Trump admin's North Korea travel ban to take effect next month

The Trump administration's ban on U.S. citizens travelling to North Korea will take effect early next month.

The proposed policy, which includes exemptions for journalists and humanitarian workers, is expected to post to the Federal Register on Wednesday, and take effect 30 days later, CNN reports.

According to CNN, a preview version of the document shows the administration's plans to permit four categories of travellers - journalists, Red Cross officials, humanitarian workers, and individuals whose visit is "otherwise in the national interest" - to visit North Korea after the policy takes effect, by applying for a special validation to their passport.

The State Department announced the travel ban last month amid mounting concern over the safety of U.S. citizens visiting North Korea.

In June, U.S. college student Otto Warmbier died following a prolonged detention in the country, provoking international outrage and calls for action in the Congress. Warmbier had travelled to North Korea through a commercial tour company and was arrested for allegedly stealing a poster from his hotel.

Three other U.S. citizens are currently in North Korean captivity.