Frequently Asked Questions

754. Is the U.S. originating bank, U.S. intermediary bank, or U.S. beneficiary bank required to independently verify that a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction is not engaging in a direct or indirect financial transaction as defined in § 515.209 when processing Cuba-related transactions?

No. To the extent the transaction involves an entity or subentity on the Cuba Restricted List , a financial institution can rely on the statements of its customer or information available to them in the ordinary course of business that the transaction is authorized unless it knows or has reason to… Read more

757. Are U.S. banking institutions authorized to process "U-turn" transactions in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest?

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

706. What constitutes generally authorized travel under the travel-related category of “public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions”?

Section 515.567(a) of the CACR contains a general license that authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are directly incident to organization of and participation in amateur and semi-professional international sports federation competitions. … Read more

707. What constitutes “support for the Cuban people” for generally authorized travel and other transactions?

Section 515.574 of the CACR contains a general license that authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people, which include activities of recognized human rights organizations; independent organizations… Read more

717. Are there any spending limits for authorized U.S. travelers while in Cuba?

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

699. What constitutes “a close relative” for generally authorized family travel?

OFAC regulations generally authorize persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction and those sharing a dwelling with them as a family to visit a close relative in Cuba, including a close relative who is a Cuban national or a person ordinarily resident in Cuba, or to visit or accompany a close relative who… Read more

709. What constitutes “activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes” for generally authorized travel?

Section 515.576 of the CACR contains a general license that authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are directly incident to activities by private foundations or research or educational institutes with an established interest in international… Read more

705. Who is generally authorized to engage in travel-related transactions for “religious activities”?

Section 515.566 of the CACR contains a general license that authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are directly incident to religious activities in Cuba. All persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including religious organizations located in the… Read more

696. Are authorized travelers who have initiated travel arrangements prior to the addition of an entity or subentity on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List required to cancel their Cuba-related travel plans if their travel arrangements involve direct or indirect financial transactions with a listed entity or subentity?

Any travel-related arrangements that include direct or indirect financial transactions with entities and subentities that appear on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List will continue to be permitted, provided that those travel arrangements were initiated prior to the State Department’s… Read more

710. What constitutes “exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials” for generally authorized travel?

The general license at 31 CFR § 515.545(b)(1) authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are directly incident to the exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials. This general license excludes from its… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence