Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, non-governmental organizations may provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia without the need for a license from OFAC. Organizations considering entering Somali territory to conduct assistance operations should be aware that areas of Somalia are extremely unstable and dangerous, and should… Read more

No, provided that non-U.S. persons comply with certain conditions outlined in GLs 46D , 51D , and 52B as described below. Subject to certain conditions, GLs 46D , 51D , and 52B authorize established U.S. entities to engage in certain transactions involving Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), as… Read more

Given that many of OFAC's licensing determinations are guided by U.S. foreign policy and national security concerns, OFAC often coordinates with the U.S. Department of State and other government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, to make licensing determinations. Please note that… Read more

Applicants or other interested parties may request, at any time, reconsideration of a denied license application on the basis of changed circumstances or new facts. OFAC will reconsider such determinations for good cause, where the applicant has demonstrated changed circumstances or submitted… Read more

Applicants can check the status of their application through the OFAC Specific Licenses and Interpretive Guidance page on OFAC's website by selecting " View Application Status " and entering the case identification ("Case ID") number in the OFAC Licensing Portal. For more information on your status… Read more

If you currently have a specific license from OFAC and seek to amend the terms of the license due to a change in circumstance, or wish to renew or extend the license's expiration date, please visit the OFAC Specific Licenses and Interpretive Guidance page on OFAC's website and submit the same type… Read more

OFAC itself does not seize or hold blocked funds. To comply with U.S. sanctions regulations administered by OFAC, U.S. financial institutions are required to block or "freeze" certain property (e.g., funds, accounts) in their possession or control and report such blocked property to OFAC. Even… Read more

Case Identification Number: Once OFAC receives and begins to process your specific license application, OFAC's Licensing Division will assign a case identification ("Case ID") number. This number will be in the Year-Case ID format (i.e., YYYY-9999999). Note the Case ID number is different from the… Read more

OFAC encourages applicants to file an electronic license application, available via the OFAC Specific Licenses and Interpretive Guidance page on OFAC's website. It is essential to follow instructions and include all necessary information in your application, as detailed in the online application… Read more

Some OFAC sanctions programs that broadly prohibit transactions involving an entire jurisdiction have exemptions or general licenses for certain donated goods, such as humanitarian articles, to relieve human suffering. For information on the exemptions and general licenses under a particular OFAC… Read more