US issues urgent ‘do not travel warning’ for tourist destination as it explains extreme risks of people visiting
**The US government has issued its strongest travel warning against visiting Venezuela, urging citizens to avoid the country “for any reason.” The State Department highlights severe risks including wrongful detention, kidnapping, terrorism, and arbitrary enforcement of laws, noting more Americans are currently detained there than in any other nation. With no functioning US embassy, consular assistance is unavailable, and travelers are advised to leave immediately if already in Venezuela.**
**The warning specifically cautions against approaching Venezuela’s borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana, where accidental crossings could lead to detention. Poor health infrastructure, civil unrest, and crime further compound the dangers. The advisory reinforces Venezuela’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” status, in place since 2019 when diplomatic staff were withdrawn.**
