The United States government has issued a stringent warning, advising all its citizens to "Do Not Travel to Venezuela" and urging those currently in the country to "Depart Immediately." This alert, a Level 4 advisory – the highest possible – was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela (operating from Bogota, Colombia) on January 10, 2026. The primary concerns cited are severe risks to Americans, including the threat of wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, pervasive crime, civil unrest, and a failing health infrastructure. A critical element of the warning highlights the presence of armed groups, referred to as 'colectivos,' which are reportedly setting up roadblocks and actively searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. This particular threat underscores the volatile and unpredictable security landscape in Venezuela. The U.S. Department of State has maintained this highest level of travel advisory since 2019, when it withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas and suspended operations. Consequently, the U.S. government remains unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to its citizens in Venezuela. Americans are therefore advised to take immediate precautions for their safety and to monitor flight information, as some commercial airlines have resumed operations, though tickets may be in high demand. The livemint.com article accurately reflects these urgent security concerns and official advisories, aligning with corroborating reports from other credible news outlets.