OFAC Cuba Sanctions
OFAC Cuba Sanctions is a sanctions program maintained by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeting Cuba. It imposes asset freeze, trade restrictions, financial restrictions, travel ban and comprehensive.
Last updated 3 Aug 2026
Overview
The Cuba Sanctions program implements a comprehensive economic embargo against Cuba, including restrictions on trade, financial transactions, travel, and transactions involving Cuban nationals and entities. The program is codified under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR Part 515) and implemented under multiple legal authorities including executive orders and statutes.
Targeted country
Legal bases
- Executive Order 14404 - Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy (May 01, 2026)
- Executive Order 12854 - Implementation of the Cuban Democracy Act (Effective Date July 04, 1993)
- 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
- 31 CFR Part 515 - Cuban Assets Control Regulations
Official resources
Fact Sheet on Recent Changes to the Cuba Sanctions
Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities (October 28, 2016)
Guidance Regarding Travel Between the United States And Cuba (Updated October 14, 2016)
Notice Regarding the Transfer of Claims against Cuba Certified by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission
Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws (January 12, 2017)
Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked
August 2021 FACT SHEET: Supporting the Cuban People's Right to Seek, Receive, and Impart Information through Safe and Secure Access to the Internet
September 2020 FACT SHEET: Treasury Amends Regulations to Restrict Revenue Sources to the Cuban Regime
EO 12854 - Implementation of the Cuban Democracy Act
87 FR 35088-22 - June 2022 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
85 FR 60068-20 - September 2020 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
84 FR 25992-19 - June 2019 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
81 FR 71372-16 - October 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
81 FR 4583-16 - January 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
80 FR 2291-15 - January 2015 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
Cuba General License 2 - Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving CEIBA Investments Limited
Cuba General License 4 - Authorizing Transactions for Third-Country Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Cuba
EO 14404 - Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy
89 FR 46323-24 - May 2024 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
85 FR 67988-20 - October 2020 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
84 FR 47121-19 - September 2019 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
82 FR 51998-17 - November 2017 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
81 FR 13989-16 - March 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
80 FR 56915-15 - September 2015 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
Cuba General License 1 - Transactions Authorized Pursuant to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
Cuba General License 3 - Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, CEIBA Investments Limited
Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs
October 2020 FACT SHEET: Treasury Prohibits Cuban Military from Processing Remittance-Related Transactions
Changes to the Cuba Sanctions - Frequently Asked Questions