Commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela were completely halted in May 2019 due to political tensions and safety concerns. American Airlines had been the last US carrier operating in the country before the suspension, and it had served Venezuelan cities since 1987. Other international airlines had already reduced or paused service due to navigational problems and safety warnings. These restrictions left Venezuela largely isolated from international flights for several years, forcing travellers to take longer routes through neighbouring countries.

The return of flights became possible after airspace over Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean was reopened in February 2026. Commercial restrictions had been imposed for months because of military activity and safety concerns. This had caused cancellations across the Caribbean and affected travel even for people not heading to Venezuela. The reopening of airspace allowed airlines to gradually restore flights and created the conditions for American Airlines’ return. 

The DOT approval is temporary and comes with a two-year licence for Envoy Air to operate passenger, cargo, and mail services between Miami, Caracas, and Maracaibo. Temporary licences are standard when restarting routes after long pauses because they let airlines test demand before committing to larger aircraft or expanded schedules. American has not yet announced exact flight dates, but it plans to offer daily nonstop services on both routes.  

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Een bericht gedeeld door Cory W Watts (@corywwatts)

The return of flights is expected to help reconnect families and support business links between Venezuela and the United States. Many Venezuelan residents have been separated from relatives for years due to travel restrictions. The flights also make it easier for people travelling for work, commerce, or essential services. This is especially significant given that other airlines had avoided the country for safety and operational reasons. 

Even with flights returning, the US State Department continues to list Venezuela as a Level 4 “Do not travel” country. Visitors should be aware that crime rates are high in cities such as Caracas, and infrastructure like electricity, healthcare, and water can be unreliable. Border regions can also be risky due to smuggling and armed groups. These warnings mean that most Americans are strongly advised not to visit for leisure.  

The return of flights comes amid broader political and economic developments. In early 2026, US officials met with Venezuelan authorities to discuss cooperation in mining, energy, and natural resources. Venezuelan officials have also been working on reforms to attract foreign investment. These diplomatic and economic efforts are part of the context that made American Airlines’ route restoration possible. 

American Airlines’ return could encourage other carriers to consider resuming service. Venezuelan airlines such as Laser Airlines and Avior Airlines have expressed interest in flying to the US. Restoration of these flights marks a first step toward rebuilding international air connections that were disrupted for years due to political, operational, and safety concerns.  

L’article American Airlines first US carrier to resume flights to Venezuela since 2019 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Repressive rule, crime and a humanitarian crisis

The Department of State (DOS) alert listed a host of reasons why its citizens should reconsider any trips to the republic, citing “crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws” as well as “wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure.”

Archived US assessments of the state of democracy in Venezuela, dated between 2017 and 2020, describe a country suffering “under the repressive and corrupt misrule of the dictator Nicolás Maduro and his illegitimate regime.” Maduro seized power after the death of the popular anti-imperialist Hugo Chávez in 2013. Since then, he has attempted to “dismantle Venezuelan democracy piece by piece” while “a devastating health and humanitarian crisis continues to grow” the DOS says.

We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means do not travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. Before making travel plans, look up the Travel Advisory for your intended destination(s).

The Travel Advisories for… pic.twitter.com/t7LxIa2y7i

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 1, 2024

US has no ability to help

Prior to the crisis, Venezuela welcomed over 800,000 US visitors each year, but that number has dropped dramatically since the withdrawal of US consular personnel in 2019. However, some Americans do still make the trip, despite shortages of essential supplies in the country, including electricity, fuel, medicine, and water, and the risk of terrorism along the border with Colombia.

If visitors experience a problem while there, the US “has no ability to provide emergency services” the State Department’s warning makes clear, noting that some US citizens have been wrongfully incarcerated in Venezuela “for up to five years” with little notification given to US authorities, let alone access.

Establish proof of life protocol

The build up to Venezuelan elections in July is also cause for concern, with frequent clashes between protesters and authorities descending into looting and vandalism. “Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice,” the US warning says. “Anti-Maduro demonstrations have elicited a strong police and security force response, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants.” 

And it is not just the Venezuelan state that poses a risk to holidaymakers. “Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela,” the travel guidance points out. The problem is at such a level that the State Department advises that would-be travellers to Venezuela should establish a “proof of life” protocol with their family, so that “If you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).” 

L’article Is it safe to travel to Venezuela? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Last Thursday, the opposition declared that the US Treasury Department approved the release of the funds, without specifying the amount.

Part of the funds will finance 62,000 health workers with $300 each. Juan Guaido, the opposition leader, explained that health workers can register accounts to receive payments of $100 a month starting from Monday. 

US President Donald Trump has ramped up sanctions on Venezuela’s state-run oil company (PDVSA), with the objective of overthrowing left-leaning President Nicolas Maduro after a 2018 re-election considered a sham by most Western nations. The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on more than 150 Venezuelans, and the State Department has revoked visas of more than 1,000 venezuelans.

Venezuela is living in a political standstill since January 2019, when Guaido proclaimed himself acting president and received the support of more than 50 countries.

Last month, Guaido’s opposition obtained permission to distribute to medical workers $17m in funds frozen in the US. The license also approves another $4.5m to support Venezuelans at risk of death.

Pueblo de Venezuela, en medio de tantas dificultades, tenemos buenas noticias: Tesoro de EEUU aprobó la licencia que libera los fondos con los que se realizarán los pagos de “Héroes de la Salud” para apoyar a nuestro personal de salud que está en riesgo frente a la covid-19.

— Juan Guaidó (@jguaido) August 21, 2020

The funds are supposed to be distributed through AirTM, a digital payment platform. However, last Thursday the website was blocked in the entire country.

Guaido said that healthcare workers will be provided with a manual including the steps to download a virtual private network (VPN) in order to circumvent the restrictions. AirTM also tweeted instructions on how to use a VPN.

La red ofrece muchas formas para navegar libremente en internet… si necesitas ayuda para lograrlo, te dejamos un tutorial sobre cómo usar un VPN https://t.co/eiyqwrm8Qy

— Airtm (@airtminc) August 20, 2020

Venezuela’s health system has registered 37,567 cases of COVID-19 and 311 deaths, but experts say the number is likely to be higher because of insufficient testing.

L’article US unfreezes funds to help Venezuela’s opposition fight COVID-19 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.