Venezuela temporarily closes border crossings with Colombia

Venezuela implemented a unilateral 72-hour closure of its border crossings with Colombia starting at 5:00 AM on January 10, 2025. The decision coincided with the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for a new presidential term.

Freddy Bernal, the governor of Táchira, announced the measure citing security concerns. He claimed authorities received information regarding a supposed "international conspiracy" intended to disturb peace in the border region. No detailed evidence was publicly provided to verify these claims.

The closure impacted major land crossings, particularly the corridor connecting Cúcuta in Norte de Santander to municipalities in Venezuela's Táchira state. While the Colombian Foreign Ministry was notified via diplomatic channels, it clarified that Colombian-side border points remained open. The measure caused significant concern for travelers, merchants, and residents who rely on the 2,219-kilometer border for daily movement and commerce.