Last update: October 10, 2024
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is part of the United States Treasury Department. OFAC manages the United States government's sanctions and embargo programs, as well as the Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) and Blocked Persons lists. SDNs are entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, the governments of target countries. SDNs may also be associated with international narcotics trafficking or terrorism. United States persons may be prohibited from conducting certain activities with the listed individuals and entities without prior OFAC authorization.
Seek Guidance
- Restricted Party Screenings: If you are dealing with a country subject to restrictions with specific parties, you are encouraged to share with ORPA the names of all individuals and entities involved. ORPA can screen against lists of restricted parties to ensure compliance with sanctions regulations.
- Export Licenses: If you are contemplating activities in countries subject to import, export, or travel restrictions, contact the Export Controls Team at [email protected] so that a license determination may be made.
- Travelling to OFAC Sanctioned Countries: Any faculty, staff or student wishing to travel to Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Syria for any University purpose, including research, should contact the Export Control Team at [email protected] well in advance of their planned travel to determine whether an OFAC license is required to authorize the travel. Other resources related to travel to comprehensively sanctioned countries are available including a PowerPoint Presentation (Export Control: Sanctions and Payments) and a Comprehensively Sanctioned Countries FAQ document.
OFAC Sanctioned Countries
Sanctions regulations vary significantly by country. The following countries are subject to restrictions on certain types of activities, as indicated below.
List of Comprehensively Sanctioned Countries
| Cuba | Iran |
| North Korea | Russia |
| Syria | The following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk |
Most transactions, including those involving persons or entities "ordinarily resident" in these countries, require an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) License.
Other Countries Subject to OFAC Sanctions
| Afghanistan | Balkans | Belarus | Burma (Myanmar) |
| Central African Republic | Congo, Dem. Rep. of | Ethiopia | Hong Kong |
| Iraq | Lebanon | Libya | Mali |
| Nicaragua | Somalia | South Sudan | Sudan |
| Venezuela | Yemen |
Transactions related to activities with specific parties in these countries are prohibited.
Countries Subject to Prohibition on Military Exports
| Afghanistan | Belarus | Burma (Myanmar) | Central African Republic |
| China | Cuba | Congo, Dem. Rep. of | Cyprus |
| Eritrea | Ethiopia | Haiti | Iran |
| Iraq | Lebanon | Libya | Nicaragua |
| North Korea | Russia | Somalia | South Sudan |
| Sudan | Syria | Venezuela | Zimbabwe |
The U.S. Department of State prohibits the export of military/space equipment or technical data to these countries and to foreign nationals of these countries.
A printable version of the information above may be accessed through the link under GUIDANCE on this webpage.
ITAR Restrictions
Be aware that the Department of State maintains a separate list of countries subject to regulations related to the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR). See the Federal Regulations page to learn more.