Political transitionHigh
Nominating committees are due to pick new top court and electoral court judges around the end of the year, after which elections would follow within six months.
Country risk assessment ยท Americas
Venezuela political and security risk assessment
Venezuela sits in the High band. The US backed interim government of Delcy Rodriguez is reviving the oil sector after the US removed Nicolas Maduro in January, while the timing of elections remains open. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
59of 100
High
Band 4 of 5
▼ Down 1 on last week
Americas
Venezuela
What is the political and security risk in Venezuela right now?
Venezuela sits in the High band. The US backed interim government of Delcy Rodriguez is reviving the oil sector after the US removed Nicolas Maduro in January, while the timing of elections remains open.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returned on Oct 25 and says the US has proposed presidential elections in 2027.
What are the main risks of operating in Venezuela?
EconomySevere
Annual inflation exceeds 400% and some areas face daily, hourslong blackouts.
Energy and investmentElevated
US moves have prompted some oil sector investment, and the interim government says non essential state assets may be offered to private firms or returned to former owners.
What has changed recently in Venezuela?
Machado said the US has laid out steps for presidential elections in 2027.
Rodriguez named Oliver Blanco foreign minister and said non essential state assets will be offered or returned to private owners.
The US is working with Rodriguez to revive oil output while pressing for new judicial and electoral institutions.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is likely that new top court and electoral judges are named by the end of January 2027.
55 to 70%
0%50%100%
We assess it is unlikely that a presidential election date is formally set within 3 months.
10 to 25%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Oil sector openings are real but contract terms could change after elections.
Plan for power cuts and high inflation in local costs.
Check current US licences and sanctions status before any deal.
Key facts
GDPUS$99.7 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth1.6%Latest data, 2025
Trade25% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Population28.5 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Venezuela threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Venezuela for business?
Venezuela sits in the High band. The US backed interim government of Delcy Rodriguez is reviving the oil sector after the US removed Nicolas Maduro in January, while the timing of elections remains open.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Venezuela?
The main risk drivers are political transition (high); economy (severe); energy and investment (elevated). Nominating committees are due to pick new top court and electoral court judges around the end of the year, after which elections would follow within six months.
What is the outlook for Venezuela?
We assess it is likely (55 to 70%) that new top court and electoral judges are named by the end of January 2027.
How often is the Venezuela risk assessment updated?
The Venezuela threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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