: Reports of mistreatment during detention.
Violent Crime: High rates of kidnapping, terrorism, and civil unrest.
Infrastructure Collapse: Persistent outages of electricity, water, and essential healthcare services.
Limited Consular Assistance
The State Department reiterated that it has limited capacity to assist Americans within Venezuelan borders. Since March 2019, when all diplomatic personnel were withdrawn and embassy operations in Caracas were suspended, routine and emergency consular services have remained unavailable. American citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution and maintain constant vigilance while arranging their departure.
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