U.S. issues ‘do not travel’ warning to parts of this Southeast Asian vacation spot
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If you’re thinking of traveling to Venezuela anytime soon, take note that the country is one that you should avoid traveling.
The U.S. State Department issued its highest travel advisory for Venezuela, warning Americans not to travel there “for any reason.”
It also advises any U.S. citizens or residents should leave the country immediately, if they are there now.
Here is what you need to know about the travel advisory and why the U.S. government is saying you shouldn’t travel there.
What does the latest travel advisory to Venezuela mean to you?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | May 12, 2025 |
| What’s changing | Updated travel advisory urging travelers not to travel to Venezuela “for any reason” due to “high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest and poor health infrastructure” |
| What will happen? | Travelers should “not travel” to Venezuela and U.S. citizens already there are urged to leave immediately because the U.S. government can provide little support to Americans wrongly detained or stranded for any reason, especially since there are no U.S. Embassy services currently operating in the country. |
| Who will it affect? | Travelers to Venezuela |
The agency gave a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory to Venezuela due to the “high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest and poor health infrastructure.”
Also, Venezuela continues to face shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicine and medical supplies.
What is the highest travel advisory?
There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. This travel advisory for the Philippines is a Level 2 concern for the entire area, and Level 4 for at least two islands.
When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning?
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.
What should travelers to Venezuela do in light of this travel advisory?
The U.S. State Department warns people who do not heed the travel warning to do the following:
- prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney
- develop a communication plan with family and/or an employer or host organization. A plan should include a “proof of life” protocol with loved ones so that if you are taken hostage, detained, and/or tortured, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm you are still alive. This will help expose scam artists who attempt to falsely extort your family members by claiming the ability to have you released.
- consider hiring professional security
- any contingency plans for travel to or from Venezuela should not rely on U.S. government assistance
You can find more information and advice related to this travel advisory here.
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
