Passengers check in at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, days after the government revoked operating rights for international airlines that suspended flights following a warning from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) The US State Department on Thursday issued an updated travel alert warning Americans against any travel to Venezuela amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
Do not travel to Venezuela
The State Department said US citizens should cancel any plans to visit Venezuela or remain in the country if they’re already there “due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.”
“All US citizens and lawful permanent residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately,” it added. “Do not travel to Venezuela for any reason.”
US preparing for operations inside Venezuela
The alert comes amid reports that the Trump administration may be preparing for operations inside Venezuela to force President Nicolas Maduro out.
Over the past few months, the US has been ramping up its military presence in the Caribbean, which many see as preparation for an impending land or air operation in the country. The US has deployed an aircraft carrier, warships, and F-35 jets, which the administration says are to target drug cartels.
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Trump has also authorised covert CIA operations in the country, as part of his pressure campaign against the Maduro government. The exact nature of these operations is classified, but they could involve sabotage, cyberattacks, propaganda, or supporting anti-Maduro groups.
Last week, Trump had said that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.”
Trump told military service members last week that the US would “very soon” begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.
The Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on alleged drug-trafficking vessels is also targeted at the Maduro government. According to the US, Maduro, who has been in power in Venezuela since 2013 is also the head of a drug cartel. Last month, the Trump administration designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation.
