Frequently Asked Questions

Section 515.533(a) of the CACR does not restrict payment and financing terms for exports of items from the United States or reexports of 100 percent U.S-origin items from a third country, other than agricultural commodities. Examples of permissible payment and financing terms for authorized exports… Read more

Yes, provided that the insurance policy is a global policy, and not specific to the third-country national’s travel to or within Cuba. Section 515.580 of the CACR authorizes persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to issue or provide global health, life, or travel insurance policies for individuals… Read more

Trade delegations are authorized to travel to Cuba only if each member of the delegation meets the criteria of an applicable general license authorizing travel to Cuba or has obtained a specific license from OFAC. Authorized trade delegations generally fall under one of two general licenses for… Read more

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from doing business or investing in Cuba unless authorized by OFAC.  An OFAC general license authorizes, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the exportation from the United States, and the reexportation from third countries, of items to… Read more

Section 515.590 of the CACR authorizes the provision of certain grants, scholarships, or awards to Cuban nationals or in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest. Such grants, scholarships, or awards must relate to educational activities, certain humanitarian projects (as set forth in § 515.… Read more

The names of the entities and subentities that the State Department identifies as under the control of, or acting for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel and with which direct or indirect financial transactions would… Read more

Effective September 30, 2026, OFAC amended § 515.209 to reflect the expanded scope of activities for which the Secretary of State, as directed by the 2025 National Security Presidential Memorandum-5 (NSPM-5), may add entities or subentities to the CRL . Specifically, the Secretary of State may now… Read more

Pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.573 , persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may establish and maintain a physical presence, such as an office, warehouse, or retail outlet, in Cuba to engage in transactions authorized by or exempt from the CACR in the following categories: entities engaging in non-… Read more

Effective September 30, 2026, OFAC narrowed the authorization for persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including U.S. academic institutions and their faculty, staff, and students, to engage in certain education-related transactions involving Cuba. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction that wish to… Read more

No.  A general license authorizes persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including travel agents and tour group operators, to provide travel services in connection with authorized travel without the need for specific licenses from OFAC.  For a complete description of what this general license… Read more