U.S. Urges Americans to Leave Venezuela Amid Rising Security Threats
CARACAS, Venezuela — The U.S. government issued a stern security alert on January 10, 2026, urging all American citizens in Venezuela to depart the country immediately due to escalating safety concerns and the inability of U.S. officials to provide emergency assistance. The warning comes as reports surface of armed militias, known locally as “colectivos,” setting up roadblocks on Venezuelan roads to search vehicles for signs of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, these armed groups have intensified their presence, creating a perilous environment for Americans. The embassy’s security alert specifically cautions that “U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately,” emphasizing that the risks include arbitrary detention and violence.
The situation has deteriorated since the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the embassy in March 2019, suspending operations and leaving U.S. citizens without consular support. The embassy reiterated in its alert that “the U.S. government continues to be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela,” underscoring the gravity of the security vacuum.
The State Department maintains Venezuela at its highest travel advisory level, Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing severe threats such as “wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.” These warnings reflect ongoing instability within the country, exacerbated by the presence of pro-government armed civilians who have been seen blocking streets in Caracas and other cities.
As international flights have resumed, the embassy urges Americans to take advantage of available travel options to leave Venezuela promptly. The alert states, “As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately.” This advisory follows recent reports of mobs of motorcycle-riding militias intensifying crackdowns on individuals suspected of opposing the Venezuelan government.
Experts note that the colectivos have long been a source of intimidation and violence in Venezuela, often operating with tacit government approval. Their current strategy of roadblocks and vehicle searches targeting U.S. citizens marks a dangerous escalation. The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory continues to warn travelers of these risks.
Given the lack of diplomatic presence and the volatile security environment, the U.S. government’s message is unequivocal: Americans should not expect assistance and must prioritize their safety by leaving the country as soon as possible. The embassy advises, “Do not travel to Venezuela. U.S. citizens in Venezuela are advised to leave Venezuela as soon as they feel it is safe to do so.”
For those seeking guidance on travel and safety, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides health-related travel information, noting the poor health infrastructure in Venezuela as an additional concern.
This latest alert highlights the ongoing turmoil in Venezuela, where political instability and armed conflict have created dangerous conditions for foreign nationals. The U.S. government’s urgent call for Americans to exit the country reflects the deteriorating security landscape and the limited options available for protection or evacuation.
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