Quick Answer: What Are the OFAC Sanctioned Countries?
As of 2026, OFAC administers sanctions programs targeting over 20 countries and regions. The countries under comprehensive embargoes (where nearly all transactions are prohibited) are: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, plus the Crimea/Donetsk/Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Dozens more countries face targeted OFAC sanctions against specific individuals, sectors, or entities.
OFAC Sanctioned Countries: Full 2026 List
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) — a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury — administers over 30 active OFAC sanctions programs targeting countries, regions, and individuals worldwide. The list of OFAC sanctioned countries is divided into two categories: comprehensive embargoes (broad bans on nearly all transactions) and targeted programs (focusing on specific individuals, entities, or economic sectors).
Understanding which countries are under OFAC sanctions is essential for businesses engaged in international trade, financial institutions conducting cross-border transactions, and any individual with connections to these regions. Violations of OFAC sanctions can result in penalties of up to $1.3 million per violation or twice the transaction value.
Comprehensive OFAC Sanctions: Country-Wide Embargoes (2026)
The following countries or regions are subject to comprehensive OFAC sanctions — meaning nearly all transactions between U.S. persons and these countries are prohibited without an OFAC license:
| Country / Region | OFAC Program Name | Year Imposed | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇺 Cuba | Cuban Assets Control Regulations | 1963 | Import/export ban; financial transactions prohibited; travel restrictions |
| 🇮🇷 Iran | Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations | 1979 | Import/export ban; all financial transactions prohibited; secondary sanctions apply |
| 🇰🇵 North Korea (DPRK) | North Korea Sanctions Regulations | 2008 | All trade, financial transactions, and travel prohibited |
| 🇸🇾 Syria | Syrian Sanctions Regulations | 2004 | Import/export ban; financial transactions with government prohibited |
| 🇺🇦 Crimea / Donetsk / Luhansk | Ukraine-/Russia-related Sanctions | 2014 | Investment prohibited; new goods/services/technology exports banned |
Targeted OFAC Sanctions Programs: Countries & Regions (2026)
Beyond comprehensive embargoes, OFAC administers targeted sanctions programs against specific individuals, entities, or sectors in the following countries. Trade is generally still permitted unless it involves a person or entity on the SDN List or a restricted sector:
| Country / Region | Program Name | Year Imposed | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇫 Afghanistan | Afghanistan-Related Sanctions | 2022 | Taliban-linked entities and individuals |
| 🇧🇾 Belarus | Belarus Sanctions Regulations | 2006 | Financial and energy sectors; Lukashenko regime officials |
| 🇧🇦 Balkans | Western Balkans Stabilization Regulations | 1992 | Destabilizing actors in Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo |
| 🇲🇲 Burma (Myanmar) | Burma/Myanmar Sanctions Regulations | 2021 | Military junta leaders and associated entities |
| 🇨🇫 Central African Republic | CAR Sanctions | 2013 | Armed groups and human rights violators |
| 🇨🇩 DR Congo (DRC) | DRC Sanctions | 2011 | Armed groups, conflict minerals traders |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | Ethiopia-Related Sanctions | 2022 | Parties responsible for conflict in Tigray region |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | Hong Kong-Related Sanctions | 2021 | Officials undermining Hong Kong autonomy |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | Iraq Stabilization and Reconstruction Sanctions | 1990 | Former Saddam regime assets, destabilizing actors |
| 🇱🇧 Lebanon | Lebanon-Related Sanctions (incl. Hizballah) | 2006 | Hizballah, destabilizing actors |
| 🇱🇾 Libya | Libyan Sanctions | 2011 | Gaddafi regime remnants, conflict actors |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | Mali Sanctions | 2012 | Actors undermining peace in Mali |
| 🇳🇮 Nicaragua | Nicaragua-Related Sanctions | 2018 | Ortega regime officials, human rights violators |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | Russia Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions | 2014/2022 | Financial sector, energy, defense; Putin associates |
| 🇸🇴 Somalia | Somalia Sanctions | 2010 | Al-Shabaab and other armed groups |
| 🇸🇸 South Sudan | South Sudan-Related Sanctions | 2015 | Conflict actors, arms embargo violators |
| 🇸🇩 Sudan | Sudan Sanctions | 1997 | Darfur conflict actors, human rights violators |
| 🇻🇪 Venezuela | Venezuela-Related Sanctions | 2015 | Maduro regime officials, oil sector |
| 🇾🇪 Yemen | Yemen-Related Sanctions | 2012 | Houthi leaders, destabilizing actors |
The “7 Sanctioned Countries” — What Does This Mean?
The phrase “7 sanctioned countries” often refers to the countries subject to the most comprehensive U.S. sanctions — sometimes also cross-referencing countries on the FATF blacklist or those subject to U.S. State Department travel restrictions. The most commonly cited list of heavily sanctioned countries includes: Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Russia, Venezuela, and Belarus.
However, it’s important to understand that OFAC officially administers sanctions against more than 20 countries and regions, and the “7” figure is a simplified reference often used in business compliance contexts. The actual scope of OFAC sanctions programs is significantly broader.
How OFAC Sanctions Affect You
If your business deals with any of the countries on the OFAC sanctioned countries list, you need to conduct proper screening and compliance due diligence. The key obligations include:
- Screening all counterparties against the SDN List and other OFAC lists before any transaction
- Blocking (freezing) any assets belonging to SDN-listed persons that come under your control
- Rejecting transactions involving sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals
- Reporting blocked transactions to OFAC within required timeframes
- Applying for OFAC licenses when engaging in otherwise prohibited transactions that may qualify for authorization
OFAC Sanctions and Secondary Sanctions Risk
One critical aspect of OFAC countries sanctions is the concept of secondary sanctions — particularly for Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Secondary sanctions can target non-U.S. persons and companies that conduct significant transactions with sanctioned entities, even if those transactions have no direct U.S. nexus. This means that companies based in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere can face OFAC penalties for dealings with heavily sanctioned OFAC sanctioned countries.
If you or your company are dealing with entities connected to OFAC-sanctioned countries and need legal guidance, our experienced OFAC sanctions lawyers can help you navigate compliance requirements and licensing options.
Need Help With OFAC Sanctioned Countries Compliance?
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