WASHINGTON D.C. – January 12, 2026 – In the wake of last week’s dramatic US military operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. Department of State has escalated its travel advisory for Venezuela to the highest level, issuing an urgent “Do Not Travel” warning and an immediate call for all US citizens to evacuate the country. The heightened alert cites significantly increased risks due to “paramilitary activity, widespread civil unrest, arbitrary detention, and a severe breakdown of law and order.”
The extraordinary advisory underscores the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Venezuela as the nation grapples with a profound political vacuum and an uncertain future following Maduro’s removal and the US announcement of an interim government.
“Leave Immediately”: A Critical Deterioration of Security
The State Department’s updated advisory provides a stark warning to any Americans remaining in Venezuela:
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Elevated Threat Level: The core of the warning centers on intelligence indicating a surge in “paramilitary group activity” and the potential for targeted actions against US citizens. This includes both pro-Maduro collectives and other armed groups exploiting the chaos.
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Civil Unrest and Violence: The advisory notes the potential for “unpredictable and widespread civil unrest, including violent demonstrations, roadblocks, and clashes between various factions.” Such events could quickly escalate and trap individuals.
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Arbitrary Detention Risk: There is an increased risk of arbitrary detention, particularly for individuals perceived to be linked to the US or critical of the unfolding political situation. The State Department has repeatedly stated its limited ability to provide consular services within Venezuela.
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Infrastructure Collapse: The advisory also highlights the continued collapse of essential services, including widespread power outages, water shortages, and a strained healthcare system, further complicating any emergency situation for foreign nationals.
“The decision to issue such a severe warning is not taken lightly,” stated a State Department spokesperson in a briefing today. “Our intelligence indicates a critically volatile environment. For their safety, we urge all US citizens to depart Venezuela immediately through commercial options or, if necessary, to contact the embassy for assistance with emergency departures.”
The Aftermath of the “Venezuela Strike”
The urgent advisory is a direct consequence of the “Venezuela Strike” operation, which saw US forces capture President Maduro last Saturday.
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Power Vacuum and Instability: Maduro’s capture has created a power vacuum, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declared acting president by Venezuela’s loyal Supreme Court, while the US pushes for the establishment of an interim government. This fractured leadership has exacerbated instability.
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Paramilitary Mobilization: Reports suggest that various pro-government armed civilian groups, known as “colectivos,” have been heavily mobilized, acting as unofficial law enforcement and potentially targeting perceived enemies of the former regime.
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Regional Repercussions: The US intervention has also drawn sharp criticism from global powers like China and Russia, further complicating the diplomatic landscape and potentially fueling anti-US sentiment within Venezuela.
Limited Consular Services and Evacuation Routes
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has been operating with severely reduced staff and capabilities for years. The new advisory reiterates these limitations:
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Embassy Capacity: The ability of the embassy to provide emergency services to US citizens is “extremely restricted” due to the ongoing political crisis and lack of cooperation from local authorities.
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Commercial Options Preferred: US citizens are strongly advised to utilize available commercial flights out of the country as soon as possible.
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Emergency Contact: For those facing immediate threats or unable to secure commercial travel, the State Department has provided emergency contact information for assistance, though resources are described as “highly limited.”
The situation on the ground remains fluid and highly dangerous, transforming Venezuela into a critical flashpoint in international relations and a perilous environment for foreign nationals.
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