Washington, March 31: The United States has officially resumed operations at its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, after several years of limited engagement. This move marks a significant step in re-establishing diplomatic presence in the country.
The State Department announced that since March 2019, US diplomatic efforts concerning Venezuela had been conducted through the “Venezuela Affairs Unit” located at the embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.
On Monday, the department stated, “We are formally resuming operations at the US embassy in Caracas. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela.”
Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas in January to lead this mission, overseeing the restoration of the embassy and preparations for the return of staff. Her team is currently working on repairs to the main embassy building, which will facilitate the full return of personnel and aid in the eventual resumption of consular services.
The State Department described this reopening as a crucial milestone in the President’s three-phase plan for Venezuela. It aims to enhance US engagement with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and private sector.
The US embassy in Caracas was closed in 2019 amid deteriorating relations and heightened tensions between the two nations. Since then, officials have been operating through the Venezuela Affairs Unit in Colombia.
Authorities have indicated that essential services will be reinstated in phases, with visa and consular services requiring additional time to resume.
This return signals Washington’s intent to reconnect directly with Venezuelan institutions, civil society, and the private sector. It also reflects a broader, phased strategy by the US administration aimed at stabilizing relations after years of limited contact and political differences, and strengthening its presence in the region.