The United States has restarted operations at its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, ending years of minimal involvement. Diplomatic affairs with Venezuela had been managed from the U.S. Embassy in Bogota since March 2019. Ambassador Laura F. Dogu is leading the mission in Caracas as Charge d’Affaires, overseeing efforts to restore the embassy and bring back staff.
The embassy staff is currently focused on repairing the chancery building to facilitate the full return of personnel and the eventual resumption of consular services. This move is part of the President’s three-phase plan for Venezuela, aiming to enhance U.S. engagement with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and private sector. The reopening of the embassy signifies Washington’s intention to directly engage with Venezuelan institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
The U.S. embassy in Caracas was shut down in 2019 amid escalating tensions, leading to operations being conducted through the Venezuela Affairs Unit in Colombia. Key services will be reinstated gradually, with visa and consular work expected to take more time. This step aligns with the U.S. administration’s broader strategy to strengthen ties, restore consular services, and bolster its presence in the region following a period of limited contact and political discord.
