Cuba Sanctions

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Changes to the Cuba Sanctions - Frequently Asked Questions

These Frequently Asked Questions provide an overview of OFAC's regulations with regard to the Cuba sanctions.

• Frequently Asked Questions on Changes to the Cuba Sanctions Program as of October 26, 2020
• Archive of Cuba-related FAQs

Specific Guidance on the Cuba Sanctions

Fact Sheet on Recent Changes to the Cuba Sanctions

• August 2021 FACT SHEET: Supporting the Cuban People’s Right to Seek, Receive, and Impart Information through Safe and Secure Access to the Internet
• October 2020 FACT SHEET: Treasury Prohibits Cuban Military from Processing Remittance-Related Transactions
• September 2020 FACT SHEET: Treasury Amends Regulations to Restrict Revenue Sources to the Cuban Regime

Related to Publishing Activities

• ​Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities (October 28, 2016)

Related to Travel Between the United States and Cuba

• Guidance Regarding Travel Between the United States And Cuba​ (Updated October 14, 2016)
• Prepaid Tourist Packages are Prohibited

Related to the transfer of claims against Cuba:

• Notice Regarding the Transfer of Claims against Cuba Certified by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission

Interpretive Guidance

OFAC issues interpretive guidance on specific issues related to the sanctions programs it administers. These interpretations of OFAC policy are sometimes published in response to a public request for guidance or may be released proactively by OFAC in order to address a complex topic.

• ​Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws (January 12, 2017)
• ​Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities (October 28, 2016)
• Index of Interpretative Guidance

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

It may be in your and the U.S. government's interest to authorize particular economic activity related to the Cuba sanctions. Certain activities related to the Cuba sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.

• Apply for an OFAC License Online - Authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited.

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

Certain activities related to the Cuba sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Below OFAC has issued guidance on its licensing policy.

• Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked

legal framework for the Cuba sanctions

The Cuba Sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities. Some of these authorities are in the form of an executive order issued by the President. Other authorities are public laws (statutes) passed by The Congress. These authorities are further codified by OFAC in its regulations which are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register.

Executive Orders

• 12854 Implementation of the Cuban Democracy Act (Effective Date July 04, 1993)

Statutes

• Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 7201-7211
• Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 18 U.S.C. § 2332d
• Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996, 22 U.S.C. §§ 6021-6091
• Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (CDA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 6001-6010
• Sections 5 and 16 of the Trading With the Enemy Act (TWEA), 50 U.S.C. App. §§ 5, 16

Code of Federal Regulations

• 31 CFR Part 515 - Cuban Assets Control Regulations

Federal Register Notices

• 89 FR 46323-24 - May 2024 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 87 FR 35088-22 - June 2022 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 85 FR 67988-20 - October 2020 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 85 FR 60068-20 - September 2020 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 84 FR 47121-19 - September 2019 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 84 FR 25992-19 - June 2019 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 82 FR 51998-17 - November 2017 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 81 FR 71372​-16 - October 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 81 FR 13989-16 - March 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 81 FR 4583-16 - January 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 80 FR 56915-15 - September 2015 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 80 FR 34053-15 - Amendment to the Terrorism List Government Sanctions Regulations
• 80 FR 2291-15 - January 2015 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​​
• 77 FR 71530-12 - 2012 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​​
• 76 FR 5072-11 - 2011 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 75 FR 10997-10 - 2010 Amendments to authorize certain types of exportation
• 75 FR 10996-10 - 2010 Cuban Assets Control Regulations - Amendment to implement a provision of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2010
• 74 FR 46000-09 - 2009 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​
• 72 FR 50047-07 - 2007 Cuban Assets Control Regulations; Burmese Sanctions Regulations; Sudanese Sanctions Regulations; Iranian Transactions Regulations - Revision to the general license for certain publishing activities
• 70 FR 9225-05 - 2005 Cuban Assets Control Regulations - Amendment to clarify the term "payment of cash in advance"
• 69 FR 75468-04 - 2004 Cuban Assets Control Regulations; Sudanese Sanctions Regulations; Iranian Transactions Regulations - Revision to authorize certain publishing activities
• 69 FR 64632-04 - Publication of General Licenses Related to the Cuba, Burma, and Western Balkans Sanctions Programs
• 68 FR 14141-03 - 2003 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​
• 68 FR 9744-03 - 2003 Correction to 68 FR 8077 - Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
• 68 FR 8077-03 - 2003 Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
• 67 FR 75897-02 - 2002 Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran
• 66 FR 36683-01 - 2001 Exports of Agricultural Products, Medicines, and Medical Devices to Cuba, Sudan, Libya, and Iran; Cuba Travel-Related Transactions
• 65 FR 70382-00 - 2000 Payments to Persons Who Hold Certain Categories of Judgments Against Cuba or Iran