The U.S. State Department has renewed its strongest travel advisory for Venezuela, warning American citizens not to travel to the country and urging those currently there to leave immediately amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas

Venezuela remains designated as Level 4: “Do Not Travel”, the highest warning level issued by the United States. The updated advisory was released earlier this week.

“Do not travel to or remain in 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,” the advisory said.

The State Department emphasized that U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents in the country face severe risks, adding: “All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately.”

According to the advisory, U.S. officials have documented numerous cases of Americans being wrongfully detained by Venezuelan authorities. Some have been held for as long as five years, often without due process.

“Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years without respect for due process,” the statement noted. It added that Venezuelan authorities rarely inform the U.S. government of such detentions, nor do they allow U.S. officials access to American detainees. Families and independent legal counsel are also routinely denied contact.

The renewed advisory comes amid heightened U.S.–Venezuela tensions. The Trump administration recently intensified its pressure campaign on President Nicolás Maduro’s government, including launching airstrikes on what it described as drug-trafficking boats in the region.

President Donald Trump recently stated that the United States may consider land-based military operations in Venezuela, signaling a further escalation in rhetoric.

In October, reports emerged that the administration had given the CIA authority to conduct lethal operations in Venezuela, as well as expanded activities throughout the Caribbean. According to U.S. officials cited in private discussions, the broader objective of these measures is to force Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. (ILKHA)