Frequently Asked Questions

938. What early-recovery-related transactions and activities are nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) authorized to engage in pursuant to the general license (GL) at § 542.516 of the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR), as amended on June 5, 2024?

938 … The GL at § 542.516 of the SySR authorizes NGOs to engage in activities in support of certain non-commercial activities in Syria, including: humanitarian projects to meet basic human needs; democracy-building; education; non-commercial development projects directly benefitting the Syrian… Read more

1180. What changes did OFAC make in the June 5, 2024 regulatory amendments to the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 542 (SySR)?

1180 … On June 5, 2024, OFAC, in consultation with the Department of State, amended the SySR to, among other things, incorporate certain sanctions statutes, including the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, which are designed to deny the Assad Regime the resources it needs to support its… Read more

1207. What types of transactions are included in the authorization related to Syrian governing institutions in Syria General License (GL) 24 ("Authorizing Transactions with Governing Institutions in Syria and Certain Transactions Related to Energy and Personal Remittances")?

1207 … GL 24 authorizes transactions under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR), the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (GTSR), and the Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations (FTOSR). GL 24 generally authorizes the following transactions, with the exclusion of military or… Read more

1209. Even after the issuance of Syria General License (GL) 24 ("Authorizing Transactions with Governing Institutions in Syria and Certain Transactions Related to Energy and Personal Remittances"), may I still rely on existing sanctions authorizations for the provision of humanitarian aid?

1209 … Yes. The authorization in GL 24 may overlap with the authorizations in existing GLs issued under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR), the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (GTSR), and the Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations (FTOSR), including: transactions in… Read more

1205. What is the purpose of Syria General License (GL) 24 ("Authorizing Transactions with Governing Institutions in Syria and Certain Transactions Related to Energy and Personal Remittances") and what does it authorize?

1205 … GL 24 is intended to ensure that sanctions do not impede essential governance-related services in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, including for the provision of public services or certain transactions related to energy or personal remittances. GL 24… Read more

1206. What Syrian entities are included in the scope of "governing institutions" for the purposes of Syria General License (GL) 24 ("Authorizing Transactions with Governing Institutions in Syria and Certain Transactions Related to Energy and Personal Remittances")?

1206 … Syrian governing institutions include departments, agencies, and government-run public service providers (including public hospitals, schools, and utilities) at the federal, regional, or local level in Syria following December 8, 2024, including entities involved with Hay’at Tahrir al Sham (… Read more

1210. Does Syria General License (GL) 24 ("Authorizing Transactions with Governing Institutions in Syria and Certain Transactions Related to Energy and Personal Remittances") remove the restrictions placed on Syria under the State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) designation?

1210 … No. SST restrictions on Syria remain in place. … Does Syria General License (GL) 24 ("Authorizing Transactions with Governing Institutions in Syria and Certain Transactions Related to Energy and Personal Remittances") remove the restrictions placed on Syria under the State Sponsor of… Read more

1211. Can foreign governments or companies donate or provide subsidized fuel to Syria without facing exposure to U.S. sanctions?

1211 … Yes. Syria General License (GL) 24 authorizes transactions in support of the sale, supply, storage, or donation of energy, including petroleum, petroleum products, natural gas, and electricity, to or within Syria. This may include, for example, the donation of gasoline to Syrian… Read more

227. May I continue to send money to family or friends in Syria?

227 … Yes. Pursuant to 31 CFR § 542.512 , U.S. persons may continue to send noncommercial, personal remittances to friends or family in Syria, provided the transfer is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked. Syria… Read more

1212. Are international organizations and nongovernmental organizations authorized to conduct transitional justice activities in Syria?

1212 … Yes. Activities to support the rule of law, accountability, and transparency are broadly authorized under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR), the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (GTSR), and the Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations (FTOSR), including transactions… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence