Sign up for Nicaragua-related Sanctions e-mail updates.
OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The links below send the user to OFAC's FAQ pages.
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.
It may be in your and the U.S. government's interest to authorize particular economic activity related to the Nicaragua-related Sanctions. 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
Certain activities related to Nicaragua may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to the Nicaragua -Related Sanctions.
- Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings
- Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked
The Nicaragua-related Sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities. Some of these authorities are in the form of executive orders 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.
- Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2018, Public Law 115-335, as amended, (formerly named Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018)
- Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021, Public Law 117-54
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
- National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C.§§ 1601-1651
- 31 CFR Part 582 - Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations
- 88 FR 75494-23 - Publication of Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 1, 2, and 2A
- 88 FR 11814-23 - Publication of Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 3 and 4
- 87 FR 78484-22 - Publication of Humanitarian Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses (Nongovernmental Organizations, Agricultural, and Medicine)
- 87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses
- 85 FR 43436-20 - Amended Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations (July 17, 2020)
- 84 FR 46440-19 - Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations