Canadians warned to avoid all travel to Venezuela

In an updated posting, Global Affairs Canada is advising Canadians to “Avoid All Travel” to Venezuela.

Its update states that on Jan. 3, 2026, “military strikes took place on several sites in Venezuela, including military facilities, in the city of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.”

And it continues: “The current situation in Venezuela is tense and could escalate quickly. Borders and airspace could close at short notice. Several airlines have suspended flights to and from Venezuela, reducing options to leave the country.”

In the advisory, Global Affairs Canada notes that the Embassy of Canada to Venezuela has not been open since 2019. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Canadians in Venezuela is severely limited and done remotely.”

Go to https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/venezuela for more.

In a statement following the U.S. military action in Venezuela on Jan. 3, 2026, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand said: “Since 2019, when Canada closed its embassy in Venezuela, we have refused to recognize any legitimacy of the Maduro regime and opposed its repression of the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissenters and particularly political leaders opposed to the regime.”

Minister Anand’s statement continued: “In keeping with our long-standing commitment to uphold the rule of law and to democracy, Canada stands by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada also calls on all parties to exercise restraint and uphold international law.

“Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely.”

And the Minister said: “Canada stands ready to assist Canadians in Venezuela in need through our consular officials and embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.”