The United States has issued an urgent and stark warning for its citizens currently in Venezuela, instructing them to leave the country without delay. This critical advisory comes as the security landscape in the South American nation remains highly volatile and unpredictable.
Immediate Departure Urged as Flights Resume
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs made a clear and direct statement. The department declared that with the resumption of international flights, all US citizens in Venezuela should depart the country immediately. This represents the highest level of travel caution, effectively urging an evacuation of American nationals.
The warning was disseminated via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Officials emphasized that the overall security situation "remains fluid," a term indicating rapid and potentially dangerous changes that are hard to predict. The US has also maintained its longstanding advisory against any travel to Venezuela for its citizens.
Specific Threat from Armed 'Colectivos'
A significant and specific danger highlighted in the warning involves armed militia groups known locally as "colectivos." According to reports cited by the State Department, these groups have been setting up roadblocks and stopping vehicles.
Their stated purpose is to search for evidence of US citizenship or any expressions of support for the United States. This targeted activity creates a severe and direct threat to American travelers and residents.
The advisory strongly recommended that citizens planning to depart must take extreme precautions and maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings at all times. This context follows recent dramatic events, including U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the reported capture of the country's ousted President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces. These events have fueled significant political tension and public demonstrations, such as a recent supporters' march in Valencia, Venezuela, calling for Maduro's release.
Broader Implications and Necessary Actions
This urgent travel warning underscores the profound deterioration of safety for foreigners, particularly Americans, in Venezuela. The explicit mention of armed groups actively hunting for US citizens marks a serious escalation in the risks faced.
For any American still in Venezuela, the directive is unambiguous: secure a seat on an outgoing international flight and leave at the earliest possible moment. The situation demands prioritizing personal safety above all else, as the potential for violence, detention, or being caught in civil unrest is critically high. The global community will be watching closely to see how this tense situation between the US and Venezuela develops in the coming days.
