Foreign policy and sanctions

Executive Order 13692: Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela

President: Barack Obama

Authorized blocking and entry sanctions for serious abuses, repression, corruption and threats to democratic governance in Venezuela.

Status: In effect as amended.

Is Executive Order 13692 still in effect? Yes. Active foundation of the Venezuela sanctions program, supplemented and amended by later orders and current licenses.

What does Executive Order 13692 do?

EO 13692 declared a national emergency over conditions in Venezuela and authorized Treasury to block property of people involved in serious human-rights abuses, repression, public corruption or actions undermining democratic processes. It also suspended entry of designated persons. Later orders expanded restrictions to debt, digital currency, sectors and the Venezuelan government; OFAC still lists EO 13692 as an active authority under 31 CFR part 591 and regularly updates licenses.

Administration position: The order established targeted designation criteria, not a blanket prohibition on all Venezuelans; OFAC listings, ownership rules and licenses determine particular restrictions.
SignedMarch 8, 2015
Regulations31 CFR part 591
AgenciesTreasury and State

Before and after

Before the order

Congress and visa policy addressed abuses, but no Venezuela-specific national emergency supported this blocking program.

After the order

Treasury gained a durable designation framework later administrations expanded.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
Treasury OFACDesignate persons license transactions and enforceContinuing
State DepartmentConsult on designations and entry restrictionsContinuing
US personsBlock property and comply with current licensesContinuing

What happened next

EO 13692 declared the emergency.