The U.S. government has once again advised its citizens against traveling to Venezuela “for any reason,” citing the high risk of arbitrary detention and imprisonment without due process. This warning comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, with the United States lacking diplomatic representation in Venezuela since March 2019. This suspension followed the recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president by the Trump administration.
In an official statement, the Department of State expressed concerns about the significant risk faced by Americans who may be arrested in Venezuela. The U.S. government often does not receive timely information regarding the detention of its citizens, nor are they allowed consular visits. Detainees frequently lack contact with family members and do not have access to legal representation.
This announcement closely follows a recent advisory from Venezuela’s foreign ministry, which warned its citizens about potential risks when traveling to the United States. The Venezuelan government pointed out documented cases of wrongful deportations, arbitrary detentions, and discriminatory treatment, including imprisonment without due process and abductions in third countries.
In response to the U.S. travel advisory, Venezuela’s foreign ministry dismissed the claims as unfounded, accusing the U.S. government of disregarding migrants’ rights, including those of children, and committing abductions, detentions, and disappearances.
This context highlights the strained relations between the two countries and underscores the complexities of international travel advisories that reflect broader geopolitical tensions. While the U.S. government emphasizes the safety of its citizens, it is essential to recognize the concerns being raised by the Venezuelan government, creating a complex narrative of fear and caution surrounding travel to both nations.