U.S. warns Americans not to travel to Venezuela due to risks of torture, kidnapping

The U.S. State Department is warning citizens not to travel to Venezuela, warning of "severe risks" including wrongful detention, kidnapping and torture. 

The State Department said that it does not have an operating embassy or consulate in the South American country, and cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens there. All U.S. citizens currently in Venezuela should leave immediately, the State Department said. 

"U.S. citizens are at extreme risk of detention when entering Venezuela at any location. They may be unjustly charged with terrorism or other serious crimes and detained for long periods," the State Department said in a news release announcing the warning. "U.S. citizens have been detained upon arrival at land borders, airports, and maritime ports of entry. There is no safe way for Americans to travel to Venezuela."