The U.S. State Department on June 27 maintained its Venezuela travel advisory at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” after a series of powerful earthquakes, the agency said. See the full advisory at the State Department website: travel.state.gov — Venezuela travel advisory.
Venezuela travel advisory update
The June 27 advisory continues to label Venezuela as Level 3 and adds seismic damage to the list of risks for U.S. citizens, the State Department said. The advisory cites “crime, kidnapping, terrorism and poor health infrastructure” in its assessment and notes that recent earthquakes increased danger in some areas.
All factual descriptions below are drawn from the State Department advisory unless otherwise noted.
What the quakes did to transport and services
The State Department advisory says a magnitude 7.2 foreshock and a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck on June 24 and “caused extensive damage and disruption to transportation, infrastructure and emergency services.”
According to the advisory, travelers should expect:
- Damaged roads, bridges and local routes limiting ground access.
- Delays or cancellations on internal flights while airports and air routes are inspected.
- Overwhelmed or offline utilities and health facilities in hardest-hit zones.
The advisory cautions that emergency services in affected areas may be operating at reduced capacity, increasing response times for medical and rescue needs.
Where the State Department says Do Not Travel
The advisory identifies specific Level 4 “Do Not Travel” areas because of security and access risks. The State Department lists these regions as areas American travelers should avoid:
- Venezuela–Colombia border region
- Amazonas state
- Apure state
- Aragua state outside of Maracay
- Guárico state
- Táchira state
- Rural areas of Bolívar state
Crime, armed groups and health risks
The State Department advisory warns that violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping occur in Venezuela and that irregular armed groups “can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning.” The advisory also notes a lack of reliable national crime reporting.
On health, the advisory states that medical infrastructure in many regions is poor and may be unable to provide routine or emergency care after natural disasters. Travelers in need of medical assistance should not assume timely local access outside major cities.
Local examples in the advisory include disruptions to emergency services and limited access to medical facilities in rural and hard-hit zones. Travelers visiting remote tourism sites or family in affected areas should plan accordingly, the State Department says.
Advice for Americans and next steps
The State Department recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel to Venezuela and avoid the Level 4 areas listed above. If travel is unavoidable, the advisory suggests the following steps:
- Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and help the embassy locate you.
- Confirm flight and ground-transport status before departure and build flexibility into itineraries.
- Keep emergency contacts and consular information accessible, and carry identification and important medical records.
- Avoid travel after dark and do not travel alone in unfamiliar or rural areas.
- Have contingency funds and an evacuation plan in case services are disrupted.
Fox News Digital reported that Washington has provided disaster relief and that U.S. officials said assistance was intended to help meet immediate needs while coordinating with local authorities. For the latest operational guidance and additional consular options, consult the State Department link above.
What comes next
Conditions can change quickly after major earthquakes due to aftershocks, infrastructure repairs and shifting security dynamics, the State Department warns. Travelers should monitor the State Department travel page and local authorities for updates and be prepared to change plans on short notice.
Key indicators to watch include reopening of road corridors and bridges, resumption of regular internal flights, restoration of health services, and any updates to Level 3/4 designations on the State Department site.
Frequently asked questions
Should Americans travel to Venezuela now?
The State Department recommends reconsidering travel to Venezuela. For most nonessential travel, including tourism, officials advise postponing until risks decrease and infrastructure stabilizes.
Which areas are under a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory?
The advisory lists the Venezuela–Colombia border region, Amazonas, Apure, Aragua outside Maracay, Guárico, Táchira and rural Bolívar as Level 4 “Do Not Travel” zones.
How will the earthquakes affect flights and local transport?
The advisory says to expect delays, cancellations and limited ground access where roads or bridges were damaged. Internal flights and bus routes may be rerouted or suspended until inspections and repairs are completed.
For the current official advisory and consular options, consult the U.S. State Department page: travel.state.gov — Venezuela travel advisory.
Source attribution: U.S. State Department travel advisory (June 27) and Fox News Digital reporting. Reporting contribution: Peter D’Abrosca of Fox News Digital.
