Sanctioned and Embargoed Countries

The Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), broadly regulates and restricts transactions with sanctioned and embargoed countries, including academic exchanges and research collaborations. With the exception of Cuba, U.S. citizens are free to travel to all countries without obtaining a license from OFAC; however, certain activities within, or with citizens of, various countries may require a license.

OFAC regulations apply to U.S. persons, which are defined as any U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States, or any person in the United States. The regulations apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents wherever located, and to foreign nationals located inside the United States. Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship are considered “U.S. persons.”

Failure to comply with sanctions regulations can result in severe consequences for both the University of Pennsylvania as well as the individual involved, including fines of up to $1,000,000 and/or up to 20 years in prison.

Currently, some of the most comprehensive controls apply to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and certain regions of Ukraine.

Note: Travel to North Korea is highly restricted and requires special validation from the U.S. State Department. No exemptions for academic activities currently exist.

Anyone acting in their capacity as a Penn faculty member, employee, or student, regardless of nationality or passport used, is subject to the OFAC regulations and may require a license from the U.S. government before engaging in certain activities in, or with, comprehensively sanctioned countries. Always consult the Office of Export Compliance before traveling to or engaging with individuals in an embargoed or sanctioned country.