Notice of Department of State Sanctions Action
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of State has added new people and groups to a special blacklist that freezes their U.S. assets and blocks Americans from doing business with them. This action started on August 21, 2025, and aims to stop bad actors from using U.S. resources. If you’re involved in finance or trade, watch out—these changes could affect your money and deals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Listed Persons' U.S. Assets Blocked
On August 21, 2025, the Department of State added persons and entities to the Treasury Department's List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List). The property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of those listed persons are blocked, which freezes their U.S. assets under the relevant sanctions authority.
U.S. Persons Prohibited From Dealing
The notice publishes additions to the SDN List that block U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with those listed. If you are involved in finance or trade, these listings mean Americans are prohibited from doing business with the named parties and should check OFAC guidance before transacting.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20079, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Review of the U.S. Munitions List and Related Definitions and License Exemptions
The U.S. Department of State wants to update the rules that control the export of military gear and tech to focus only on the most sensitive stuff. They’re making the list clearer, removing some items, and adding new ways to skip licenses for certain exports. If you deal with defense exports, get ready to review these changes and send your thoughts by November 30, 2026!
2026-17655, Passports: Expanding Online Passport Renewal Overseas
The Department proposes to amend 22 CFR 51.21 by consolidating requirements for persons applying by mail and online in the United States and overseas. This proposed change includes expanding online passport application availability to qualified applicants located in foreign countries. In addition, the Department is proposing to remove the requirement that an applicant's most recently issued passport must have a year or less of remaining validity to qualify to submit an online passport application. Finally, the Department is proposing technical corrections to 51.8(b) to change "on-line" to read "online" for consistency.
2026-04931, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-20082, International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Syria Country Policy Revision
Starting October 1, 2026, the U.S. will no longer automatically block defense trade licenses for Syria. Instead, companies and individuals can apply for permission to export or import defense-related items to or from Syria, and each request will be reviewed carefully. This change opens the door for case-by-case approvals, signaling a big shift for anyone dealing with defense trade involving Syria.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02101, Notice of Department of State Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of State has added certain people, companies, and ships to a special sanctions list because they’re involved in buying or selling Iranian oil. This means their property in the U.S. is frozen, and Americans can’t do business with them. These changes took effect on April 30, 2025, and could impact trade and money flow linked to these targets.
Next: 2026-02103, Public Meeting of the National Sea Grant Advisory Board
The National Sea Grant Advisory Board is holding a virtual meeting from February 24-26, 2026, to talk about improving ocean and coastal programs that help communities, scientists, and businesses. Anyone interested can join and share their thoughts during a public comment time on the first day. If you want to send written ideas or need special help to join, make sure to reach out by February 17.