The United States warns Americans not to go to Venezuela due to the risk of torture
The U.S. State Department warned citizens not to travel to Venezuela, warning of “serious risks”, including unlawful detention, kidnapping and torture.
The State Department said it does not have an embassy or consulate that operates in South American countries and cannot provide regular or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens there. The State Department said all U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela should leave immediately.
“U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when entering Venezuela anywhere. They may unfairly commit terrorism or other serious crimes and be detained for a long time,” the State Department said in a press release announcing the warning. “U.S. citizens are detained upon reaching the land border, airports and ports of sea entry. Americans have no safe way to travel to Venezuela.”
The department said there are currently more U.S. nationals incorrectly detained in Venezuela than any other country. In some cases, detention occurs when people accidentally cross Venezuela from neighboring countries, where borders may not be clearly marked. The State Department said serious crimes, including terrorism, could also be unfairly detained Americans.
The Venezuelan government does not report detention to the U.S. government, making it impossible for the U.S. to visit those citizens or intervene. The State Department said U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela cannot contact their family members or private lawyers.
Other potential problems in Venezuela include arbitrary enforcement of local laws, civil unrest and poor health infrastructure, the State Department said.
The following figure shows State Council Travel Consultation By country. Hover over a country and see what level of consultation it has and look for a specific country on the dining table.
Travel consultation by country
