OFAC Sanctions
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is part of the United States Treasury Department. OFAC administers several sanctions programs. “The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals.” For a complete list of the OFAC sanctions, please review: OFAC Sanctions Programs and Country Information
OFAC sanctions include, but are not limited to, restrictions on transactions and activities involving:
It's very important to familiarize yourself with applicable OFAC sanctions, because OFAC sanctions can be very restrictive.
For example, if a researcher wanted to present at a conference in Iran, we would need to apply for and receive an OFAC license prior to that individual leaving for their intended trip.
Also, if you engage in peer review activities involving an OFAC sanctioned country, please note that some peer review activities may require a specific license from OFAC before you are permitted to provide such services (see Office of Foreign Assets Control Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities and also our "Common Questions and Answers - Cuba and Iran OFAC Sanctions").
Note that students at the University of Rochester from OFAC sanctioned countries are generally permitted to engage in all activities that are in alignment with their visa, and that are permitted under U.S. export control laws.
Please contact the International Services Office (ISO) with visa questions and the Office of Global Engagement if you have any questions about hosting international visitors.
If your research, teaching or work involves anyone in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria or the Crimea region of the Ukraine, please contact Josef Mejido, the University's Export Control Officer to help determine applicable restrictions and potential paths forward. Keep in mind that except as specifically authorized under the respective applicable OFAC exemptions, general or specific licenses…exports, imports, and/or transactions of commodities, technology, money and/or services are generally prohibited.