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The United States has reissued its highest-level travel advisory for Venezuela, warning Americans not to travel there. This alert highlights the inability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to citizens in distress.

Rising instability and crime

The advisory was reissued due to civil unrest, increasing instability, and a significant rise in violent crime. U.S. officials noted that Venezuela is experiencing a "slide towards dictatorship," frequent terrorist threats, and growing anti-American sentiments. Crimes like homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking are common.

The U.S. government advises travelers who insist on going to Venezuela to set up a "proof of life" protocol with their loved ones. This protocol involves having specific questions and answers to confirm the hostage’s identity in case of a kidnapping, ensuring that their loved ones know they are alive.

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Additionally, the Department of State has identified a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens in Venezuela. Security forces have detained Americans for up to five years without notifying the U.S. government or granting access to the detainees.

Political decline and travel impact

Venezuela, once a popular tourist destination due to its Caribbean coastline and beautiful islands, has seen a sharp decline in tourism since Nicolás Maduro took office in 2013 after Hugo Chávez's death. The State Department accuses Maduro of pushing Venezuela closer to tyranny and claiming the presidency through a rigged election. Maduro has strengthened alliances with nations like Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China, further repressing the Venezuelan people.

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The current travel warning, initially issued in 2019 when the U.S. began withdrawing its personnel from Venezuela, was reiterated on May 13. This advisory comes ahead of the July election, which will determine the future of the country. The State Department also warned that political rallies and demonstrations, often with little notice, elicit strong responses from police and security forces, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants.