The U.S. government issued an urgent directive on Saturday to any American citizens currently inside Venezuela: leave now.
In a security alert dated January 10, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Bogota painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground, warning that the security environment remains fluid and highly dangerous. While international flights have recently resumed, officials are urging Americans to secure a seat and depart immediately.
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The warning goes beyond general crime statistics. The alert details specific intelligence regarding groups of armed militias, known locally as colectivos. These groups are reportedly setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles specifically for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States.
Travelers moving by road are being told to remain hyper-vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.
This escalation reinforces Venezuela’s standing as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” destination—the highest risk category assigned by the State Department. The advisory cites severe threats including wrongful detention, kidnapping, torture, terrorism, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Compounding the danger is the country’s crumbling infrastructure, with intermittent power and utility outages continuing nationwide.
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Crucially, the alert reminds citizens that there is no diplomatic safety net. The U.S. Department of State withdrew all personnel from the embassy in Caracas in March 2019 and suspended operations. Consequently, there are no consular officers on the ground to assist if an American is arrested, injured, or taken hostage. The U.S. government “continues to be unable to provide emergency services,” the statement read.
For those attempting to evacuate, commercial airlines are operating, but tickets are subject to high demand and limited availability. The guidance advises Americans to check flight information constantly and establish multiple methods of communication with friends and family abroad.
For those who choose to stay—or are unable to leave—the advice is blunt: prepare your own emergency contingency plans, because official assistance is not an option.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates as the situation evolves.
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