Summary
Fora cannot accept direct bookings from clients in OFAC-sanctioned countries
Bookings from restricted countries are not commissionable
Advisors from OFAC-sanctioned countries and Somalia cannot be onboarded
Restrictions apply to client location, not travel destination (in most cases)
Be transparent with prospects or clients from restricted areas—no workarounds or exceptions
For general country eligibility (outside OFAC restrictions), see Can I Join If I Live Outside the United States.
What is OFAC?
OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) is a US Treasury Department agency that administers economic sanctions. US-based companies like Fora must comply with these restrictions.
Restricted countries list
OFAC-sanctioned countries
Country/Region | Status |
Cuba | Restricted |
Iran | Restricted |
North Korea | Restricted |
Russia | Restricted |
Syria | Restricted |
Ukraine regions
Region | Status |
Crimea | Restricted |
Donetsk | Restricted |
Luhansk | Restricted |
Additional restricted countries
Country | Status |
Afghanistan | Restricted |
Belarus | Restricted |
Burma (Myanmar) | Restricted |
Central African Republic | Restricted |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Restricted |
Ethiopia | Restricted |
Iraq | Restricted |
Lebanon | Restricted |
Libya | Restricted |
Mali | Restricted |
Nicaragua | Restricted |
Somalia | Restricted (also cannot onboard advisors) |
South Sudan | Restricted |
Sudan | Restricted |
Venezuela | Restricted |
What "restricted" means
For bookings
Rule | Details |
Cannot accept bookings | From clients located in these countries |
Not commissionable | Bookings from restricted areas do not earn commission |
Cannot process payments | Financial transactions are restricted |
For advisor onboarding
Rule | Details |
Cannot onboard advisors | From OFAC-sanctioned countries |
Cannot onboard from Somalia | Additional restriction beyond OFAC list |
What is NOT restricted
Travel TO these destinations
In many cases, you can book travel TO certain restricted destinations for clients who are NOT in restricted countries.
Example | Status |
US client traveling to Cuba (with proper license) | May be possible |
UK client traveling to Russia | Depends on supplier policies |
Individual suppliers may have their own restrictions. Check specific policies before proceeding.
Clients who have traveled through
A client's travel history to restricted countries does not necessarily restrict them. What matters is their current location and residency.
How to handle restricted inquiries
If a prospect is in a restricted country
Be transparent:
"Unfortunately, due to US sanctions regulations, Fora is unable to support commissionable bookings from [country]."
Do not promise workarounds or exceptions
Do not attempt to process bookings
If a client wants to travel to a restricted destination
Check supplier policies (many won't book certain destinations)
Verify any licensing requirements (Cuba travel for US citizens requires specific licenses)
Be clear about what you can and cannot support
Common scenarios
If... | Then... |
Prospect contacts you from Iran | Cannot onboard or book for them |
US client wants to travel to Cuba | May be possible with proper license; verify carefully |
Client has dual citizenship including a restricted country | Location and residency matter most; verify current situation |
You're not sure if a country is restricted | Check this list or contact support |
Someone claims there's a "special exception" | No exceptions; be firm and transparent |
You accidentally book for a restricted client | Report to support immediately; booking may be cancelled and commission won't be paid |
FAQs
Can I book travel TO Russia for a US client?
Depends on supplier policies and current sanctions. Many suppliers won't facilitate this. Check specific policies.
What if a client lies about their location?
You're not responsible for client fraud, but do not knowingly process prohibited transactions.
Do these restrictions change?
Yes. OFAC sanctions are updated based on geopolitical situations. Fora maintains current compliance. When in doubt, contact support.
What about clients who recently moved from a restricted country?
Current location and residency status matter. Verify their current situation.
Can I book for a client visiting the US from a restricted country?
Generally no — their primary residency and location is what matters for sanctions purposes.