Official sources
Start with these primary pages. Always verify details on the official site before relying on any summary — including ours. Informational only — not legal advice.
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OFAC Cuba Sanctions
U.S. Treasury program page for Cuba sanctions, licenses, and related guidance.
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OFAC FAQ 1251 (E.O. 14404)
Official FAQ explaining what Executive Order 14404 does and how it relates to the CACR.
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State Department — Cuba
U.S. Department of State country page for Cuba policy and related materials.
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State — Cuba Restricted List
Entities and subentities with which direct financial transactions are generally restricted under the CACR.
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State — Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List
Properties where lodging-related transactions are generally prohibited for persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
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Federal Register (search: Cuba)
Official U.S. notices, rules, and presidential documents mentioning Cuba.
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BIS — Cuba export controls
Commerce / Bureau of Industry and Security guidance on exports and reexports to Cuba under the EAR.
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Gaceta Oficial de la República de Cuba
Cuba’s official gazette — primary publication for Cuban laws, decrees, and resolutions.
Disclaimer: This list is informational only and is not legal advice. Rules change; always verify on the official page and consult qualified counsel before taking action.
Key Terms Glossary
Quick definitions for common terms in US–Cuba relations and economic reform discussions. Based on publicly available explanations. Not legal advice.
Foreign Investment Law (Ley 118)
The main Cuban law governing foreign investment, including joint ventures and economic associations with foreign capital. Updated guidelines often appear in the Official Gazette.
OFAC
Office of Foreign Assets Control – the U.S. Treasury office that administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions, including those related to Cuba.
Joint Venture (Empresa Mixta)
A common structure for foreign investment in Cuba where a foreign company partners with a Cuban state entity.
Remittances
Money sent by individuals (often from the U.S. Cuban diaspora) to family or recipients in Cuba. Subject to U.S. and Cuban regulations.
Gaceta Oficial
The official gazette of the Republic of Cuba where new laws, decrees, and resolutions are published.
Authorized Travel Categories
Specific reasons for U.S. persons to travel to Cuba that are permitted under U.S. regulations (e.g., family visits, professional research, etc.).
Cuentapropista
Self-employed private worker or small business owner in Cuba's non-state sector. Subject to licensing and regulatory frameworks that have been expanding.
Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM)
A special economic zone near Havana designed to attract foreign investment with tax incentives and streamlined procedures for certain activities.
General License
A type of U.S. authorization that allows certain transactions with Cuba without needing a specific license from OFAC, subject to strict conditions.
Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List
U.S. Treasury list of individuals and entities with whom U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing, including some Cuba-related entries.