The United States has issued a blunt warning to American citizens: leave Venezuela as soon as possible. According to a U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs post, the security situation in the South American country remains “fluid”—which is diplomatic language for unstable, unpredictable, and not a place you want to test your luck.
The advisory comes just one week after U.S. military forces carried out a mission in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both have since pleaded not guilty in a New York courtroom to multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism. Not exactly the kind of news that calms things down back home.
While international flights to and from Venezuela have resumed, the State Department is urging Americans still in the country to remain extremely cautious, watch their surroundings, and stay alert when traveling by road. Officials warned of armed militias known as “colectivos” setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for signs of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States—because nothing says “people’s revolution” like armed groups stopping cars.
Americans who remain in Venezuela are advised to frequently monitor flight options, establish multiple lines of communication with friends or family outside the country, and prepare emergency contingency plans. The U.S. also made it clear it cannot provide emergency assistance to Americans inside Venezuela, a reality that underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Venezuela is currently classified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” the highest advisory level, due to severe risks including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, widespread crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. The U.S. has maintained warnings against travel to Venezuela since 2019, when it withdrew all diplomatic personnel and suspended embassy operations in Caracas.
Since President Donald Trump took office a year ago, pressure on drug cartels and Venezuela’s socialist regime has intensified. Under Operation Southern Spear, launched in September 2025, U.S. forces have conducted dozens of strikes against boats confirmed to be transporting drugs through the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. According to U.S. officials, more than 100 alleged narco-terrorists have been killed in the effort to stop illegal drug trafficking into the United States.
On January 3, Operation Absolute Resolve—a swift overnight raid in Caracas—successfully captured Maduro and his wife without a single American casualty. Trump also ordered sanctions on oil tankers tied to Venezuela, and on Friday, the U.S. seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean as part of that campaign.
Venezuela holds the largest oil reserves in the world, and days after Maduro’s capture, Trump announced the U.S. would receive between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated the oil would be sold at market price, with the proceeds controlled by the U.S. president to benefit both the Venezuelan and American people. He directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately and said oil companies would invest at least $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
Despite the travel warning, the U.S. and Venezuela have indicated they are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations. An American delegation recently visited the country to assess reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, which has been closed since 2019 amid allegations of election fraud.
For now, the message to Americans is clear: caution first, safety always. With decisive leadership, strong enforcement, and a clear strategy, the United States continues to protect its citizens and stand firm—at home and abroad.
