U.S. Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Venezuela, Advising Citizens to Depart Instantly
WASHINGTON - The U.S.State Department issued a stark travel alert for Venezuela on Thursday, urging all U.S. citizens to leave the country immediately due to security concerns. The warning cites the presence of Colombian terrorist groups operating in border regions and the risk of kidnapping or detention, even providing guidance on establishing a “proof of life” protocol for potential hostage situations.
The alert comes amid heightened tensions and an unprecedented U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean Sea, signaling a meaningful escalation in Washington’s concern over the volatile situation in Venezuela. While the Venezuelan government confirmed a recent “cordial” conversation between President Nicolás Maduro and President Donald Trump, the U.S. president characterized the exchange as simply “a call.” The travel advisory impacts the estimated number of American citizens residing in or traveling to Venezuela, and underscores the deteriorating security landscape within the South American nation.
According to the State Department,terrorist groups operating in areas bordering Colombia,Brazil,and Guyana pose a threat to the safety of North Americans in Venezuela. The advisory specifically details measures U.S. citizens shoudl take if kidnapped or detained, including developing a pre-arranged “proof of life” protocol with family members. This protocol involves establishing specific questions and answers to be used with potential captors to verify continued well-being.
“This plan should include a ‘proof of life’ protocol with your loved ones so that if you are taken hostage, detained, or tortured, your loved ones know what specific questions (and answers) to ask your kidnappers to confirm that you are still alive,” the alert states.
