OFAC Updates FAQ about the Cuba Sanctions Program, Limits Travelers' Free Time (with Lofchie Video Selection)
On April 16, 2015, the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") issued an updated list of Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs") about recent amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations ("CACR").
The FAQs make clear that the Cuba embargo remains in place. They also address the range of activities now permitted under the amended regulations. For example, individuals may travel to Cuba under general licenses in 12 categories, including family visits; governmental business; journalistic, religious and educational activities; humanitarian projects; transmission of information materials; and certain authorized export activities. Travel to Cuba for purposes of tourism remains prohibited, and any authorized travel under a general license "must not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule in Cuba."
The FAQs also address certain commercial topics, such as banking, trade and telecommunications. Under the CACR amendments, U.S. financial institutions may – but are not required to – support credit or debit card transactions in Cuba for authorized travelers. In addition, depository institutions are permitted to open correspondent accounts at banks in Cuba. (Under the regulations, Cuban banks still are not permitted to open correspondent accounts at U.S. banks.)
Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction remain prohibited from doing business or investing in Cuba unless licensed or otherwise authorized by OFAC and the Commerce Department to do so. Trade delegations may travel to Cuba, but only if each delegation member qualifies individually for travel to Cuba under one of the 12 general license categories or has obtained a specific license for such travel.
With respect to telecommunications, OFAC issued an expanded general license that authorizes – subject to certain conditions – transactions related to the establishment of commercial telecommunications in Cuba, or linking third countries and Cuba. Under general license, certain other telecommunications-related transactions also are now permitted, including payment related to the provision of telecommunications involving Cuba or provided to Cuban individuals (e.g., purchasing calling cards for use in Cuba or paying a Cuban telecommunications bill). According to OFAC, the objective of these measures is to improve telecommunications services for Cubans and increase connectivity between the Cuban people and the United States.
Lofchie Music Video Selection: "Soy de Cuba."
See: Updated FAQ.See also: Sanctions Specialty Page (available to Cabinet subscribers only).