State department issues 'do not travel' warning for Venezuela

The U.S. Department of State is telling U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela

issuing a travel advisory level four do not travel warning. The Trump administration says there are more Americans detained in Venezuela than anywhere

else in the world. It warns that U.S. citizens there face a high risk of being wrongfully detained

without due process, citing torture, terrorism, kidnapping, unfair law enforcement practices, violent crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health care

Today, the State Department issued a security alert warning Americans against travel to Venezuela

and bordering areas for any reason. Venezuelan authorities have imprisoned U.S. citizens for

extended periods of time, up to five years. In many cases, these individuals were detained

primarily because they are American rather than for any criminal activity, according to the State

Department. The U.S. government does not currently operate an embassy or consulate in Venezuela

so it cannot provide consular services such as helping with legal issues replacing lost passports or arranging medical care or evacuation for U citizens in a South American country

even during emergencies. If Venezuelan authorities detain or arrest a U.S. citizen

the Venezuelan government does not inform the U.S. government. And even if the U.S. government

learns that a citizen has been detained, Venezuelan authorities do not allow U.S. officials to visit

the person, check on their welfare, or offer help. People detained in Venezuela, including Americans

often cannot contact their families or lawyers, which increases the risk of abuse or unfair

treatment. Dual citizenship also does not protect U.S. national travelers. Every American is at risk

of being detained by Maduro's regime, a press release from the State Department said. If you

are a U.S. citizen, you're on your own in Venezuela. If something goes wrong, the U.S

government is unable to step in or help the way it normally would in most other countries

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan. If you want more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com