The US government has issued a stark warning to its citizens: do not travel to Venezuela — for any reason. The alert, posted by the US Embassy in Caracas on May 27, highlights severe safety threats and urges Americans already in the country to leave immediately.

The advisory lists seven major dangers, including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, crime, and poor healthcare. The Department of State says more US nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else. Some are arrested upon arrival at borders, airports, or seaports, with no access to lawyers or contact with family.

Adding to the risk, there is no functioning US embassy or consulate in Venezuela. This means no emergency help is available for citizens in need. The government warns that Venezuelan officials do not inform the US of arrests and often deny consular access entirely.

Americans are also told to stay far from the borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana, which are poorly marked and risky.
The final message is clear: “There is no safe way for Americans to travel to Venezuela.”