U.S. Passports Still Can't Take You to North Korea
Published Date: 5/14/2025
Notice
Summary
If you’re a U.S. citizen, your passport still can’t be used to travel to North Korea unless you get special permission. This travel ban, first started in 2017 to keep Americans safe from serious risks like arrest or detention, has been extended again through August 31, 2026. So, no surprise trips to the DPRK anytime soon, and no extra fees—just a continued travel block for your safety.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
U.S. Passports Invalid for DPRK Travel
If you have a U.S. passport, you cannot use it to travel to, in, or through North Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) unless your passport is specially validated for that travel. This restriction began on September 1, 2017 and has been extended each year; the latest extension keeps the ban in place until August 31, 2026 unless the Secretary of State extends or revokes it.
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