Home/Policy/Travel restrictions/United States Passports Invalid for Travel to, in, or Through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

United States Passports Invalid for Travel to, in, or Through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)

CategoriesTravel restrictions
Signals
Negative sentiment
Medium impact
TopicsTravel & admission
Fed. Register
Executive action
Summary

Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm deadlines on the official notice or with a qualified professional.

The U.S. State Department is extending its ban on travel to, through, or within North Korea (DPRK) for U.S. passport holders, continuing a restriction first imposed in 2017. Americans cannot travel to North Korea unless they obtain special validation from the State Department, which is rarely granted. This restriction, previously set to expire in August 2026, is now extended through August 31, 2027.
Full official notice
Fed. Register

Authoritative text and filing details are always on the publisher’s site.

Document info
TypeNotice
SourceFed. Register
PublishedJuly 20, 2026

On September 1, 2017, all U.S. passports were declared invalid for travel to, in, or through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), unless specially validated for such travel. The restriction has been extended annually since 2017, and, if not renewed, the restriction is set to expire on August 31, 2026. This notice extends the restriction until August 31, 2027, unless extended or revoked by the Secretary of State.

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