Overview
UN Sanctions
There are no UN sanctions on Venezuela.
EU Sanctions
In 2017 the EU adopted sanctions in response to the “deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and human rights” in Venezuela. These are still in place; an arms embargo, travel restrictions and asset freezing measures on those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and those whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy or the rule of law in Venezuela by Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074.
UK Sanctions
UK sanctions are in the Venezuela (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 – an arms embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans.
US Sanctions
The US first imposed Venezuela sanctions in 2005 in response to Venezuela’s absence of cooperation with US anti-drug and counter-terrorism efforts. Since then, the US has made annual determinations that Venezuela has failed to adhere to its commitments under international narcotics and anti-terrorism agreements.
In 2015, the Obama administration issued EO 13692, which targets (for asset blocking and visa restrictions) people and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption. Government figures including President Nicolás Maduro were sanctioned in 2017. The US issued further EOs in 2018 and 2019, which prohibited access to US financial markets and blocked the property and interests of the Maduro government in the United States and within the control of US persons. The US has issued various Venezuela-related licences and revoked licences enabling oil business in Venezuela in March 2025. Since April 2025, any country that imports Venezuelan oil may be subject to a 25% tariff on its exports to the US.
In December 2025, the US seized two oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela and ordered a blockade of sanctioned vessels travelling to/from Venezuela. In January 2026, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were brought to the US to face narcoterrorism charges. 4 other people, including Mr Maduro’s wide and son, were also charged with similar offences.
