Iraq's Travel Ban Extended for 6 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 17th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviewed the extension of the designation period for existing travel ban countries and regions through the 40th Passport Policy Deliberation Committee.

As a result of this review, it was assessed that significant instability, poor security conditions, and terrorism risks would continue for a considerable period in six countries?Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan?and certain areas of the Philippines (Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi Islands). Therefore, it was decided to extend the travel ban designation period for these countries and regions for six months, from February 1 to July 31.

According to Article 17 of the Passport Act, when the Minister of Foreign Affairs recognizes that it is necessary to protect the lives, bodies, or property of nationals due to overseas emergency situations such as natural disasters, war, civil war, riots, or terrorism as prescribed by Presidential Decree, the use of passports in the relevant country or region may be restricted or visits and stays may be prohibited for a specified period.