FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATED TO CUBA

Excerpt from: U.S. Department of the Treasury 

I. Embargo
II. Travel
III. Travel and Carrier Services
IV. Remittances
V. Banking
VI. Trade/Business
VII. Telecommunications
VIII. Third-Country Effects
IX. Miscellaneous

EXAMPLES

Where can I find the most recent amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR)? See the Federal Register.

When are the most recent amendments to the CACR effective? The most recent amendments will become effective when published in the Federal Register on October 17, 2016.  The preceding amendments were effective on March 16, 2016; January 27, 2016; September 21, 2015; and January 16, 2015. An amendment was also issued on June 15, 2015, to the Terrorism List Government Sanctions Regulations.

Are sanctions on Cuba still in place following the President’s announcement on December 17, 2014? Yes, the Cuba embargo remains in place. Most transactions between the United States, or persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and Cuba continue to be prohibited, and OFAC continues to enforce the prohibitions of the CACR. The regulatory changes, effective in January, June, and September 2015, as well as in January, March, and October 2016, respectively, are targeted to further engage and empower the Cuban people by facilitating authorized travel to Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction; certain authorized commerce and financial transactions; and the flow of information to, from, and within Cuba.

Is the Department of Commerce also amending its regulations? Yes. The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), in coordination with OFAC, is also amending its Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730- 774) on October 17, 2016. The BIS rule amends a license exception to allow cargo aboard aircraft to transit Cuba when that cargo is bound for destinations other than Cuba; authorizes the export and reexport of certain items sold directly to individuals in Cuba under a license exception; and revises the lists of ineligible Cuban officials for purposes of certain license exceptions.  For additional information, see BIS’s Cuba webpage.

This document is explanatory only, does not have the force of law, and does not supplement or modify the Executive Orders, statutes, or regulations relating to Cuba. Where specific questions arise about applicability, scope, impact, or any other aspects of these sanctions, it is the responsibility of individuals or entities seeking guidance to review the relevant statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders, and, if appropriate, consult with legal counsel.