U.S., UK and Canada Elevate Travel Advisories to "Do Not Travel" for Venezuela

Following the high-stakes U.S. military operation in Caracas on January 3, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have all issued the highest-level travel warnings for Venezuela.

As of this morning, January 7, 2026, the U.S. State Department has reaffirmed a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, citing the extreme risk of detention, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Global Affairs Canada have followed suit, warning that consular assistance is virtually non-existent due to the "State of External Commotion" declared by local authorities.

The situation remains volatile following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, with reports of infrastructure disruptions and explosions still occurring in the capital. For travelers in the neighboring ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), the mood is one of "trepidation."

While no formal bans are in place for these islands, many Canadian tourists have begun canceling mid-winter vacations, fearing a spillover of the conflict. Global Affairs Canada is currently urging any remaining citizens in Venezuela to shelter in place, as the closure of airspace has made traditional evacuation routes almost impossible.