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WASHINGTON — The United States has officially reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, signaling the renewal of full diplomatic ties with the nation. This development comes after the Trump administration’s removal of former President Nicolas Maduro in early January.
On Monday, the State Department announced that regular operations had resumed at the Caracas embassy, which had been closed for seven years since President Donald Trump’s first term. The embassy required substantial repairs, including mold remediation, before reopening.
For over a month, a small contingent of U.S. diplomats, previously stationed in Colombia, has been active in Caracas. They conducted a flag-raising ceremony on March 14, but the official reopening of the embassy took place on Monday.
The State Department highlighted that reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas is a significant step in the president’s three-phase strategy for Venezuela. This move will enhance direct engagement with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector.
The reopening represents “a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela,” according to the State Department.
Work to restore the consular section of the embassy, where Americans and Venezuelans must go for passport and visa services, is not yet complete, and those seeking assistance still need to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, the department said.
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