Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Subject to certain exceptions, transactions that are ordinarily incident to an authorized transaction are permitted. See the examples in 31 CFR § 515.421 . Such transactions may include use of online payment platforms to facilitate authorized transactions. Authorized transactions ordinarily… Read more

Yes. Section 515.584(h) of the CACR contains a general license that allows banking institutions to open and maintain bank accounts in the United States solely in the name of a Cuban national located in Cuba, to receive payments in the United States for transactions authorized pursuant to, or exempt… Read more

No. Effective September 30, 2026, banking institutions subject to U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from processing "U-turn" transactions, i.e., funds transfers originating and terminating outside the United States, where neither the originator nor the beneficiary is a person subject to U.S.… Read more

There is no specific dollar limit on authorized expenses; however, the Cuban Assets Control Regulations restrict persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction from engaging in direct or, effective September 30, 2026, indirect financial transactions with entities or subentities identified on the State… Read more

Section 515.533(a) of the CACR does not restrict payment and financing terms for exports of items from the United States or reexports of 100 percent U.S-origin items from a third country, other than agricultural commodities. Examples of permissible payment and financing terms for authorized exports… Read more

Trade delegations are authorized to travel to Cuba only if each member of the delegation meets the criteria of an applicable general license authorizing travel to Cuba or has obtained a specific license from OFAC. Authorized trade delegations generally fall under one of two general licenses for… Read more

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from doing business or investing in Cuba unless authorized by OFAC.  An OFAC general license authorizes, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the exportation from the United States, and the reexportation from third countries, of items to… Read more

Section 515.590 of the CACR authorizes the provision of certain grants, scholarships, or awards to Cuban nationals or in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest. Such grants, scholarships, or awards must relate to educational activities, certain humanitarian projects (as set forth in § 515.… Read more

The names of the entities and subentities that the State Department identifies as under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel and with which direct or indirect financial transactions would… Read more

Effective September 30, 2026, OFAC amended § 515.209 to reflect the expanded scope of activities for which the Secretary of State, as directed by the 2025 National Security Presidential Memorandum-5 (NSPM-5), may add entities or subentities to the CRL . Specifically, the Secretary of State may now… Read more