The State Department has extended its ban on the use of U.S. passports to travel to North Korea for the ninth consecutive year, citing ongoing concerns over the safety of U.S. nationals in the country.

According to a public notice scheduled for publication on Wednesday, the travel restriction will remain in effect through Aug. 31, 2026 unless it is further extended or revoked. The latest extension was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 21 and takes effect on Sept. 1.

The State Department “determined there continues to be serious risk to U.S. citizens and nationals of arrest