US Embassy in Venezuela begins operations

Diplomatic relations between the US and Venezuela have begun to improve following the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a military operation on January 3, 2026, and their subsequent transport to the US. Following the US opening of its Caracas Embassy on March 15 after a 7-year hiatus, the US Department of State announced that the embassy has commenced diplomatic activities.

The US Department of State, noting that US operations in Venezuela had previously been conducted through the US government's temporary diplomatic office for Venezuela, which operated within the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, stated: "As of today, we are officially resuming operations at the US Embassy in Caracas. This step marks the opening of a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela."

Venezuela's embassies in the US have also resumed operations

The Venezuelan government also reported that all of its embassies in the US have resumed operations. In a post, Venezuela's Charge d'Affaires in Washington, Feliz Plasencia, stated that the national flag had been raised in the capital, Washington D.C., as part of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, adding: "This carries a meaning far beyond a routine protocol act. The raising of our national tricolor flag serves as a tribute to Francisco de Miranda, the pioneer of Latin American independence, on the 276th anniversary of his birth, and once again brings to light the legacy of independence and sovereignty living in the Venezuelan homeland."

Trade between the two countries has resumed

With the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, commercial ties between the two countries have begun to revive. During the process of restoring bilateral relations, companies in the energy, industrial, logistics, and oil sectors are showing interest in benefiting from the economic recovery envisioned by both governments. These companies gathered at the 7th International Oil Fair, Expo Oil 2026, held at the Kristoff Hotel in Maracaibo, Zulia state, between March 25-26.

Naida Gibbon, founder of NCVEN Corporation, which operates in many fields, pointed out that the restoration of bilateral relations between the US and Venezuelan governments has already created an increase in cargo movement from Houston to Venezuelan ports, stating: "These figures are a concrete reflection of the confidence in the normalization of relations between Caracas and Washington. Many ports were not operational, but they are now in the process of being activated to receive incoming ships. The increase is about to begin. Venezuela is currently entering a major development process in road transport, infrastructure, and many other areas. Thanks to these openings, the necessary infrastructure and equipment work has also begun."

"I had to go to Colombia to be able to go to Spain"

The restoration of bilateral relations and the reopening of embassies in Venezuela have been welcomed. Speaking about the resumption of operations at the US Embassy, Venezuelan citizen Ilda de Bucobo commented on visa applications, saying, "It is a wonderful development; we will no longer have to travel elsewhere to get an appointment." De Bucobo added, "I had to go to Colombia to be able to travel to Spain. I went to Maicao first, then to Riohacha. I boarded a plane from Bogota to get to Madrid. Everything is much easier now; thanks to the new relations, we will not have to go through such an arduous process."

"The visa issue is extremely critical"

Irene Gutierrez stated, "For now, I find it very positive, but I think they need to expand the embassy's functions even further. They should issue visas that are essential for students as well as tourist visas; they should not focus solely on the commercial aspect. The visa issue is extremely critical, and that is exactly what they are doing right now. As for relatives abroad, they will be able to renew their passports and handle all their procedures overseas, so it will not be necessary for them to come to Venezuela for this."

"I am trying to ask myself what lies behind all of this and what the consequences will be"

Natali Gonzalez, however, takes a more cautious approach to the restoration of bilateral relations between the US and Venezuela. Calling on Venezuelans to question the true intent behind this normalization, Gonzalez said, "There will certainly be positive aspects, but for now, I do not dare to paint a rosy picture of the situation. I am trying to ask myself what lies behind all of this and what the consequences will be, because everything has a price. We have paid a very heavy price for 20 years. We shall see; there will be positive developments, but one must definitely read the fine print."