Venezuela Holds Record U.S. Citizens in Prison, U.S. Issues Level 4 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State has issued its highest travel advisory, Level 4: Do Not Travel, for Venezuela due to severe risks including wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping, terrorism, violent crime, and inadequate healthcare. Venezuela currently holds more U.S. citizens in prison unjustly than any other country, with detainees often subjected to harsh conditions without due process; many are held solely because of their American nationality. There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Venezuela, and Venezuelan authorities do not notify U.S. officials when Americans are detained, nor allow consular visits, leaving detainees frequently denied access to family or legal counsel. The advisory warns that all U.S. nationals are at risk regardless of dual citizenship, visas, or previous travel history, and that family members accompanying Americans may also face detention. The State Department strongly urges any U.S. citizens remaining in Venezuela to leave immediately to avoid these imminent dangers. These warnings are echoed by U.S. embassies in neighboring countries and highlight the Maduro regime's use of U.S. citizens as political pawns.