U.S. Extends 'No Surprise Trips' Ban to North Korea
Published Date: 7/20/2026
Notice
Summary
If you’re a U.S. passport holder, you still can’t travel to, in, or through North Korea without special permission. This travel ban, first started in 2017 to keep Americans safe from serious risks, just got extended through August 31, 2027. So, no surprise trips to the DPRK anytime soon, and no extra fees—just a firm ‘no’ for now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Passports Invalid for Travel to DPRK
If you are a U.S. passport holder, your passport remains invalid for travel to, in, or through the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) unless it is specially validated by the Secretary of State. This restriction, first declared September 1, 2017, is extended and will be effective September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. The Department of State says the ban continues because of a serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens in the DPRK.
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