Travel warning: USA strongly advises against traveling to Venezuela!

Travel warning: USA strongly advises against traveling to Venezuela!

The US State Department tightened its travel warning for Venezuela on May 13, 2025. Citizens are strongly advised not to travel to the South American country due to the high risk of arbitrary arrests, torture, terrorism, kidnappings, and numerous other security concerns. These new warnings specifically concern all US citizens and legal residents of Venezuela, who are asked to leave the country immediately. Loud Epoch Times Social unrest and inadequate health infrastructure in Venezuela are also some of the reasons for the tightening of the travel warning.

Special mention is made of the risks of arbitrary arrests, in which US citizens can be held without due process for up to five years. According to reports, those affected are often unable to contact their families or legal advice. In addition, many prisoners experience torture and inhumane treatment, including severe ill-treatment. This frightening reality is illustrated by the reports of travel.state.gov which emphasize the dangers of crime, civil unrest and poor health care.

Security situation and political tensions

The government in Caracas has rejected the travel warning as a hostile act and describes it as an expression of cynicism and political propaganda. Diplomatic relations between the US and Venezuela were severed back in 2019. In view of the tense situation, repatriation flights for illegal migrants to Venezuela also came into force last week. Despite these agreements, Washington does not recognize the government of Nicolás Maduro, which most recently came to power in the July 2024 presidential election - a victory that the US does not recognize and that the opposition denounces as electoral fraud.

Tensions between the two countries remain very high. US President Donald Trump had accused Venezuela of provoking an “invasion” by allowing entry to suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang. These developments led to violent protests, which again resulted in numerous arrests.

Health infrastructure and travel warnings

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela means that not only security but also medical care is severely compromised. According to travel advisories from the US government, healthcare in the country is characterized by a shortage of medicines and medical equipment. Travelers are advised to bring their own supplies of medication and to find out about necessary vaccinations such as yellow fever, meningitis and malaria prophylaxis.

Given these risks, it is strongly recommended that all travel plans to Venezuela be reconsidered. The U.S. government cannot guarantee consular assistance or emergency services in Venezuela, leaving few safe options to travel the country. The risks are particularly high at night and the use of unregulated taxis or ATMs should be avoided.