Which are OFAC countries?
Navigating the complexities of US economic sanctions requires understanding that not all OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) programs are identical. While some countries face total embargoes, others are subject to specific, list-based restrictions.
This page provides a general overview of sanction types. For an authoritative and up-to-date list of OFAC sanctions programs, as well as legal assistance with blocked or restricted transactions, see OFAC Sanctioned Countries & Legal Services.
| Country / Region | Sanction Level | 2026 Status & Key Restrictions |
| Russia | Critical / Hybrid Embargo | Massive expansion of secondary sanctions. Almost all major financial institutions are blocked. Strict ban on software, IT services, and high-tech supply chains. |
| Iran | Full Embargo | Comprehensive trade and financial ban. Focus in 2026 remains on oil, petro-chemicals, and drone/missile technology sectors. |
| Cuba | Full Embargo | Remains under comprehensive restrictions. Travel and financial dealings for US persons are strictly regulated despite minor humanitarian carve-outs. |
| North Korea | Full Embargo | Total isolation. Focus on blocking crypto-asset laundering and illicit maritime activities. |
| Syria | Full Embargo | Prohibits virtually all commercial activity and investment. Strong focus on blocking reconstruction efforts led by the state. |
| Crimea / DNR / LNR | Regional Embargo | Absolute prohibition on investment, trade, and services for these occupied territories. |
| Belarus | Highly Restrictive | Severe sectoral sanctions closely aligned with the Russian program. Key industrial exporters are fully blocked. |
| Venezuela | Govt. Blocked / Sectoral | The Government of Venezuela remains blocked. However, specific GLs (General Licenses) for the energy sector may apply depending on current US policy shifts. |
| Afghanistan | Targeted (De Facto Govt) | Sanctions target the Taliban. Transactions involving the central bank or government ministries require extreme due diligence. |
| Yemen / Sudan / Zimbabwe | List-Based (SDN) | No general country-wide ban. Only transactions involving individuals or entities on the SDN list are prohibited. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Comprehensive and Targeted sanction?
A comprehensive sanction (embargo) blocks almost all trade with a country. A targeted sanction only blocks specific people or companies (the SDN list). Even if a country isn’t under a full embargo, you must still screen every transaction to ensure your partner isn’t a blocked entity.
Why are some transactions blocked even if a country isn’t on the embargo list?
Banks often use “de-risking” strategies. If a country is under heavy targeted sanctions (like Russia or Belarus), many financial institutions will block transactions automatically to avoid any risk of OFAC violations, even if the trade itself is legal.
Can I unblock funds frozen due to OFAC regulations?
Yes, but it typically requires filing a specific license application with the U.S. Treasury Department. The process depends on whether the block was due to a clerical error, a name match, or a specific sanctions program.
