US Embassy in Caracas: Services, Location & What to Know in 2026
The American embassy in Caracas reopened in March 2026 after a seven-year closure. Here is everything US citizens and business travelers need to know—from consular services and emergency contacts to nearby hotels and practical visit tips.
1. Embassy Overview
After seven years of closure, the US Embassy in Caracas is back in operation—but with significant caveats for anyone planning a visit.
The United States suspended operations at its Caracas embassy on March 11, 2019, amid the political crisis between Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaidó. For the next seven years, consular services for Americans in Venezuela were handled remotely through the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the US Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.
Following the January 2026 political transition that removed Maduro from power, the Trump administration moved swiftly to restore a diplomatic presence. A small team of diplomats arrived in Caracas in early March, and full operations were officially resumed on March 30, 2026. The compound required significant remediation, including mold removal, before staff could move in permanently.
2. Location & Contact Information
The embassy sits in the quiet residential district of Colinas de Valle Arriba in southeastern Caracas.
| Address | Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urb. Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas 1060, Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Phone (local) | +58 212 975 6411 |
| Phone (US) | +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad, 24/7) |
| Toll-free (US/Canada) | +1-888-407-4747 |
| ACSBogota@state.gov (Venezuela Affairs Unit) | |
| Website | ve.usembassy.gov |
The embassy compound is located approximately 25 minutes from the Altamira business district by car, depending on traffic. The neighborhood is residential and relatively quiet, with private security presence. Pre-arrange transport to and from the embassy—do not hail street taxis in this area.
3. Available Services
The embassy is phasing in consular services. Not all services available at a full-capacity embassy are operational yet.
Passport Services
Emergency passports and passport renewals are being processed on a limited basis. Routine passport applications may still be directed to the Bogotá embassy during the transition.
Citizen Services
Notarial services, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and emergency assistance for detained or destitute Americans are available. Appointments are strongly recommended.
Visa Services
Immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing is being restored gradually. Many applicants are still directed to US embassies in Bogotá or other regional posts. Check ve.usembassy.gov for current scheduling.
Emergency Assistance
For after-hours emergencies involving American citizens—arrest, assault, hospitalization, death—call +1-202-501-4444. The embassy can assist with emergency evacuations and connect you to medical and legal resources.
4. Emergency Contacts
Keep these numbers saved in your phone and on paper before traveling to Venezuela.
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Embassy (24/7 emergency) | +1-202-501-4444 | For US citizens abroad |
| US Embassy (local line) | +58 212 975 6411 | Business hours only |
| Venezuela unified emergency | 171 | Police, ambulance, fire |
| CICPC (criminal investigation) | 0800-24272-00 | Report crimes for insurance |
| Clínica El Ávila | +58 212 276 1111 | Private hospital, Altamira |
| Policlínica Metropolitana | +58 212 908 0100 | Private hospital, Caurimare |
5. Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP)
Enrolling in STEP is the single most important administrative step for any American traveling to Venezuela.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows US citizens traveling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest US embassy or consulate. In a country like Venezuela, where conditions can change rapidly, STEP enrollment is essential.
What STEP provides
- Security alerts and travel warnings specific to Venezuela, delivered by email and text.
- The embassy can contact you in an emergency—natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency back home.
- Easier assistance if you need help from the embassy: staff can locate your records quickly.
- Your emergency contacts back home can reach the State Department to relay messages to you.
Enroll at step.state.gov before your departure. Registration takes approximately five minutes. You can also download the Smart Traveler app for iOS and Android.
6. Visa Services at the Embassy
Visa processing in Caracas is being restored gradually. Here is what to expect in 2026.
Prior to the 2019 closure, the Caracas embassy processed tens of thousands of immigrant and non-immigrant visas annually for Venezuelans seeking to travel to the United States. During the seven-year closure, applicants were redirected to the US Embassy in Bogotá, creating enormous backlogs and requiring costly international travel for Venezuelan applicants.
As of May 21, 2026, the consular section is still undergoing repairs and staffing, and visa interview scheduling in Caracas is limited. The State Department advises checking ve.usembassy.gov/visas for the latest appointment availability. Until full capacity is restored, many applicants will continue to schedule interviews in Bogotá, Panama City, or other regional posts.
For Americans who need a Venezuelan visa, the process is handled through Venezuela’s Cancillería Digital e-visa portal. See our Venezuelan visa application guide for step-by-step instructions.
7. Hours & Appointments
Walk-in services are not available. Appointments are required for most consular services.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday – Sunday | Closed |
| US & Venezuelan holidays | Closed |
Schedule appointments through the embassy’s online system at ve.usembassy.gov. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. Security screening at the entrance is thorough—do not bring electronic devices, large bags, or weapons. Carry your appointment confirmation, valid passport, and any required supporting documents.
8. Hotels Near the Embassy
Colinas de Valle Arriba is residential, so most hotels are in the Altamira–Las Mercedes corridor, a 15–25 minute drive.
JW Marriott Caracas
Hotel Eurobuilding
Renaissance Caracas La Castellana
Pre-arrange airport and embassy transport through your hotel’s concierge. Do not hail taxis on the street. For a comprehensive review of accommodation options, see our Caracas city guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the US Embassy in Caracas, answered with the latest available information.
Yes. The US Embassy in Caracas officially reopened on March 30, 2026, after a seven-year closure that began in March 2019. A small diplomatic team had been working from the compound since early March, with a flag-raising ceremony on March 14. Consular services are being phased in gradually — some passport and visa applicants may still be directed to the US Embassy in Bogotá during the transition period.
The embassy is located at Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanización Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas 1060, Venezuela. The neighborhood is a quiet residential area in southeastern Caracas, approximately 20–25 minutes by car from the Altamira business district, depending on traffic.
Visa processing in Caracas is being restored on a limited basis as of mid-2026. The consular section required significant physical repairs after seven years of closure, and staffing is still being ramped up. Many applicants are currently directed to schedule visa interviews at the US Embassy in Bogotá, Panama City, or other regional posts. Check ve.usembassy.gov/visas for the latest scheduling availability.
For after-hours emergencies involving US citizens, call +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from the US and Canada). During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM), you can reach the embassy directly at +58 212 975 6411. For Venezuelan emergencies (police, ambulance, fire), dial 171.
The State Department strongly recommends that all US citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before traveling to Venezuela. Enrollment is free and takes about five minutes at step.state.gov. STEP ensures the embassy can contact you during emergencies, send you security alerts, and locate your records quickly if you need consular assistance.
The embassy is in the residential area of Colinas de Valle Arriba, so most hotels are a 15–25 minute drive away in the Altamira–Las Mercedes business corridor. The JW Marriott Caracas in La Castellana, Hotel Eurobuilding in Chuao, and the Renaissance Caracas La Castellana are all well-established options popular with diplomatic and business travelers. Pre-arrange transport through your hotel concierge.
Traveling to Venezuela? Subscribe to the Caracas Research daily briefing for real-time security alerts, sanctions updates, and on-the-ground intelligence. Get the daily briefing →
Sources: US Department of State; US Embassy in Caracas (ve.usembassy.gov); Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP); Associated Press; NBC News. Information is for planning purposes only and does not constitute travel, legal, or consular advice.
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