On May 1st, 2026, the US issued a new Executive Order (EO-14404), which creates new sanctions against Cuba, which consist of:
a) blocking sanctions for designated persons in specific sectors of the Cuban economy (1) energy; 2) defense and related materiel; 3) metals and mining; 4) financial services; and 5) security);
b) a travel ban for designated persons, and;
c) prohibitions for Foreign Financial Institutions who conduct or facilitate significant transactions in relation to the new EO.
A significant detail in relation to US sanctions against Cuba now, the travel ban for US perons to Cuba and the prohibition on imports, exports, investment and financial transactions involving Cuba, fall under the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) while these new sanctions fall under the International Economic Emergency Power Act (IEEPA).
This means that when violations occur, different fines can apply (e.g. civil $ 111,308 under TWEA resp. $ 377,700 under IEEPA (amounts 2026)).