US bans citizens from travelling to N KoreaThe US State Department announced the extension of a ban on the US citizens travelling to North Korea which was to expire on September 1. Washington DC: The US State Department on Thursday announced the extension of a ban on the US citizens travelling to North Korea which was to expire on September 1. Citizens whose travel is in the interest of the US or those who "wish to travel to or within North Korea for extremely limited purposes" can, however, apply for "special validation" visa, reported. The spokesperson said, "The safety and security of US citizens overseas is one of our highest priorities." The North Koreans had claimed that the boy had contracted botulism.