Frequently Asked Questions

1118. As of December 2022, the Government of the Russian Federation may require a so-called "exit tax" payment prior to the divestment of assets located in the Russian Federation, potentially requiring transactions involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. Do U.S. sanctions prohibit the payment of this so-called "exit tax"? Does Russia-related General License (GL) 13R authorize transactions that involve the payment of this exit tax?

Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, "Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation," as amended (Russia-related Sovereign Transactions… Read more

999. What authorizations exist for entities subject to Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, "Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation," as amended (Russia-related Sovereign Transactions Directive)?

OFAC issued Russia-related General License (GL) 132 to authorize transactions involving the Paks II civil nuclear power plant project in Hungary, including those involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, that would be prohibited by the Russia-related Sovereign Transactions Directive.… Read more

1262. On July 13, 2026, the Department of State designated the Cuban entities Grupo Empresarial del Comercio Exterior (GECOMEX) and Grupo Empresarial de Transporte Marítimo Portuario (GEMAR) pursuant to E.O. 14404. Are non-U.S. persons, including foreign financial institutions (FFIs), exposed to sanctions risk for winding down transactions with GECOMEX or GEMAR?

The U.S. government does not intend to target non-U.S. persons, including FFIs, pursuant to E.O. 14404 for engaging in transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of transactions involving GECOMEX, GEMAR, or any entity in which either GECOMEX or GEMAR owns, directly or… Read more

1263. Does General License (GL) 60 require that payments to the Government of Venezuela be made into the Foreign Government Deposit Funds Account (FGDF)?

No. GL 60 authorizes all transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela under the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, which includes payment of taxes, tolls, and fees to the Government of Venezuela connected with such relief efforts. Payments related to earthquake relief that are… Read more

1239. Where can I find the account information to make authorized payments to the Foreign Government Deposit Funds deposit account, as specified in Executive Order 14373?

To obtain payment account information for payments to the Foreign Government Deposit Funds deposit account established consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 14373 , "Safeguarding Venezuelan Oil Revenue for the Good of the American and Venezuelan People," and referenced in certain Venezuela General… Read more

10. What jurisdictions or countries are sanctioned by the United States?

OFAC implements, administers, and enforces U.S. sanctions across many jurisdictions. Some of these sanctions are comprehensive in nature and broadly prohibit most transactions involving the particular jurisdiction and may also include blocking restrictions on the government of such jurisdiction.… Read more

595. What does Venezuela-related General License 5Y authorize?

The President issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13835 on May 21, 2018. Subsection 1(a)(iii) of E.O. 13835 prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions related to the sale, transfer, assignment, or pledging as collateral by the Government of Venezuela (GOV) of any equity interest in an entity… Read more

1264. I am a non-U.S. person engaged in humanitarian activities specifically looking to send food, medicine, or medical devices to Cuba. What is my exposure to sanctions under Executive Order (E.O.) 14404?

As a general matter, U.S. sanctions under E.O. 14404 are not focused on disrupting the delivery of food, medicine, or medical devices to Cuba. The U.S. government does not intend to target non-U.S. persons under E.O. 14404 for engaging in transactions related to the provision, directly or… Read more

1257. Are non-U.S. persons exposed to sanctions for dealing with digital asset exchanges designated pursuant to Executive Order 13902, "Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran" (E.O. 13902)?

Yes. OFAC's designation of Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, Ramzinex, Aban Tether, or any digital asset exchange pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902 for operating in the Iranian financial sector means that foreign financial institutions and other non-U.S. persons who transact with these exchanges may… Read more

1225. What activities do Russia-related General License 128C and General License 131H authorize related to Lukoil International GmbH (LIG)?

OFAC has issued two General Licenses (GLs) relating specifically to Lukoil International GmbH (LIG) and its majority-owned subsidiaries ("LIG Entities"): GL 128C and GL 131I . The GLs are similar but have different expiration dates and terms as each serves a different purpose. To mitigate the… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence