Research Insights
Changes in U.S. sanctions affect UGA travel to Cuba
The updated regulations include a prohibition on financial transactions with entities or sub-entities that are under the control of, or act on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel. The regulatory changes also include increased enforcement and auditing of UGA travel to Cuba.
In November of 2017, the U.S. government announced changes to the Cuba sanctions regulations.
The updated regulations include a prohibition on financial transactions with entities or sub-entities that are under the control of, or act on behalf of, the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services or personnel. The U.S. Department of Treasury has published a list of prohibited entities and sub-entities. The list encompasses hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related businesses and is available at on the State Department’s website.
The regulatory changes also include increased enforcement and auditing of Cuba travel. The Export Compliance Officer works with Accounts Payable, Office of International Education, and individual and group travelers to assure compliance with the sanctions. All UGA related Cuba travel must be approved by the Export Compliance Officer before travel begins or the University may withhold reimbursement, pursuant to the UGA Travel Policy. More information about travel to Cuba is available on the Export Control website and in a previous announcement.
To comply with the financial transaction prohibitions and increased enforcement of the travel sanctions, Cuba travelers will need to work closely with the Office of Export Control.
Contact Dan Runge, at 706.542.4188 or drunge@uga.edu before making nonrefundable Cuba travel arrangements or engaging in other financial transactions with Cuban entities.