US considers reopening Caracas embassy amid ongoing Venezuela security risks

Washington, Jan 5: The Trump administration is laying the groundwork for a potential reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, even as American officials caution that Venezuela’s security environment remains unstable and dangerous for U.S. nationals. A senior State Department official said preparations are underway should President Trump decide to move forward, stressing that no final decision has been taken.

The remarks coincided with a renewed security alert from the U.S. Embassy, advising Americans against traveling to Venezuela and urging heightened vigilance for those already in the country. The advisory noted that Venezuela continues to be classified under the highest U.S. Travel Advisory level, citing serious threats such as wrongful detention, violent crime, civil unrest, and limited access to medical care.

The embassy also highlighted that there are currently no commercial flights operating to or from Venezuela, further restricting travel and evacuation options for foreign citizens. It reiterated that all U.S. diplomatic staff were withdrawn from Caracas in March 2019, resulting in the suspension of embassy operations and the unavailability of all consular services, including emergency assistance.

“The U.S. government remains unable to provide emergency services to American citizens in Venezuela,” the embassy said. Americans currently in the country were advised to take comprehensive safety measures, maintain multiple lines of communication with family and friends outside Venezuela, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates.

Individuals seeking consular assistance were directed to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which oversees Venezuela-related matters. The United States has not maintained an operational embassy in Caracas since 2019, following the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel amid escalating political tensions and worsening security conditions.