Venezuela Travel Advisory Maintained Following US Operation, Maduro Capture, And Flight Disruptions

Following the United States’ recent operation in Venezuela and the capture of the latter country’s President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Americans’ travels to the South American nation should remain on hold.

The State Department’s travel advisory for Venezuela was last updated in early December 2025. The U.S. government classifies the South American country as a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” zone. The U.S. warns travelers of risks in Venezuela, including terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, wrongful detention, “poor health infrastructure,” and more.

If a U.S. passport holder does travel to Venezuela as of this report, the U.S. warns that it cannot provide replacements for lost or expired travel documents. Additionally, the U.S., which pulled its diplomatic personnel from its Embassy in Caracas in 2019, says it cannot help its citizens in Venezuela with emergency medical or evacuation assistance.

What Else Is There To Know About Travel To Venezuela?

The United States’ military operation in Venezuela included airstrikes, subsequently resulting in the restriction of Caribbean airspace and tens of thousands stranded. The U.S. apprehended Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, on January 3. Both spouses face charges related to drug trafficking and weapon possession. Both pleaded not guilty in federal court in Manhattan, New York, earlier this week.

According to Politico, during the court date, Maduro at one point said, “I am a kidnapped president, prisoner of war.” When asked to enter a plea, he reportedly claimed, “I am innocent. I am not guilty, I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”

Travel to any country with heightened tensions with the U.S. is risky and should be avoided. Whenever traveling abroad, the State Department recommends registering your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The program provides travelers with important information and updates for the country they’re visiting.

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