Cleva Safety Guide: Restricted and Prohibited Countries & ActivitiesTo comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and internal risk standards, Cleva does not support certain transactions, businesses, and jurisdictions. Transactions that fall within these categories will not be processed and may result in declined payments, account restrictions, or account termination.
1. Restricted Countries for USD (Dollar) DepositsCleva does not support USD deposits or transfers originating from, routed through, or connected to the following countries or territories, whether directly or indirectly.
| PROHIBITED COUNTRIES | COUNTRY CODES |
| Cuba | CUB |
| Iran, (Islamic Republic of Iran) | IRN |
| Myanmar | MMR |
| North Korea | PRK |
| Syria | SYR |
| Afghanistan | AFG |
| Algeria | DZA |
| Bangladesh | BGD |
| Bhutan | BTN |
| Burundi | BDI |
| China | CHN |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | COD |
| Gaza Strip | PSE |
| Guinea-Bissau | GNB |
| Haiti | HTI |
| Iraq | IRQ |
| Kenya | KEN |
| Kosovo | XKV |
| Lebanon | LBN |
| Libya | LBY |
| Mali | MLI |
| Morocco | MAR |
| Mozambique | MOZ |
| Nepal | NPL |
| Nicaragua | NIC |
| Niger | NER |
| North Macedonia | MKD |
| Pakistan | PAK |
| Qatar | QAT |
| Russian Federation | RUS |
| Slovenia | SVN |
| South Sudan | SSD |
| Sudan | SDN |
| Somalia | SOM |
| Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) | VEN |
| West Bank (Occupied Palestinian Territory) | PSE |
| Yemen | YEM |
| Zimbabwe | ZWE |
Important Notes- These restrictions apply regardless of transaction size or payment method.
- This list may be updated from time to time in line with regulatory guidance and Cleva’s risk assessment.
2. Prohibited Business Types and ActivitiesCleva does not support accounts, transactions, or payments associated with businesses or activities that present heightened legal, regulatory, financial crime, or sanctions risk. This applies to both the source of funds and the intent of the transaction.
The following business types are strictly prohibited:
- Gambling, betting, or wagering operations
- Businesses located in, or transacting with, countries subject to comprehensive sanctions or restrictions, including those listed by OFAC, the United Nations, the European Union, or applicable local authorities (e.g. Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela)
- Businesses associated with forced labor, human trafficking, prostitution or escort services, child exploitation, and sexual abuse content
- Adult industry or adult entertainment services
- Weapons, arms, or ammunition manufacturing, distribution, or trade
- Illegal drugs or controlled substances, including but not limited to marijuana and tobacco-related activities
- Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, or similar fraudulent investment programs
- Political campaign fundraising or donation platforms
- Sale of counterfeit or unauthorized goods
- Precious metals dealers
- Pharmaceutical companies and businesses involved in the sale or distribution of prescription drugs
Cleva reserves the right to decline or terminate accounts where business activities are deemed high-risk, unclear, or inconsistent with declared use.
3. Virtual Card Usage RestrictionsIWhile the Cleva Virtual Card is designed for global use, it may not be used for transactions involving merchants, customers, or entities located in, or linked to, the following jurisdictions:
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Belarus
- China (Mainland)
- India
- Iraq
- Israel
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Turkey
- Vietnam
IIRestricted Business Categories (Enhanced Due Diligence Required)Cleva may issue virtual cards to entities operating in the following sectors, provided they undergo an Enhanced Review and meet specific approval requirements. This includes the provision of valid licensing, proof of regulatory compliance, and evidence of strong internal AML/CFT controls:
- Cryptocurrency Platforms and Exchanges: Licensed entities involved in digital asset services.
- Charities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Registered non-profit organizations.
- Online Content or Creator Platforms: Subscription-based streaming, tipping, or creator-led marketplaces.
- Money Service Businesses (MSBs): Licensed remittance and money transfer providers.
IIIStrictly Prohibited Activities & Purchase TypesExcept where specifically authorized under Section 3(ii), the Cleva Virtual Card cannot be used for the following purchase types, nor can it be issued to entities engaged in these categories:
- Digital Assets: The purchase or trade of digital currencies, virtual assets, or NFTs.
- Controlled Substances: Drug-related purchases, including marijuana, cannabis, CBD, and black-market items.
- Illicit Services: Payments on dark web marketplaces or for hacking and cybercrime services.
- Unregulated Pharmaceuticals: Unlicensed internet pharmacies or those operating outside of regulated jurisdictions.
- Weapons and Explosives: The sale, manufacture, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, or explosives.
- Hazardous Materials: Trade in hazardous materials and chemicals without proper regulatory clearance.
- Exploitation and Illegal Content: Human trafficking, prostitution, and the production or distribution of illegal digital content (e.g., child exploitation).
- Unlicensed Auctions: Participation in unlicensed or illegal auction sites.
- Predatory Lending: Unregulated lending, payday loan services, or high-interest predatory schemes.
- Data Brokerage: Services involving the sale of unauthorized personal data or data brokerage.
- Wildlife Protection: The purchase or trade of endangered species or illegal wildlife products.
- Counterfeit Goods: The sale of counterfeit, pirated, or unauthorized trademarked goods.
- Financial Fraud: Participation in pyramid schemes, Ponzi schemes, or other deceptive marketing practices.
- Political Contributions: Political campaign fundraising or donation platforms.
Important Notes- Card usage is prohibited in the countries listed above regardless of whether the cardholder is an individual or a business entity.
- Transactions may be declined even if the sender or recipient is located outside these jurisdictions, where there is a clear link to a restricted country.
- Any attempt to use a Cleva virtual card in restricted countries or with prohibited merchants will be declined and may result in further account review.
4. Enforcement and MonitoringCleva actively monitors transactions for compliance with this policy. Where prohibited activity is identified, Cleva may take one or more of the following actions:
- Decline or reverse transactions
- Temporarily restrict account activity
- Suspend or permanently close accounts
- Report activity to relevant regulatory or law enforcement authorities where required
5. Customer ResponsibilityCustomers are responsible for ensuring that:
- Funds sent to or received through Cleva do not originate from restricted countries;
- Transactions do not involve prohibited business activities; and
- Virtual cards are used only for permitted purposes and in permitted locations.
If you are unsure whether a transaction, merchant, or country is supported, please contact Cleva Support at contact@getcleva.com before initiating the transaction.