The White House issued an executive order taking further steps under the United States national emergency on Cuba by authorizing blocking sanctions against foreign persons tied to the Government of Cuba, specified sectors of the Cuban economy, serious human rights abuse, or corruption related to Cuba, and by suspending the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry of designated persons into the United States unless the Secretary of State determines that entry is in the national interest. The sectoral basis covers the energy, defense and related materiel, metals and mining, financial services, and security sectors, with authority to extend sanctions to other sectors of the Cuban economy. Designation criteria also cover persons owned or controlled by, or acting for, the Government of Cuba or blocked persons, persons providing material support, leaders and board members of the Government of Cuba or blocked entities, political subdivisions and agencies of the Government of Cuba, and adult family members of designated persons. Property and interests in property of designated persons that are in the United States or within the possession or control of United States persons are blocked, and U.S. dealings, donations, evasion, and conspiracies involving that property are prohibited, subject to statutes and any regulations, orders, directives, or licenses issued under the order. Existing licenses issued under part 515 of title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations remain valid. Foreign financial institutions that conduct or facilitate significant transactions for blocked persons may be barred from opening or maintaining U.S. correspondent or payable-through accounts, or may themselves be fully blocked. Implementation is delegated to the Secretaries of the Treasury and State, including through regulations, notices, rules, or guidance, and the Secretary of the Treasury must submit recurring and final reports to Congress on the national emergency and the use of these authorities.
The White House 2026-05-01
The White House expands Cuba sanctions with blocking measures entry bans and foreign bank restrictions
The White House issued an executive order expanding Cuba-related sanctions by authorizing blocking measures against foreign persons linked to the Government of Cuba, specified sectors of the Cuban economy, serious human rights abuse, or corruption, and by suspending their entry into the United States absent a national interest determination by the Secretary of State. The order targets the energy, defense, metals and mining, financial services, and security sectors, extends liability to affiliates, supporters, leaders, and adult family members of designated persons, and maintains existing licenses under 31 C.F.R. part 515.