The U.S. State Department issued an urgent advisory on Saturday instructing all Americans currently in Venezuela to leave the country without delay, citing escalating security risks and a rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground.
The evacuation warning came just one day after President Donald Trump encouraged major U.S. oil companies to prepare for renewed investment in Venezuela’s energy sector as part of broader efforts to stabilize the country and rebuild critical infrastructure.
According to U.S. officials, Venezuela remains under a Level 4: Do Not Travel designation—the most severe travel warning issued by the federal government. The advisory points to serious threats facing American citizens, including unlawful detention, violent crime, civil unrest, terrorism risks, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and an unreliable healthcare system.
The alert follows major political upheaval in Venezuela after former president Nicolás Maduro was removed from power and transported to the United States to face federal narcotics-related charges. In the aftermath, the country has been placed under emergency rule by senior regime officials, leading to widespread instability.
International media reports indicate that armed civilian groups have been deployed in several areas to enforce loyalty to the remaining leadership. Residents have described increased vehicle checkpoints, phone inspections, and heightened surveillance—actions that have raised alarm among foreign nationals and locals alike.
Authorities in Caracas have reportedly issued emergency decrees banning public demonstrations or celebrations related to recent political events. Security forces were instructed to detain individuals suspected of supporting U.S. actions, further increasing concerns about arbitrary arrests and due-process violations.
On Friday, President Trump confirmed he halted a previously planned follow-up military operation after Venezuelan officials released a number of political detainees. The president described the move as a positive step toward cooperation and stability, noting that discussions were underway to modernize Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure with significant private-sector investment.
Trump emphasized that while additional action has been paused, U.S. assets remain positioned in the region to protect American interests and ensure regional security.
The president traveled to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend and has not yet commented publicly on the evacuation order. U.S. officials continue to urge Americans in Venezuela to depart immediately while commercial travel options remain available.