The U.S. Embassy in Caracas issued a Jan. 10 security alert urging American citizens in Venezuela to leave immediately amid reports that armed "colectivos" are setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles. The advisory notes the U.S. cannot provide emergency assistance after withdrawing embassy staff in March 2019. Venezuela remains at the State Department's highest travel advisory (Level 4: Do Not Travel) because of risks such as wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Venezuela and to depart when it is safe.
U.S. Urges Americans To Leave Venezuela Immediately As Armed 'Colectivos' Set Up Roadblocks
Pro-government armed civilians block streets in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, after President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country.
The U.S. government issued a security alert on Jan. 10 urging American citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas cited reports of armed militias — locally known as "colectivos" — establishing roadblocks and reportedly searching vehicles for signs of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. The notice stresses that the U.S. government cannot provide emergency assistance to Americans inside Venezuela.
What the Embassy Said
"U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately," the U.S. Embassy in Caracas said in its Jan. 10 security alert.
The alert specifically references multiple reports of armed groups operating on highways and secondary roads, and accounts that some motorcycle-riding militia members are patrolling city streets. Authorities warned these groups have been stopping and searching vehicles and may target individuals they suspect of ties to the U.S.
Demonstrators critical of the government clash with the security forces of the state in Venezuela.
Travel Advisory And Risks
The U.S. Department of State continues to list Venezuela at its highest travel advisory level: Level 4 — Do Not Travel. The advisory cites severe risks to Americans, including:
- Wrongful detention and arbitrary enforcement of local laws
- Torture and ill-treatment in custody
- Terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime
- Civil unrest and limited access to medical care
Limited U.S. Assistance
The embassy reminded U.S. citizens that in March 2019 the State Department withdrew diplomatic personnel and suspended operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. As a result, the U.S. government currently cannot provide emergency services to Americans in Venezuela.
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro protests his removal from the country by U.S. forces Jan. 3.
Practical Advice For U.S. Citizens
Officials advised: Do not travel to Venezuela. For those already in the country, the embassy recommended leaving as soon as it is safe to do so, particularly now that some international flights have resumed. Travelers should monitor official U.S. government communications and consider arranging commercial departure options while they remain available.
The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
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