The United States government issued a strong warning on January 10, urging its citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately. Officials said the security situation remained fluid despite the resumption of international flights.
The administration said in its statement on X that armed militias, referred to locally as colectivos, had started checking cars and erecting roadblocks. These groups allegedly sought proof of U.S. citizenship or support for the country, according to the authorities. When travelling by vehicle, citizens were urged to be watchful and cautious.
Travel advisory
The country presently has the highest travel advice level, Level 4: Do Not Travel, according to the government. Officials clarified that the serious threats that Americans in the nation confront were the reason for this warning. Wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary local law enforcement, criminality, public unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure were among these hazards.
U.S. residents were cautioned by authorities to keep an eye on airline websites and communications for the most recent travel information. In order to obtain security updates, they also recommended signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrolment Program (STEP) at [http://step.state.gov](http://step.state.gov).
The statement “Venezuela: The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid. As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately. Before departure, U.S. citizens should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.
There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. Remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road. Monitor airlines’ communications and websites for updated information.
“Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4: Do Not Travel – due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov to receive security updates.
This most recent alert emphasised the increasing threats in Venezuela and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s demand that its people put their safety first and depart the nation as soon as possible
This development comes following an arrest of the country’s President, Nicolas Maduro and airstrike in its capital city.
See the tweet below:
Venezuela: The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid. As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately. Before departure, U.S. citizens should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. There are reports of… pic.twitter.com/Dqvs7wrB00
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) January 10, 2026
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