North Korea travel ban takes effect

A US prohibition on Americans travelling to North Korea has taken effect.

The ban makes US passports invalid for travel to North Korea and allows the State Department to revoke the passport of anyone who flouts the ban. It was announced in July and kicked in yesterday.

Only those granted “extremely limited” exceptions are exempt. The State Department says applicants must prove their trip is in the US national interest.

The State Department says applicants must submit a statement explaining why the trip serves the national interest, along with documentation.