Rule2026-19973
Cuban Assets Control Regulations
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 30, 2026
Effective
September 30, 2026
Issuing agencies
Treasury DepartmentForeign Assets Control Office
Abstract
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to implement portions of the President's foreign policy toward Cuba, including as directed by National Security Presidential Memorandum-5, "Reissuance of and Amendments to National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 on Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba" (2025 NSPM-5), signed by the President on June 30, 2025. Among other things, this rule adds a prohibition on indirect financial transactions with entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List; amends other authorizations related to financial transactions, including removing an authorization for "U-Turn" transactions; and amends authorizations related to travel and related transactions, including removing authorizations for group people-to-people travel and professional meetings in Cuba.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 188 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61741-61748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19973]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of Foreign Assets Control
31 CFR Part 515
Cuban Assets Control Regulations
AGENCY: Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC) is amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to
implement portions of the President's foreign policy toward Cuba,
including as directed by National Security Presidential Memorandum-5,
``Reissuance of and Amendments to National Security Presidential
Memorandum 5 on Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward
Cuba'' (2025 NSPM-5), signed by the President on June 30, 2025. Among
other things, this rule adds a prohibition on indirect financial
transactions with entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List;
amends other authorizations related to financial transactions,
including removing an authorization for ``U-Turn'' transactions; and
amends authorizations related to travel and related transactions,
including removing authorizations for group people-to-people travel and
professional meetings in Cuba.
DATES: This rule is effective September 30, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OFAC: Assistant Director for
Regulatory Affairs, 202-622-4855; or <a href="https://ofac.treasury.gov/contact-ofac">https://ofac.treasury.gov/contact-ofac</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Availability
This document and additional information concerning OFAC are
available on OFAC's website: <a href="https://ofac.treasury.gov">https://ofac.treasury.gov</a>.
Background
The Department of the Treasury issued the Cuban Assets Control
Regulations, 31 CFR part 515 (the ``Regulations''), on July 8, 1963,
under the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. 4301-4341). OFAC has
amended the Regulations on numerous occasions, most recently on May 29,
2024. In this document, OFAC, in consultation with the Department of
State, is taking actions to implement the Administration's foreign
policy toward Cuba, including measures set forth in the 2025 NSPM-5,
which reissued an amended version of the National Security Presidential
Memorandum 5 of
[[Page 61742]]
June 16, 2017, ``Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward
Cuba'' (2017 NSPM-5).
I. Prohibition on Indirect Financial Transactions With Cuba Restricted
List Entities
Section 3(a)(i) of the 2025 NSPM-5 expands the scope of activities
for which entities or subentities can be added to the U.S. Department
of State's List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with
Cuba (Cuba Restricted List), and Section 3(a)(ii) of the 2025 NSPM-5
directs the Secretary of the Treasury to amend the Regulations to
prohibit direct or indirect financial transactions with such entities
and subentities.
Accordingly, OFAC is amending Sec. 515.209 to prohibit persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction from engaging in indirect financial
transactions with any entities or subentities that are on the Cuba
Restricted List. Specifically, under amended Sec. 515.209, an indirect
financial transaction occurs when a person participates in a transfer
of funds but does not act as an originator or ultimate beneficiary,
where either the originator or ultimate beneficiary is an entity or
subentity on the Cuba Restricted List. The previous prohibition on
``direct financial transactions'' with entities or subentities on the
Cuba Restricted List, which was implemented pursuant to the 2017 NSPM-
5, remains in effect and continues to prohibit persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction from acting as the originator on a transfer of funds whose
ultimate beneficiary is an entity or subentity on the Cuba Restricted
List or as the ultimate beneficiary on a transfer of funds whose
originator is an entity or subentity on the Cuba Restricted List. The
definitions and related interpretations of a direct financial
transaction and an indirect financial transaction in Sec. 515.209 of
the Regulations apply only to the Regulations and not to any other part
of 31 CFR chapter V.
In addition, OFAC is amending Sec. 515.209 to reflect the expanded
scope of activities for which the Secretary of State, pursuant to the
2025 NSPM-5, may add entities or subentities to the Cuba Restricted
List. Specifically, the Secretary of State may now add to the Cuba
Restricted List any entities or subentities that are under the control
of, or act for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the Cuban
military, intelligence, or security services or personnel and with
which direct or indirect financial transactions would
disproportionately benefit such services or personnel at the expense of
the Cuban people or private enterprise in Cuba.
To guard against evasion of the prohibition on direct or indirect
transactions with entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List,
OFAC is also amending Sec. 515.201(c) to add a prohibition on any
transaction that has the purpose or effect of evading or avoiding
prohibitions on direct or indirect transactions with entities or
subentities on the Cuba Restricted List.
Finally, OFAC is also amending certain general licenses in subpart
E that currently exclude direct financial transactions with entities or
subentities on the Cuba Restricted List to also exclude indirect
financial transactions with such entities. OFAC is also amending Sec.
515.421 to clarify that transactions ordinarily incident to licensed
transactions do not include direct or indirect financial transactions
with entities and subentities on the Cuba Restricted List if the terms
of the applicable general or specific license expressly exclude such
direct or indirect financial transactions. OFAC has not incorporated
the prohibition on direct or indirect financial transactions with
entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List into certain
general licenses in accordance with the exceptions detailed in section
3(a)(iii) of the 2025 NSPM-5.
II. Changes to Sec. 515.584 Relating to Financial Transactions
Involving Cuba
Consistent with the 2025 NSPM-5's prohibition on indirect financial
transactions with entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List
and the Administration's foreign policy toward Cuba, OFAC is also
making the following changes to Sec. 515.584:
A. Elimination of ``U-Turn'' General License: Sec. 515.584(d) and (e)
OFAC previously authorized, pursuant to Sec. 515.584(d), any
banking institutions, as defined in Sec. 515.314, that are subject to
U.S. jurisdiction to process funds transfers in which Cuba or a Cuban
national has an interest, where: (1) the funds transfers originate and
terminate outside the United States and (2) neither the originator nor
the beneficiary is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. OFAC is
amending Sec. 515.584(d) to remove the authorization for banking
institutions subject to U.S. jurisdiction to process these ``U-Turn''
transactions and to replace it with an authorization to reject such
transactions.
To account for the removal of the ``U-Turn'' authorization, OFAC is
also amending Sec. 515.584(e) to remove the authorization for the
unblocking and return of any transfer that would have been authorized
pursuant to the prior ``U-Turn'' general license.
B. Processing of U.S. Dollar Instruments: Sec. 515.584(g)
To align with the 2025 NSPM-5's prohibition on direct or indirect
financial transactions with entities or subentities on the Cuba
Restricted List, OFAC is amending Sec. 515.584(g), which authorizes
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to accept, process, and give value
to certain U.S. dollar monetary instruments presented indirectly by
Cuban financial institutions. OFAC is excluding from that authorization
direct or indirect financial transactions with entities or subentities
on the Cuba Restricted List.
Consistent with the amendments to the general licenses contained at
Sec. 515.584(d) and (g), OFAC is also deleting note 1 to Sec.
515.209, which previously stated that Sec. 515.209 does not prohibit a
person subject to U.S. jurisdiction from participating in indirect
financial transactions, such as those authorized by Sec. 515.584(d) or
(g), where the person does not act as the originator or beneficiary on
a transfer of funds. This note is no longer applicable given OFAC's new
prohibition on participating in indirect financial transactions with
entities or subentities on the Cuba Restricted List, the corresponding
amendment to Sec. 515.584(g), and the removal of the ``U-Turn''
authorization in Sec. 515.584(d).
C. Opening and Maintaining Bank Accounts for Certain Cuban Nationals:
Sec. 515.584(h)
In furtherance of the Administration's policy toward Cuba, OFAC is
also removing the authorization at Sec. 515.584(h)(2) that allowed
banking institutions subject to U.S. jurisdiction to open and maintain
accounts solely in the name of a Cuban national who is an independent
private sector entrepreneur, as defined in Sec. 515.340, for the
purposes of conducting certain transactions authorized by, or exempt
from the prohibitions of, the Regulations. Banking institutions subject
to U.S. jurisdiction will require a specific license from OFAC to
unblock funds located in these accounts.
III. Travel and Related Transactions
In addition to the above changes, OFAC is amending the following
authorizations for travel and related transactions in furtherance of
the Administration's policy toward Cuba and is making other technical
and conforming amendments to the Regulations.
[[Page 61743]]
A. Educational Activities: Sec. 515.565(a)
Section 515.565(a) previously authorized persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction, including U.S. academic institutions and their faculty,
staff, and students, to engage in a wide variety of education-related
transactions in and with Cuba. Section 3(b)(i) of the 2025 NSPM-5
requires that except for educational travel that was permitted by
regulation in effect on January 27, 2011, all educational travel must
be under the auspices of an organization subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States, and all such travelers must be accompanied by a
representative of the sponsoring organization. OFAC is incorporating
this requirement by amending Sec. 515.565(a) to restore certain
requirements on educational activities involving Cuba consistent with
the regulations in effect on January 27, 2011. Under amended Sec.
515.565(a)(1), only accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate-degree
granting institutions, their students, and full-time permanent
employees are authorized to engage in certain educational activities,
such as noncommercial research in Cuba specifically related to Cuba and
for the purpose of obtaining a graduate degree, without being
accompanied by a representative from a sponsoring organization.
In addition, OFAC is adding Sec. 515.565(a)(2) to authorize
certain educational activities not authorized by Sec. 515.565(a)(1),
such as certain educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S.
secondary schools, subject to the limitations described in section
3(b)(i) of the 2025 NSPM-5: (1) that the activity takes place under the
auspices of an organization subject to U.S. jurisdiction and (2) that
all travelers are accompanied by a representative of the sponsoring
organization. The accompaniment requirement does not apply to
representatives of a sponsoring organization traveling individually
(not as part of a group) that obtains the requisite letter from the
sponsoring organization.
In addition, OFAC is adding a ``grandfathering'' provision in Sec.
515.565(c) to authorize certain educational travel that previously was
authorized where the traveler has already completed at least one
travel-related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving
accommodation) prior to September 30, 2026.
B. Elimination of Group People-to-People Educational Travel
Authorization: Sec. 515.565(b)
OFAC is also removing an authorization at Sec. 515.565(b) for
group people-to-people educational travel that takes place under the
auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction. OFAC
is replacing that authorization with a ``grandfathering'' provision in
Sec. 515.565(b) to authorize certain group people-to-people
educational travel that previously was authorized where the traveler
has already completed at least one travel-related transaction (such as
purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation) prior to September 30,
2026.
C. Elimination of Professional Meetings Authorization: Sec. 515.564
OFAC is also eliminating the authorization in Sec. 515.564(a)(2)
related to the attendance at, or organization of, professional meetings
or conferences in Cuba. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are no
longer authorized via general license to attend or organize
professional meetings or conferences in Cuba. OFAC is replacing the
authorizations contained within Sec. 515.564(a)(2) with a limited
wind-down period authorizing persons who were in Cuba on September 30,
2026 pursuant to the former authorization to engage in travel-related
and other previously authorized transactions through October 30, 2026,
provided they depart Cuba by October 30, 2026. In addition, OFAC is
also authorizing persons to terminate and obtain refunds for travel and
related transactions for trips consistent with the former professional
meetings authorization until October 30, 2026.
OFAC is also amending Sec. 515.564 to clarify that specific
licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis authorizing the travel-
related transactions in Sec. 515.560(c) and other transactions that
are related to (1) professional research in Cuba that does not qualify
for the general license under Sec. 515.564(a) or (2) professional
meetings or conferences in Cuba that are not authorized under other
travel-related authorizations and that relate to activities otherwise
authorized pursuant to the Regulations.
Public Participation
Because the Regulations involve a foreign affairs function, the
provisions of E.O. 12866 of September 30, 1993, ``Regulatory Planning
and Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), as amended, and the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) requiring notice of
proposed rulemaking, opportunity for public participation, and delay in
effective date, as well as the provisions of E.O. 14192 of January 31,
2025, ``Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation'' (90 FR 6065,
February 6, 2025) and E.O. 14219 of February 19, 2025, ``Ensuring
Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's `Department of
Government Efficiency' Deregulatory Initiative'' (90 FR 10583, February
25, 2025) are inapplicable. Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is
required for this rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-
612) does not apply.
Executive Order 14294
Section 5 of E.O. 14294 of May 9, 2025, ``Fighting
Overcriminalization in Federal Regulations'' (90 FR 20367, May 14,
2025) directs that all future notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs)
and final rules published in the Federal Register, the violation of
which may constitute criminal regulatory offenses, should include a
statement identifying that the rule or proposed rule is a criminal
regulatory offense and the authorizing statute. E.O. 14294 directs
agencies to draft this statement in consultation with the Department of
Justice.
E.O. 14294 further directs that the regulatory text of all NPRMs
and final rules with criminal consequences published in the Federal
Register after May 9, 2025, should explicitly state a mens rea
requirement for each element of a criminal regulatory offense,
accompanied by citations to the relevant provisions of the authorizing
statute.
Willful violations of the regulations set forth in this final rule
may be subject to criminal penalties pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 4301-4341
and regulations promulgated thereunder. The statutory authority for
criminal liability requires a mens rea of willfulness as an element
pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 4315. In drafting this statement, OFAC has
consulted with the Department of Justice.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The collections of information related to the Regulations are
contained in 31 CFR part 501 (the ``Reporting, Procedures and Penalties
Regulations''). Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3507), those collections of information have been approved by
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1505-0164. An
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of
information displays a valid control number.
[[Page 61744]]
List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 515
Administrative practice and procedure, Banks, Banking, Blocking of
assets, Cuba, Financial transactions, Foreign trade, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sanctions, Securities,
Services.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OFAC amends 31 CFR part
515 as follows:
PART 515--CUBAN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 515 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2370(a), 6001-6010, 7201-7211; 31 U.S.C.
321(b); 50 U.S.C. 4301-4341; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890 (28
U.S.C. 2461 note); 22 U.S.C. 6021-6091; Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat.
2681; Pub. L. 111-8, 123 Stat. 524; Pub. L. 111-117, 123 Stat. 3034;
E.O. 9989, 13 FR 4891, 3 CFR, 1943-1948 Comp., p. 748; Proc. 3447,
27 FR 1085, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 157; E.O. 12854, 58 FR 36587,
3 CFR, 1993 Comp., p. 614.
Subpart B--Prohibitions
Sec. 515.201 [Amended]
0
2. In Sec. 515.201, in paragraph (c), add ``or Sec. 515.209'' after
``section''.
0
3. Revise Sec. 515.209 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.209 Restrictions on direct or indirect financial
transactions with certain entities and subentities.
(a) Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this part, no person
subject to U.S. jurisdiction may engage in a direct or indirect
financial transaction with any person that the Secretary of State has
identified as an entity or subentity that is under the control of, or
acts for or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, the Cuban military,
intelligence, or security services or personnel and with which direct
or indirect financial transactions would disproportionately benefit
such services or personnel at the expense of the Cuban people or
private enterprise in Cuba. This prohibition does not apply to certain
transactions set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. For
purposes of this prohibition:
(1) A person engages in a direct financial transaction by acting as
the originator on a transfer of funds whose ultimate beneficiary is an
entity or subentity on the State Department's List of Restricted
Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (``Cuba Restricted
List'') or as the ultimate beneficiary on a transfer of funds whose
originator is an entity or subentity on the Cuba Restricted List,
including a transaction by wire transfer, credit card, check, or
payment of cash; or
(2) A person engages in an indirect financial transaction by
participating in a transfer of funds, but not acting as an originator
or ultimate beneficiary, where either the originator or the ultimate
beneficiary is an entity or subentity on the Cuba Restricted List,
including a transaction by wire transfer, credit card, check, or
payment of cash.
Note 1 to paragraph (a): The names of entities and subentities
that the Secretary of State has identified as meeting the criteria
set forth in this section are published in the Federal Register and
incorporated into the Cuba Restricted List. Entities or subentities
that are owned or controlled by another entity or subentity on this
list are not treated as restricted unless also specified by name on
the Cuba Restricted List. The Cuba Restricted List is maintained by
the State Department and will be published in the Federal Register.
It is also accessible through the following page on the State
Department's website: <a href="https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-restricted-list/">https://www.state.gov/cuba-sanctions/cuba-restricted-list/</a>.
(b) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply
to any travel-related transactions, including those that involve direct
or indirect financial transactions with an entity or subentity on the
Cuba Restricted List, provided those travel-related transactions were
initiated prior to the date that entity or subentity was added to the
Cuba Restricted List as published in the Federal Register.
(c) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply
to any transactions related to commercial engagements that involve
direct or indirect financial transactions with an entity or subentity
on the Cuba Restricted List, provided those commercial engagements were
in place prior to the date that entity or subentity was added to the
Cuba Restricted List as published in the Federal Register.
Note 2 to Sec. 515.209: A transaction relating to the
collection, forwarding, or receipt of remittances involving an
entity or subentity identified on the Cuba Restricted List is not
authorized as a transaction ordinarily incident to a licensed
transaction where the terms of the applicable general or specific
license expressly exclude any such transactions. See Sec. Sec.
515.570, 515.572(a)(3), and 515.587.
Subpart D--Interpretations
Sec. 515.421 [Amended]
0
4. In Sec. 515.421, in paragraph (a)(5), add ``or indirect'' after
``direct''.
Subpart E--Licenses, Authorizations, and Statements of Licensing
Policy
0
5. In Sec. 515.530, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.530 Exportation of powers of attorney or instructions
relating to certain types of transactions.
* * * * *
(d) Nothing in this section authorizes a direct or indirect
financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
0
6. Amend Sec. 515.534 as follows:
0
a. Remove the note to Sec. 515.534;
0
b. Revise paragraph (c); and
0
c. Add note 1 to Sec. 515.534.
The revision and addition read as follows:
Sec. 515.534 Negotiation of, and entry into, contingent contracts
relating to transactions prohibited by this part.
* * * * *
(c) Nothing in this section authorizes a direct or indirect
financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
Note 1 to Sec. 515.534: This section does not authorize
transactions related to travel to, from, or within Cuba. See Sec.
515.533(c) for a general license authorizing travel-related and
other transactions incident to the negotiation of contracts for the
exportation or reexportation of certain items to Cuba.
Sec. 515.542 [Amended]
0
7. In Sec. 515.542, in note 1 to Sec. 515.542, remove the last
sentence.
0
8. In Sec. 515.545, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.545 Transactions related to information and informational
materials.
* * * * *
(c) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section authorizes a direct or
indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
* * * * *
Sec. 515.547 [Amended]
0
9. In Sec. 515.547, in note 2 to paragraph (a), in the second
sentence, remove ``and professional meetings'' after ``professional
research''.
Sec. 515.560 [Amended]
0
10. In Sec. 515.560, in paragraph (d), add ``or indirect'' after
``direct''.
0
11. In Sec. 515.561, revise and republish paragraph (a) to read as
follows:
Sec. 515.561 Family visits.
(a) General license. Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States and persons traveling with them who share a common
dwelling as a family with them are authorized to engage in the travel-
related transactions set forth in Sec. 515.560(c) and such additional
transactions as are directly incident to: visiting a close relative, as
defined in Sec. 515.339, who is a national of Cuba or a person
ordinarily resident in Cuba; or
[[Page 61745]]
visiting a close relative located in Cuba or accompanying a close
relative traveling to Cuba pursuant to the authorizations in Sec.
515.562 (official government business), Sec. 515.563 (journalistic
activity), Sec. 515.564(a)(1) (professional research), Sec.
515.565(a)(1)(i) through (iv) and (vi) (educational activities), Sec.
515.566 (religious activities), Sec. 515.575 (humanitarian projects),
or Sec. 515.576 (activities of private foundations or research or
educational institutes). Nothing in this paragraph (a) authorizes a
direct or indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209,
or the lodging, paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on
behalf of a third party to lodge, at any property on the Cuba
Prohibited Accommodations List to the extent prohibited by Sec.
515.210.
Note 1 to paragraph (a): Each person relying on the general
authorization in this paragraph must retain specific records related
to the authorized travel transactions. See Sec. Sec. 501.601 and
501.602 of this chapter for applicable recordkeeping and reporting
requirements.
* * * * *
0
12. Revise Sec. 515.564 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.564 Professional research and professional meetings in Cuba.
(a) General licenses--(1) General license for professional
research. The travel-related transactions set forth in Sec. 515.560(c)
and such additional transactions as are directly incident to
professional research are authorized, provided that:
(i) The purpose of the research directly relates to the traveler's
profession, professional background, or area of expertise, including
area of graduate-level full-time study; and
(ii) The traveler's schedule of activities does not include free
time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time
schedule of professional research.
Example 1 to paragraph (a)(1): The making of a documentary film in
Cuba would qualify for the general license in this section if it is a
vehicle for presentation of the research conducted pursuant to this
section.
Note 1 to paragraph (a)(1): A person does not qualify as
engaging in professional research merely because that person is a
professional who plans to travel to Cuba.
(2) General license authorizing the wind-down of certain travel and
other transactions directly incident to professional meetings in Cuba.
(i) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who are located in Cuba as of
September 30, 2026, for the attendance at, or organization of,
professional meetings or conferences in Cuba are authorized to engage
in travel and related transactions for a trip consistent with this
paragraph (a)(2) as this provision existed on June 30, 2025, provided
the traveler departs Cuba no later than October 30, 2026.
(ii) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized until
October 30, 2026, to engage in transactions ordinarily incident and
necessary to terminating and obtaining refunds for travel and related
transactions for a trip consistent with this paragraph (a)(2) as this
provision existed on June 30, 2025.
Note 2 to paragraph (a): Each person relying on a general
authorization in this paragraph (a) must retain specific records
related to the authorized travel transactions. See Sec. Sec.
501.601 and 501.602 of this chapter for applicable recordkeeping and
reporting requirements.
(b) Applicability to groups. An entire group does not qualify for
the general license in paragraph (a) of this section merely because
some members of the group qualify individually.
Example 2 to paragraph (b): A musicologist travels to Cuba to
research Cuban music pursuant to the general license for professional
research set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Others who are
simply interested in music may not engage in travel-related
transactions with the musicologist in reliance on this general license.
For example, an art historian who plays in the same band with the
musicologist would not qualify for the general license.
(c) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (a) of this section authorizes a direct or
indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
(d) Certain travel-related transactions restricted. Nothing in
paragraph (a) of this section authorizes the lodging, paying for
lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a third party to
lodge, at any property on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to
the extent prohibited by Sec. 515.210.
(e) Specific licenses. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-
by-case basis authorizing the travel-related transactions set forth in
Sec. 515.560(c) and such other transactions as are related to either:
professional research in Cuba that does not qualify for the general
license under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or professional
meetings or conferences in Cuba that are not otherwise authorized
pursuant to other travel-related authorizations and relate to
activities otherwise authorized pursuant to this part.
0
13. Revise Sec. 515.565 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.565 Educational activities.
(a) General license for educational activities. (1) Accredited U.S.
undergraduate or graduate degree-granting academic institutions, their
students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the
institution, and their full-time permanent employees, are authorized to
engage, under the auspices of the institutions, in transactions,
including the travel-related transactions set forth in Sec.
515.560(c), that are directly incident to the following activities:
(i) Participation in a structured educational program in Cuba as
part of a course offered at the U.S. institution, provided the program
includes a full term, and in no instance includes fewer than 10 weeks,
of study in Cuba. An individual planning to engage in such transactions
must obtain a letter from the U.S. institution stating that the
individual is a student currently enrolled in an undergraduate or
graduate degree program at the institution, or is a full-time permanent
employee of the institution, and that the Cuba-related travel is part
of a structured educational program of the U.S. institution that will
be no shorter than 10 weeks in duration;
(ii) Noncommercial academic research in Cuba specifically related
to Cuba and for the purpose of obtaining a graduate degree. A student
planning to engage in such transactions must obtain a letter from the
U.S. institution stating that the individual is a student currently
enrolled in a graduate degree program at the U.S. institution and that
the research in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward that degree;
(iii) Participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic
institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be
accepted for credit toward the student's undergraduate or graduate
degree at the U.S. institution and provided that the course of study is
no shorter than 10 weeks in duration. An individual planning to engage
in such transactions must obtain a letter from the U.S. institution
stating that the individual is a student currently enrolled in an
undergraduate or graduate degree program at the U.S. institution and
that the study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward that degree
and will be no shorter than 10 weeks in duration;
(iv) Teaching at a Cuban academic institution by an individual
regularly employed in a teaching capacity at the U.S. institution,
provided the teaching activities are related to an academic program at
the Cuban institution and provided that the duration of the teaching
will be no shorter than 10
[[Page 61746]]
weeks. An individual planning to engage in such transactions must
obtain a letter from the U.S. institution stating that the individual
is a full-time permanent employee regularly employed in a teaching
capacity at the U.S. institution;
(v) Sponsorship of a Cuban scholar to teach or engage in other
scholarly activity at the U.S. institution (in addition to those
transactions authorized by the general license contained in Sec.
515.571); and
Note 1 to paragraph (a)(1)(v): See Sec. 515.571(a) for
authorizations related to certain banking transactions and receipt
of salary or other compensation by Cuban nationals present in the
United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to other non-
immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S. Government.
(vi) The organization of, and preparation for, the activities
described in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (v) of this section by a
full-time permanent employee of the U.S. institution. An individual
engaging in such transactions must obtain a letter from the U.S.
institution stating that the individual is a full-time permanent
employee of the U.S. institution.
(2) To the extent not authorized in paragraph (a)(1) of this
section, persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including U.S. academic
institutions and their faculty, staff, and students, are authorized to
engage in transactions, including the travel-related transactions set
forth in Sec. 515.560(c), that are directly incident to the following
activities, provided that any travel-related transactions pursuant to
these authorizations take place under the auspices of an organization
that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and further provided
that all such travelers be accompanied by a person subject to U.S.
jurisdiction who is an employee, paid consultant, agent, or other
representative of the sponsoring organization, except in cases where
the traveler is an employee, paid consultant, agent, or other
representative traveling individually (not as part of a group) and the
individual traveler obtains a letter from the sponsoring organization
stating that: The individual is traveling to Cuba as an employee, paid
consultant, agent, or other representative (including specifying the
responsibilities of the individual that make him or her a
representative) of the sponsoring organization; the individual is
acting for or on behalf of, or otherwise representing, the sponsoring
organization; and the individual's travel to Cuba is related to his or
her role at the sponsoring organization:
(i) Participation in a structured educational program in Cuba as
part of a course offered for credit by a U.S. graduate or undergraduate
degree-granting academic institution that is sponsoring the program;
(ii) Noncommercial academic research in Cuba specifically related
to Cuba and for the purpose of obtaining an undergraduate or graduate
degree;
(iii) Participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic
institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be
accepted for credit toward the student's graduate or undergraduate
degree;
(iv) Teaching at a Cuban academic institution related to an
academic program at the Cuban institution, provided that the individual
is regularly employed by a U.S. or other non-Cuban academic
institution;
(v) Sponsorship of a Cuban scholar to teach or engage in other
scholarly activity at the sponsoring U.S. academic institution (in
addition to those transactions authorized by the general license
contained in Sec. 515.571);
Note 2 to paragraph (a)(2)(v): See Sec. 515.571(a) for
authorizations related to certain banking transactions and receipt
of salary or other compensation by Cuban nationals present in the
United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to other non-
immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S. Government.
(vi) Educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary
schools involving secondary school students' participation in a formal
course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a
secondary school or other academic institution and led by a teacher or
other secondary school official. This includes participation by a
reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school
students to Cuba;
(vii) Sponsorship or co-sponsorship of non-commercial academic
seminars, conferences, symposia, and workshops related to Cuba or
global issues involving Cuba and attendance at such events by faculty,
staff, and students of a participating U.S. academic institution;
(viii) Establishment of academic exchanges and joint non-commercial
academic research projects with universities or academic institutions
in Cuba;
(ix) Provision of standardized testing services, including
professional certificate examinations, university entrance
examinations, and language examinations, and related preparatory
services for such exams, to Cuban nationals, wherever located;
(x) Provision of internet-based courses, including distance
learning and Massive Open Online Courses, to Cuban nationals, wherever
located, provided that the course content is at the undergraduate level
or below;
(xi) The organization of, and preparation for, activities described
in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (x) of this section by an employee,
paid consultant, agent, or other representative of the sponsoring
organization that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction; and
(xii) Facilitation by an organization that is a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction, or a member of the staff of such an organization, of
licensed educational activities in Cuba on behalf of U.S. academic
institutions or secondary schools, provided that:
(A) The organization is directly affiliated with one or more U.S.
academic institutions or secondary schools; and
(B) The organization facilitates educational activities that meet
the requirements of one or more of the general licenses set forth in
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iii) and (a)(2)(i) through (iii) and (vi)
of this section.
Example 1 to paragraph (a)(2): An individual undergraduate student
serves as a research assistant at his or her U.S. undergraduate degree-
granting academic institution. This individual may travel to Cuba to
engage in noncommercial academic research specifically related to Cuba
for the purpose of obtaining an undergraduate degree pursuant to
paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section if the student is either
accompanied by an employee, paid consultant, agent, or other
representative of the academic institution (either individually or as
part of a group), or has obtained a letter from the institution stating
that the student is an employee, paid consultant, agent, or other
representative (including specifying the responsibilities that make him
or her a representative) of the academic institution, that the student
is acting for or on behalf of or otherwise representing the academic
institution, and that the student's travel to Cuba is related to his or
her role at the academic institution.
Note 3 to paragraph (a)(2): The authorizations in this paragraph
(a)(2) extend to adjunct faculty and part-time staff of U.S.
academic institutions. A student enrolled in a U.S. academic
institution is authorized pursuant to this paragraph (a)(2) to
participate in the academic activities in Cuba described through any
sponsoring U.S. academic institution.
Note 4 to paragraph (a): See Sec. 515.560(c)(6) for an
authorization for individuals to open and maintain accounts at Cuban
financial
[[Page 61747]]
institutions; see Sec. 515.573 for an authorization for entities
conducting educational activities authorized by Sec. 515.565(a) to
establish a physical presence in Cuba, including an authorization to
open and maintain accounts at Cuban financial institutions.
Note 5 to paragraph (a): The export or reexport to Cuba of goods
(including software) or technology subject to the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 774) may
require separate authorization from the Department of Commerce.
Note 6 to paragraph (a): See Sec. 515.590(a) for an
authorization for the provision of educational grants, scholarships,
or awards to a Cuban national or in which Cuba or a Cuban national
otherwise has an interest.
Note 7 to paragraph (a): Each person relying on the general
authorization in this paragraph (a) must retain specific records
related to the authorized travel transactions. See Sec. Sec.
501.601 and 501.602 of this chapter for applicable recordkeeping and
reporting requirements.
(b) General license for certain people-to-people travel and related
transactions where certain transactions were completed prior to
September 30, 2026. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized
to engage in people-to-people travel and related transactions for a
trip consistent with this paragraph (b) as this provision existed on
June 30, 2025, provided the traveler completed at least one travel-
related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving
accommodation) for that particular trip prior to September 30, 2026.
(c) General license for certain educational travel and related
transactions where certain transactions were completed prior to
September 30, 2026. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized
to engage in educational travel and related transactions for a trip
consistent with paragraph (a) of this section as this provision existed
on June 30, 2025, provided the traveler completed at least one travel-
related transaction (such as purchasing a flight or reserving
accommodation) for that particular trip prior to September 30, 2026.
(d) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section authorizes a
direct or indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
(e) Certain travel-related transactions restricted. Nothing in
paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section authorizes the lodging,
paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a
third party to lodge, at any property on the Cuba Prohibited
Accommodations List to the extent prohibited by Sec. 515.210.
(f) Restriction on primarily tourist-oriented activities.
Transactions related to activities that are primarily tourist-oriented
are not authorized pursuant to this section.
(g) Specific licenses. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-
by-case basis authorizing the travel-related transactions set forth in
Sec. 515.560(c) and such other transactions as are related to
educational activities that do not qualify for the general license
under paragraph (a) of this section.
Sec. 515.566 [Amended]
0
14. In Sec. 515.566, in the last sentence of paragraph (a):
0
a. Remove ``this paragraph'' and add ``this paragraph (a)'' in its
place; and
0
b. Add ``or indirect'' after ``direct''.
0
15. In Sec. 515.567, revise paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.567 Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and
other competitions, and exhibitions.
* * * * *
(d) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (a) of this section authorizes a direct or
indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
* * * * *
0
16. In Sec. 515.570, revise and republish paragraph (d) to read as
follows:
Sec. 515.570 Remittances.
* * * * *
(d) Remittances to students in Cuba pursuant to an educational
license authorized. Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States who are 18 years of age or older are authorized to make
remittances to close relatives, as defined in Sec. 515.339, who are
students in Cuba pursuant to the general license authorizing certain
educational activities in Sec. 515.565(a) or a specific license issued
pursuant to Sec. 515.565(g), provided that the remittances are not
made from a blocked source and are for the purpose of funding
transactions authorized by the general licenses in Sec. 515.565(a) or
the specific license issued pursuant to Sec. 515.565(g) under which
the student is traveling.
* * * * *
Sec. 515.572 [Amended]
0
17. Amend Sec. 515.572 as follows:
0
a. In the last sentence of paragraph (a)(1):
0
i. Remove ``this paragraph'' and add ``this paragraph (a)(1)'' in its
place; and
0
ii. Add ``or indirect'' after ``direct'';
0
b. Remove note 3 to paragraph (a); and
0
c. Redesignate note 4 to Sec. 515.572 as note 3 to Sec. 515.572.
0
18. In Sec. 515.573, revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.573 Physical presence and business presence in Cuba
authorized; Cuban news bureaus.
* * * * *
(f) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
(1) Nothing in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, with the exception of
transactions related to exports or reexports of agricultural
commodities, medicines or medical supplies, items associated with the
provision of telecommunications and internet services for the Cuban
people, or items associated with air and sea operations that support
permissible travel, cargo, or trade, authorizes a direct or indirect
financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209. Nothing in paragraph
(c)(5) of this section, with the exception of transactions concerning
air and sea operations that support permissible travel, cargo, or
trade, authorizes a direct or indirect financial transaction prohibited
by Sec. 515.209.
(2) Nothing in paragraph (d)(2), (3), or (6) of this section
authorizes a direct or indirect financial transaction prohibited by
Sec. 515.209.
* * * * *
0
19. In Sec. 515.574, revise the section heading and paragraph (c) to
read as follows:
Sec. 515.574 Support for the Cuban people.
* * * * *
(c) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section authorizes a direct or
indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209, with the
exception of transactions on behalf of a non-governmental organization.
* * * * *
0
20. In Sec. 515.576, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.576 Activities of private foundations or research or
educational institutes.
* * * * *
(c) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (a) of this section authorizes a direct or
indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
* * * * *
0
21. Amend Sec. 515.577 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (e); and
0
b. Remove paragraph (f).
The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 515.577 Authorized transactions necessary and ordinarily
incident to publishing.
* * * * *
[[Page 61748]]
(e) Nothing in this section authorizes a direct or indirect
financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
0
22. In Sec. 515.578, revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.578 Exportation, reexportation, and importation of certain
internet-based services; importation of software.
* * * * *
(f) Certain direct or indirect financial transactions restricted.
Nothing in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section authorizes a direct or
indirect financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
* * * * *
Sec. 515.581 [Amended]
0
23. In Sec. 515.581, in the second sentence:
0
a. Remove ``this paragraph'' and add ``this section'' in its place; and
0
b. Add ``or indirect'' after ``direct''.
0
24. In Sec. 515.584, revise the note to paragraph (a) and paragraphs
(d) through (h) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.584 Certain financial transactions involving Cuba.
(a) * * *
Note 1 to paragraph (a): This paragraph (a) does not authorize
the establishment and maintenance of accounts in the United States
or with a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction by, on behalf of, or
for the benefit of, Cuba or a Cuban national.
* * * * *
(d) Funds transfers. Any banking institution, as defined in Sec.
515.314, that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to
reject funds transfers originating and terminating outside the United
States, provided that neither the originator nor the beneficiary is a
person subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
(e) Unblocking of certain previously blocked funds transfers
authorized. Any banking institution, as defined in Sec. 515.314, that
is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to unblock and
return to the originator or originating financial institution or their
successor-in-interest previously blocked funds transfers that could
have been processed pursuant to Sec. 515.562(b) or Sec. 515.579(b) if
the processing of those transfers would have been authorized had they
been sent under the current text of those provisions. Persons subject
to U.S. jurisdiction unblocking funds transfers that were originally
blocked on or after August 25, 1997, pursuant to this section must
submit a report to the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign
Assets Control within 10 business days from the date such funds
transfers are unblocked and reported in compliance with Sec.
501.603(b)(3) of this chapter.
(f) Financing for certain exports or reexports. Any banking
institution, as defined in Sec. 515.314, that is a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to provide financing for exports or
reexports of items, other than agricultural commodities, authorized
pursuant to Sec. 515.533, including issuing, advising, negotiating,
paying, or confirming letters of credit (including letters of credit
issued by a financial institution that is a national of Cuba),
accepting collateral for issuing or confirming letters of credit, and
processing documentary collections. With the exception of transactions
related to exports or reexports of medicines or medical supplies, items
associated with the provision of telecommunications and internet
services for the Cuban people, or items associated with air and sea
operations that support permissible travel, cargo, or trade, nothing in
this paragraph (f) authorizes a direct or indirect financial
transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
(g) U.S. dollar monetary instruments. Any banking institution, as
defined in Sec. 515.314, that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction
is authorized to accept, process, and give value to U.S. dollar
monetary instruments presented for processing and payment by a banking
institution located in a third country that is not a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction or a Cuban national and that has received the U.S.
dollar monetary instruments from a financial institution that is a
national of Cuba for which it maintains a correspondent account and
which received the U.S. dollar monetary instruments in connection with
an underlying transaction that is authorized, exempt, or otherwise not
prohibited by this part, such as dollars spent in Cuba by authorized
travelers or a third-country transaction that is not prohibited by this
part. Nothing in this paragraph (g) authorizes a direct or indirect
financial transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.209.
Note 2 to paragraph (g): Correspondent accounts used for
transactions authorized pursuant to this paragraph (g) may be
denominated in U.S. dollars.
(h) Opening and maintaining bank accounts for certain Cuban
nationals. Any banking institution, as defined in Sec. 515.314, that
is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to open and
maintain accounts solely in the name of a Cuban national located in
Cuba for the purposes only of receiving payments in the United States
in connection with transactions authorized pursuant to, or exempt from
the prohibitions of, this part and remitting such payments to Cuba.
Sec. 515.590 [Amended]
0
25. In Sec. 515.590, in the introductory text, add ``or indirect''
after ``direct''.
Sec. 515.591 [Amended]
0
26. In Sec. 515.591, in note 2 to Sec. 515.591, remove ``and
professional meetings'' after ``professional research''.
Bradley T. Smith,
Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 2026-19973 Filed 9-29-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-AL-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 30, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.