U.S. Issues Dire Warning: Venezuela Now Most Dangerous for American Travelers

The U.S. government has issued a stark warning to American citizens: steer clear of Venezuela, now deemed the most dangerous destination for travelers. With a Level 4 Travel Advisory—the highest possible—Venezuela presents a gauntlet of risks that read like a dystopian novel. Wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, and rampant crime are just the start. Add to that arbitrary law enforcement, civil unrest, and a health system so broken it might as well be a relic of the past.

Venezuela holds the grim distinction of detaining more U.S. nationals wrongfully than any other country. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas? Shuttered since 2019, leaving no consular support for Americans caught in the chaos. If you lose your passport or need emergency help, you’re on your own. Police crackdowns on protests are brutal, with tear gas and rubber bullets turning demonstrations into scenes of looting and violence.

For those still considering a trip, the State Department’s advice is sobering: draft a will, set up a ‘proof of life’ protocol, and maybe hire a private security team. Medical care? Barely existent, especially for basics like over-the-counter meds. And don’t even think about venturing near the borders with Colombia, Brazil, or Guyana, where terrorist groups roam freely.

Senator Marco Rubio has warned of severe sanctions if Venezuela doesn’t start taking back its deported citizens, signaling deeper tensions. For now, the message is clear: if you’re in Venezuela, get out. If you’re planning to go, reconsider—your safety isn’t guaranteed, and Uncle Sam won’t be there to bail you out.