Frequently Asked Questions

798. If a person had applied for a specific license from OFAC before the CACR was revised but now believes that the proposed activity is authorized pursuant to a general license, does that person need to wait for his or her specific license application to be adjudicated?

… No. If persons meet the qualifications listed in the general license, then they do not need to wait for an official determination from OFAC regarding their … Persons who have determined they may proceed under a general license may wish to contact OFAC … Read more

729. Which individuals may be transported between the United States and Cuba by a person that qualifies for the general license to provide carrier services?

… Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who are traveling to or from Cuba pursuant to a general license under one of the 12 categories of travel listed in section 515.560 of CACR, 31 CFR part … States to Cuba. Cuban nationals who have taken up residence in the United States and are… Read more

912. What does Belarus General License 3 (GL 3), “Authorizing Certain Transactions with the State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus,” authorize?

… and ordinarily incident to requesting, receiving, utilizing, paying for, or dealing in certain licenses and authorizations for the importation, distribution, or use of certain information … What does Belarus General License 3 (GL 3), “Authorizing Certain… Read more

703. Are secondary schools and secondary school students permitted to engage in travel-related transactions under the general license for “educational activities”?

… each group traveling to Cuba. Also, and effective September 24, 2020, OFAC amended this general license to exclude from the authorization lodging, paying for lodging, or making any … and secondary school students permitted to engage in travel-related transactions under the… Read more

955. Are General Licenses (GLs) 17, 18, 19, and 20 consistent with the UN Security Council’s 1988 (Taliban) sanctions regime?

… Are General Licenses (GLs) 17, 18, 19, and 20 consistent with the UN Security Council’s 1988 … Are General Licenses (GLs) 17, 18, 19, and 20 consistent with the UN Security Council’s 1988 …

1012. Do I have to wind down energy-related transactions by the expiration date of Russia-related General License (GL) 8L?

… Do I have to wind down energy-related transactions by the expiration date of Russia-related General License (GL) 8L? … Do I have to wind down energy-related transactions by the expiration date of Russia-related General License (GL) 8L? …

1253. What does Cuba-related General License (GL) 1, "Transactions Authorized Pursuant to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations," authorize?

… Control Regulations, 31 CFR part 515 ( CACR ). GL 1 includes transactions authorized by either general or specific license issued pursuant to the CACR. GL 1 is intended to ensure activity authorized or exempt … What does Cuba-related General… Read more

702. What constitutes “educational activities” for generally authorized travel and other transactions?

… categories of educational activities, as described in § 515.565(a) . Among other things, this general license authorizes, subject to conditions, faculty, staff, and students at U.S. academic … in certain educational activities in the United States, and certain activities to… Read more

524. I would like to engage in derivatives transactions, including credit default swaps, related to a reference bond that is in the Annex to General License 3. Is that permitted?

… Paragraphs (a) and (b) of General License 3 (this content is no longer available) authorize all transactions related to, … provision of financing for, and other dealings in bonds that are either listed in the Annex to General License 3 or that were issued both (i… Read more

1110. What are key changes made by the May 17, 2024, amendment to 31 CFR § 560.540 in comparison to Iran General License D-2?

… of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) to incorporate the provisions of General License (GL) D-2 into 31 CFR § 560.540, with certain additional amendments. Section … Section 560.211 of the ITSR. Section 560.540(d) has been added to set forth the case-by-case… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence