The U.S. Embassy in Bogota has issued an urgent warning to American citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately as the security situation remains fluid and unpredictable. According to the warning, there are reports of armed militia groups, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks throughout the country and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. U.S. citizens still in Venezuela are urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution when traveling by road.
The embassy reiterated its longstanding travel advisory against Venezuela, which has been in effect since 2019, emphasizing that with international flights having resumed, U.S. citizens should take advantage of commercial departure options without delay.
Americans were advised to take precautions and maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings before departing.