U.S. State Department Suspends Routine Visa Services in Caracas, Venezuela
January 25, 2019

At a glance
- Routine visa services at the U.S. mission in Caracas, Venezuela – including nonimmigrant visa processing – have been suspended indefinitely as tensions increase between the United States and Venezuela.
- 
                          Limited emergency services remain available for U.S. citizens. 
The situation
The State Department has suspended routine visa services at the U.S. mission in Caracas, Venezuela after ordering non-emergency U.S. government employees to depart the country. The move comes as tensions increase between the United States and President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Earlier this week, the United States formally recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim leader of Venezuela. This led President Maduro to cut diplomatic ties with the United States and order U.S. diplomatic personnel to leave the country.
What this means
Employers should expect that consular service will remain suspended at the U.S. mission in Caracas indefinitely. Affected foreign workers may be able to obtain U.S. visas by traveling to another country and applying for a U.S. visa as a third-country national (TCN), but should be aware that U.S. consulates accept TCN applications at their discretion.
Limited emergency services to U.S. citizens remain available at the U.S. mission for the time being.
Fragomen is monitoring consular operations in Caracas and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
This alert is for information purpose only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with who you work.
Explore more at Fragomen
 
                        Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
 
                        Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
 
                        Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
 
                        Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
 
                        Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
 
                        Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
 
                        Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
 
                        Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
 
                        Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
 
                        Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
 
                        Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
 
                        Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
 
                    Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
 
                    Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
 
                    Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
 
                    Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
 
                    Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
 
                    Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
 
                    Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
 
                    Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
 
                    Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
 
                    Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
 
                    Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
 
                    Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
