United States Virtual Embassy for Venezuela

Embassy of USA in Caracas, Venezuela

The United States suspended operations of U.S. Embassy Caracas in March 2019. The Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU), operating from the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, is now the official U.S. diplomatic mission to Venezuela. The VAU continues to advocate for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Venezuela and engages with a wide range of Venezuelan democratic actors.

Visa Services

All visa services for residents of Venezuela are handled outside the country. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, is the primary designated location for processing immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for Venezuelans. Applicants must travel to Bogota or another U.S. embassy or consulate for their interview. No visa services are available within Venezuela.

Consular Services

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. U.S. citizens in need of assistance should contact the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota or any other U.S. embassy. The State Department's travel advisory for Venezuela is at Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Trade & Export Support

Due to U.S. sanctions and the political and economic crisis, trade and commercial activities are severely restricted. The U.S. government does not promote trade with or investment in Venezuela under the current regime. The focus is on humanitarian support and sanctions enforcement.

Investment Opportunities

The U.S. government strongly advises against investment in Venezuela. There are no programs to facilitate U.S. investment, and existing assets are at high risk of expropriation or other adverse actions.

Business Support

There is no business support from the U.S. government for operations within Venezuela. U.S. companies are subject to a complex sanctions regime, and operating in the country carries extreme financial, legal, and reputational risks.

Cultural & Educational Programs

The VAU continues to manage virtual public diplomacy programs to maintain connections with the Venezuelan people. These programs support independent media, civil society, and democratic leaders, often through online platforms and engagement with the diaspora.

Appointment Information

There are no appointments of any kind available in Venezuela. Venezuelan visa applicants must schedule their appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota or another designated post through the appropriate online scheduling system. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota directly.

Special Notes

The physical U.S. Embassy compound in Caracas is closed. The Venezuela Affairs Unit is the sole official channel for diplomatic engagement. All U.S. citizens are urged to depart Venezuela immediately.