The United States government has urgently told all American citizens to leave Venezuela immediately. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert on Saturday, January 10, 2026, citing severe risks including armed militia roadblocks targeting U.S. citizens. This warning follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces just a week prior.
Colectivos Target Americans Amid High Danger
The U.S. State Department's advisory, categorized as a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning, highlights numerous dangers for Americans in the country. The alert specifically warns of "colectivos," armed pro-regime militias, reportedly establishing roadblocks. These groups are searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. Reporters and activists in Caracas have observed rifle-carrying members of these colectivos moving around the capital on motorbikes and setting up checkpoints. Roads connecting Caracas to the western border are also heavily policed with dozens of military and police checkpoints. The State Department emphasized that U.S. citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road.[theguardian+5]
Beyond the immediate threat from colectivos, the U.S. government warns of severe risks including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, and kidnapping. Americans also face arbitrary enforcement of local laws, widespread crime, and ongoing civil unrest. The country's health infrastructure is poor, further complicating any emergency situations. Intermittent power and utility outages continue across Venezuela, adding to the instability and daily challenges for residents.[ve+8]
No U.S. Consular Services Available, High Risk of Detention
U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela should not expect emergency assistance from their government. The U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas in March 2019. Since then, all consular services, both routine and emergency, have been suspended. This means the U.S. government has no ability to provide essential emergency services or consular assistance to its citizens remaining in Venezuela. This lack of direct representation is a critical factor in the travel warning.[ve+9]
The U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, now handles U.S. responsibilities for Venezuela when possible, operating through a "Venezuela Affairs Unit." However, direct consular visits to detained U.S. citizens in Venezuela are not possible due to the suspension of operations in Caracas. There have been past instances of U.S. citizens being detained without due process or fair trial guarantees. These detentions have sometimes occurred as a pretext for an illegitimate purpose, often due to the individual's U.S. citizenship. This history puts U.S. citizens in Venezuela at significant risk of wrongful detention. The State Department may not even be informed of detentions, particularly if an individual also holds Venezuelan citizenship.[ve+10]
Given these circumstances, Americans are advised to take precautions, remain vigilant, and exercise extreme caution, especially when traveling by road. They should also establish multiple methods of communication with friends and family outside of Venezuela to ensure their safety and allow for outside contact in an emergency.[theguardian+4]
Departure Options and Venezuelan Response
The U.S. State Department urged citizens to depart immediately now that some international flights from Venezuela have restarted. This reopening of air travel provides a window for Americans to leave the country. However, officials note that tickets may be subject to high demand and limited availability. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should monitor airline communications and websites for updated information on flight schedules and availability. Those who choose not to depart, despite the Level 4 warning, should prepare comprehensive contingency plans for emergency situations. This includes having sufficient supplies, communication plans, and understanding local laws.[theguardian+10]
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has strongly disputed the U.S. security alert. They called the warning "based on fabricated accounts aimed at creating a perception of risk that does not exist." The ministry asserted that Venezuela is experiencing "absolute calm, peace, and stability." They also stated that all populated centers, communication routes, checkpoints, and security devices are functioning normally. The ministry emphasized that all weapons of the Republic are under the control of the Bolivarian Government, which they claim is the sole guarantor of legitimate force and the tranquility of the Venezuelan people. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil made similar statements on social media.[theguardian+9]
Recent Political Events and Embassy Status
This urgent advisory follows significant political developments in Venezuela. U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, one week before the security alert was issued. The military operation, which involved a deadly night-time assault on Caracas, reportedly resulted in scores of deaths. While many Venezuelan opponents of Maduro's regime have celebrated his capture, government supporters have taken to the streets to protest. They denounce his capture as an "imperialist act of aggression." U.S. President Donald Trump had previously claimed the U.S. was "running" the South American country after removing its leaders.[theguardian+10]
Despite the severe travel warning and the ongoing tensions, a small team of U.S. diplomatic and security personnel visited Caracas on January 9, 2026. This team aimed to conduct an initial assessment for a potential phased resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. President Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. is "thinking about" reopening the embassy, which closed in March 2019. The embassy closure occurred after Trump recognized opposition lawmaker Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president, rejecting Maduro's 2018 reelection as illegitimate. Since then, U.S. responsibilities for Venezuela have been handled by the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in neighboring Bogota, Colombia.[theguardian+9]
The U.S. and Venezuela have taken initial steps toward exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations after Maduro's capture. This included Venezuela's acting president, Delcy RodrÃguez, stating a decision to "initiate an exploratory process of a diplomatic nature" with the U.S. for re-establishing missions. However, the immediate security situation for American citizens in Venezuela remains highly volatile and dangerous. TheU.S. Department of State continues to advise against all travel to Venezuela due to the ongoing high-risk environment.[en+5]
