(DDM) – The United States government has maintained its highest-level travel advisory for Venezuela following recent military actions in the South American nation.
DDM gathered that Americans are strongly urged to avoid traveling to Venezuela after U.S. forces carried out operations in Caracas, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The U.S. State Department continues to classify Venezuela as a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” zone due to heightened risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, violent crime, and poor health infrastructure.
The latest advisory follows airstrikes reported on January 3, 2026, targeting Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, which caused multiple explosions and a large fire in Caracas.
U.S. media outlets CBS News and Fox News reported that unnamed Trump administration officials confirmed U.S. military involvement, though the White House and Pentagon have yet to provide official statements.
The operation resulted in Caribbean airspace restrictions, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded and disrupting regional flight schedules significantly.
During the operation, Nicolás Maduro and his wife were apprehended in Caracas and subsequently charged with drug trafficking and illegal weapon possession in federal court in Manhattan, New York.
Court proceedings revealed that Maduro claimed he was “a kidnapped president, prisoner of war” and insisted he remained the legitimate leader of Venezuela, asserting his innocence.
U.S. authorities warn that any American traveling to Venezuela risks limited support, as the United States closed its embassy in Caracas in 2019 and cannot provide emergency medical care, evacuation, or replacement travel documents.
Travel experts and U.S. officials recommend registering all trips to high-risk countries with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive critical updates and alerts during travel.
Observers note that Venezuela has been politically unstable for years, with ongoing clashes between government forces and opposition groups, deep economic crises, and widespread shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.
The recent military action and capture of Maduro have further escalated tensions, raising concerns about international diplomatic consequences and potential retaliatory measures within the region.
Analysts warn that travel to Venezuela remains highly dangerous and could expose visitors to severe security threats, arbitrary detentions, or harm due to ongoing civil unrest and anti-U.S. sentiment.
Humanitarian organizations and international observers emphasize that citizens of other nations should also reconsider travel plans to Venezuela, citing risks to personal safety, limited healthcare access, and volatile political conditions.
The situation underscores growing U.S. involvement in Latin America and its continuing strategy to target governments accused of drug trafficking or undermining regional stability.
Experts suggest that the current crisis may have lasting impacts on Venezuela’s tourism, trade, and foreign relations, with repercussions for both Americans and other foreign nationals attempting to visit the country
