US Department of State Tells Americans Leave Venezuela 'Immediately' [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jan 10, 2026 at 06:20 PM EST updated Jan 10, 2026 at 06:23 PM EST


The U.S. State Department ordered American citizens and lawful permanent residents on Saturday to leave Venezuela "immediately," citing an increasingly dangerous security environment and specific threats to U.S. nationals.

The warning came in a post on X as the U.S. Embassy responsible for Venezuela relayed reports of armed militias targeting travelers for evidence of American citizenship amid mounting civil unrest and public safety breakdowns. "The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid," the State Department wrote on X. "As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately."

Why It Matters

The State Department directive follows a fresh spike in violence and instability throughout Venezuela, a country already subject to a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory since 2019.

The evacuation order follows notable turbulence in the country's political landscape, including the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces last week, widespread protests, and a series of high-profile prisoner releases by acting Venezuelan authorities.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/us-department-of-state-tells-americans-leave-venezuela-immediately-11341230