U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

OFAC Specific Licenses and Interpretive Guidance

Planned Updates

OFAC is working to improve your experience with the license application process. Further updates are expected soon.

OFAC issues specific licenses to authorize transactions that otherwise would be prohibited and provides interpretive guidance about how authorizations issued by OFAC apply to your situation.  For considerations that may inform your decision to apply, please review the relevant Sanctions Programs and Country Information or click "FAQs and Guidance" below.

You may not need to apply for a specific license.  Before applying for a specific license, please review the information about Cuba travel and the 12 categories of general licenses related to Cuba travel found in the Cuba Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR part 515).  To the extent that your proposed travel falls within the scope of an existing general license, you may proceed without applying for a specific license from OFAC.  General licenses constitute blanket authorization for those transactions set forth in the relevant regulation and are self-selecting and self-executing.  Persons traveling pursuant to a general license do not need to notify OFAC of their travel plans.  It is OFAC's policy not to grant applications for a specific license authorizing transactions where a general license exists.

If you determine that a general license does not apply, you may request a specific license online using the Application Portal.  OFAC will consider the issuance of specific licenses on a case-by-case basis when a general license provision is not available.  Please read all instructions and relevant information fully before submitting an application for a specific license.

Do you have questions about traveling to Cuba?

For information related to licenses authorizing exports of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Iran pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), please see our TSRA page and TSRA Application Guidelines.

Please review the TSRA Frequently Asked Questions and information below prior to contacting OFAC: