US updates travel warning for quake-hit nation, citing disaster risks and violent crime

Officials are warning Americans to reconsider travel to Venezuela, saying the South American nation presents new risks to tourists.

The country sits at a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory, according to a June 27 update by the U.S. State Department.

While Venezuela has been at a Level 3 throughout the year, the latest advisory adds the country's recent earthquakes as a key factor for travelers.

US STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS AMERICANS OF GROWING SECURITY RISKS IN HISTORIC REGION

The country was struck by a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on June 24.

"Venezuela experienced a powerful foreshock and earthquake in rapid succession," said the advisory.

"These caused extensive damage and disruption to transportation, infrastructure and emergency services."

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Overall, officials warn of "crime, kidnapping, terrorism and poor health infrastructure" in the country.

"Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur," the advisory states.

"Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. There are no reliable crime statistics."

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Several areas in Venezuela are also under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory.

This includes the Venezuela-Colombia border region, Amazonas state, Apure state and Aragua state outside of Maracay, as well as Guárico state, Táchira state and rural areas of Bolívar state.

While Venezuela is not considered a major tourist destination, some Americans still travel there to visit family or explore attractions such as Angel Falls and Los Roques National Park in the Venezuelan Caribbean.

The advisory comes amid a complicated relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Washington providing disaster relief months after Maduro's arrest.

After magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck the northern part of the South American nation last week, the American government stepped in to help in a move that the administration says has been welcomed by the Venezuelan government.

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"We have seen total compliance from the interim authorities in Venezuela as a result of the unprecedented response by the United States to these deadly earthquakes," a State Department official previously told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment.

Peter D'Abrosca of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.