OFAC sanctions program

Cuba Sanctions Program

Cuba is subject to comprehensive US sanctions under the CACR. The program prohibits most transactions involving Cuba by US persons and is administered under a complex framework of general licenses and prohibitions.

Program at a glance

Program codeCUBA
Legal authorityCuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), 31 CFR Part 515; EO 9193 and successors
ScopeComprehensive / Cuba
Designation volumeApproximately 300+ SDN designations

Who and what it targets

The Government of Cuba, Cuban military and intelligence entities, and restricted entities. The scope has shifted across administrations, so current general licenses must be checked.

Relevance to AI agents

Cuba is comprehensively sanctioned for US persons. Payment agents must check destination jurisdiction and apply general-license analysis carefully — the rules differ materially from other comprehensive programs.

Screening note. A counterparty program match is not always a blanket block — the program tag tells your agent how to route the hit (hard block for terrorism/embargo, review-required for sectoral, etc.). SanctionsAI returns the program code on every match.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cuba embargo still in effect?

Yes. The CACR remains in force, though the scope of permitted transactions has shifted across administrations. Current general licenses must be checked.

Can US persons send money to Cuba?

Only under specific general licenses (e.g., certain family remittances). Outside a license, transactions are prohibited.

Compliance disclaimer. This page is educational and not legal advice. Program scope and current general licenses must be confirmed against the live OFAC programme page and, where relevant, by a qualified professional.

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