Sanctions against Venezuela are economic, financial, diplomatic, and political measures imposed by various countries and international organizations in response to Venezuela’s political crisis, governance concerns, human rights allegations, and disputes over electoral legitimacy. The most extensive sanctions have been imposed by the United States, with additional measures enacted by the European Union, Canada, and several Latin American countries.
Sanctions have played a central role in Venezuela’s international relations and domestic political debate, with supporters arguing they pressure the government toward reform, while critics claim they have worsened economic hardship and humanitarian conditions.
Background
Sanctions against Venezuela expanded significantly during the 2010s amid worsening economic conditions, political unrest, and accusations of authoritarian governance under President Nicolás Maduro. Earlier measures were targeted at individual officials, but later sanctions broadened to include state institutions and key sectors of the economy.
The Venezuelan government maintains that sanctions constitute economic warfare and foreign interference.
United States sanctions
The United States has imposed the most extensive sanctions regime against Venezuela.
Targeted sanctions
Initial U.S. sanctions focused on specific individuals accused of corruption, human rights abuses, or undermining democratic institutions. These measures included asset freezes and travel bans.
Sectoral sanctions
Beginning in 2017 and expanding in subsequent years, the United States imposed sanctions targeting Venezuela’s financial system and state-owned enterprises, particularly the oil industry. These measures restricted access to international markets and limited transactions involving Venezuelan government debt.
Oil and energy sanctions
Sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector significantly reduced crude exports, especially to the United States, historically Venezuela’s largest customer. Restrictions affected the state oil company PDVSA and related entities.
European Union
The European Union imposed targeted sanctions on Venezuelan officials, including travel bans and asset freezes. The EU emphasized that its measures were designed to avoid harming the civilian population.
Canada and Latin America
Canada and members of the Lima Group imposed sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials. Several Latin American governments coordinated diplomatic pressure while stopping short of broad economic sanctions.
Diplomatic and political measures
In addition to economic sanctions, Venezuela has faced diplomatic isolation. Several countries downgraded or severed diplomatic relations, recognized opposition leadership at various points, and restricted official engagements with the Maduro government.
Humanitarian impact debate
The impact of sanctions on Venezuela’s humanitarian situation has been widely debated.
- Supporters argue sanctions target the government and aim to restore democratic norms.
- Critics argue sanctions exacerbated shortages, inflation, and economic decline.
International organizations have called for humanitarian exemptions and safeguards to reduce civilian harm.
Venezuelan government response
The Venezuelan government has consistently rejected sanctions, describing them as illegal under international law. Officials argue sanctions have contributed to economic collapse and forced migration.
Caracas has sought alternative trade arrangements and financial cooperation with allied countries to mitigate the impact of sanctions.
Sanctions enforcement and evasion
Reports have documented efforts by Venezuelan entities to evade sanctions through intermediaries, alternative payment systems, and informal trade networks. Enforcement actions by sanctioning countries have included seizures, prosecutions, and penalties for violations.
2026 escalation
In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation. The announcement intensified scrutiny of sanctions policy and raised questions about the future scope and enforcement of international measures against Venezuela.
Current status
As of 2026, most U.S. sanctions against Venezuela remain in place, though limited exemptions and licenses have been issued for humanitarian aid and specific energy-related transactions. The long-term direction of sanctions policy remains uncertain and tied to political developments inside Venezuela.