Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Once a transaction with the Government of Venezuela (GOV), Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), or its majority-owned subsidiaries (PdVSA Entities) has been completed pursuant to GL 46, and the interest—including any future or contingent interest—of a blocked entity is fully extinguished,… Read more

No. The dispute resolution requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of GL 46 applies only to contracts governing transactions undertaken by an established U.S. entity when the contract is with the Government of Venezuela (GOV), Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), or any entity in which PdVSA owns,… Read more

In connection with its normal due diligence, a financial institution may rely on the statements of its customer that the transaction is consistent with the terms of GL 46 , unless it knows or has reason to know …

On February 10, 2026 OFAC issued Venezuela GL 30B , “Authorizing Certain Transactions Necessary to Port and Airport Operations,” which removes the prohibition in GL 30A regarding transactions or activities related to the exportation or reexportation of diluents to Venezuela.  Transactions… Read more

Yes. Consistent with other authorizations issued by OFAC pursuant to the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations (VSR), GLs 46A and 48 authorize routine payments of local taxes, permits, and fees to the Government of Venezuela (GOV) or its instrumentalities. However, other payments, including royalties,… Read more

GL 50A authorizes, subject to its conditions and exclusions, transactions prohibited by the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations (VSR) that are related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela of the entities listed in the Annex to GL 50A and their subsidiaries. Transactions authorized by Venezuela… Read more

For the purposes of GL 47, diluent means a light hydrocarbon liquid, such as natural gas condensate, naphtha, or light crude oil, that is added to heavy crude oil or bitumen to reduce its viscosity and density in order to transport, export, store, or process more …

Specific license applications to perform any contingent contracts executed pursuant to GL 49 will be assessed on a case-by-case basis consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. Recent Venezuela-related general licenses issued by OFAC have included various limitations in… Read more

Entities not identified in the Annex to GL 50A can rely on other authorizations to support the development of oil or gas projects in Venezuela. For example, such companies can enter into contingent contracts for new investments in the Venezuela oil or gas sectors pursuant to GL 49 and submit a… Read more

GL 48 authorizes the provision of goods, technology, software, or services from the United States or by a U.S. person for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in Venezuela. Examples of authorized transactions under GL 48 include the provision of: insurance services for oil and… Read more