The information collected is used by OFAC to implement its compliance and enforcement programs pursuant to the Regulations, including with respect to whether all travel to Cuba on direct flights from the United States is in accordance with U.S. law. Specifically, the information may be requested by OFAC to verify that travelers to Cuba on direct flights were licensed by OFAC to engage in such travel and facilitate OFAC's addressing of potential violations of the Regulations.
On January 16, 2015, OFAC amended the Regulations to implement certain policy changes announced by the President on December 17, 2014 to further engage and empower the Cuban people. Among other changes, OFAC generally authorized persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide certain travel and air carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba. See 31 CFR § 515.572(a). In so doing, OFAC modified the information collection requirements as currently approved by OMB (No. 1505-0168). In addition, OFAC generally authorized travel-related transactions within the 12 existing travel categories in OFACâs regulations. As to information collection requirements, OFAC previously required licensed TSPs to gather certain personal data about authorized travelers and provide it to CSPs, which then submitted this and certain additional information to OFAC. OFAC now requires only that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction providing services authorized pursuant 31 CFR § 515.572 retain for at least five years from the date of the transaction a certification from each customer indicating the section of 31 CFR part 515 that authorizes the person to travel to Cuba. In the case of a customer traveling under a specific license, a copy of the license must be maintained on file with the person subject to U.S. jurisdiction providing services authorized pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.572.
OFAC anticipates that the general authorizations for providing travel and carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba and for individual travel will increase the number of travelers, but that because OFAC has simplified its requirements, and no longer requires regular reports to OFAC, the time burden of the information collection has decreased both for each individual entry and overall.
US Code:
22 USC 6021-91
Name of Law: Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act
US Code:
50 USC App. 1-44
Name of Law: Trading With the Enemy Act
On January 16, 2015, OFAC amended the Regulations to implement certain policy changes announced by the President on December 17, 2014 to further engage and empower the Cuban people. Among other changes, OFAC generally authorized persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide certain travel and air carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba. See 31 CFR § 515.572(a). In so doing, OFAC modified the information collection requirements as currently approved by OMB (No. 1505-0168). In addition, OFAC generally authorized travel-related transactions within the 12 existing travel categories in OFAC's regulations. As to information collection requirements, OFAC previously required licensed TSPs to gather certain personal data about authorized travelers and provide it to CSPs, which then submitted this and certain additional information to OFAC. OFAC now requires only that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction providing services authorized pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.572 retain for at least five years from the date of the transaction a certification from each customer indicating the section of 31 CFR part 515 that authorizes the person to travel to Cuba. In the case of a customer traveling under a specific license, a copy of the license must be maintained on file with the person subject to U.S. jurisdiction providing services authorized pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.572.
OFAC anticipates that the general authorizations for providing travel and carrier services in connection with travel to Cuba and for individual travel will increase the number of travelers, but that because OFAC has simplified its requirements, and no longer requires regular reports to OFAC, the time burden of the information collection has decreased both for each individual entry and overall.
The increase of 750,000 respondents and a reduction of 16,666 burden hours is attributed this program change. A total of 16,667 burden hours is requested.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Cuba Policy Changes Statement_17DEC14.pdf
PRA Supporting Statement 1505-0168 TSP CSP 063015_rev.docx
Travel Service Provider and Carrier Service Provider Submission