The U.S. State Department has reportedly reiterated its warning against trips to North Korea by American citizens. 

According to the Voice of America on Friday, a State Department spokesperson said that the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is one of the country’s highest priorities.

The spokesperson reportedly said the travel advisory for North Korea remains in place and the State Department strongly warns U.S. citizens not to travel to North Korea. 

A travel ban on Americans to North Korea was put in place in 2017 and then renewed for another year on September 1, 2020.

Under the ban, U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, through and in North Korea and individuals who wish to travel there must meet limited criteria and apply for a passport with a special validation from the State Department.

Korea Peace Now, an activist group, recently said it sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken early this month to call for lifting the travel ban on North Korea.