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U.S. Sanctions Cuba’s Tourism Ministry, State Firms and Paramilitary Groups

Washington says the steps are meant to cut Havana’s foreign‑currency sources and increase pressure on organizations used to suppress dissent, exposing counterparties to secondary‑sanctions risk.

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Overview

  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury and State designated Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and nine other state and paramilitary entities on Monday, July 13, 2026, blocking any U.S. property and barring transactions by people under U.S. jurisdiction.
  • The list names state firms including GECOMEX, GEMAR, CAUDAL, ANTEX, Coreydan S.A. and Enetec S.A., and also targets the Rapid Response Brigades, the Territorial Troops Militia and the Association of Combatants as groups used to monitor and repress opponents.
  • OFAC gave commercial counterparties and banks until August 12 to wind down contracts with the newly designated entities without penalty and warned that continuing significant business could trigger secondary U.S. sanctions.
  • The measures follow May designations of GAESA-linked firms and have already pushed major hotel operators to pull brands or end management deals, contributing to a steep drop in visitor numbers and a sharp fall in tourism revenue.
  • Cuban officials condemned the move as collective punishment while analysts warn the combined sanctions and an existing fuel shortage are deepening an economic and energy crisis that is reducing services and income for ordinary Cubans.