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

AGENCY:

Department of State.

ACTION:

Notice of extension of passport travel restriction.

SUMMARY:

On September 1, 2017, all United States 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 was extended for one year in 2018, and, if not renewed, the restriction is set to expire on August 31, 2019. This notice extends the restriction until August 31, 2020 unless extended or revoked by the Secretary of State.

DATES:

The extension of the travel restriction is in effect on September 1, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Anita Mody, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services, Office of Legal Affairs, 202-485-6500.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On September 1, 2017, pursuant to the authority of 22 U.S.C. 211a and Executive Order 11295 (31 FR 10603), and in accordance with 22 CFR 51.63(a)(2), all United States 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 was renewed for another year effective September 1, 2018. If not renewed again, the restriction is set to expire on August 31, 2019.

The Department of State has determined that there continues to be serious risk to United States nationals of arrest and long-term detention representing imminent danger to the physical safety of United States nationals traveling to and within the DPRK, within the meaning of 22 CFR 51.63(a)(3). Accordingly, all United States passports shall remain invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State. This extension to the restriction of travel to the DPRK shall be effective on September 1, 2019, and shall expire August 31, 2020 unless extended or revoked by the Secretary of State.