Current through August 31, 2024
Section 51.64 - Special validation of passports for travel to restricted areas(a) A U.S. national may apply to the Department for a special validation of his or passport to permit its use for travel to, or use in, a restricted country or area. The application must be accompanied by evidence that the applicant falls within one of the categories in paragraph (c) of this section.(b) The Department may grant a special validation if it determines that the validation is in the national interest of the United States.(c) A special validation may be determined to be in the national interest if: (1) The applicant is a professional reporter or journalist, the purpose of whose trip is to obtain, and make available to the public, information about the restricted area; or(2) The applicant is a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross or the American Red Cross traveling pursuant to an officially-sponsored Red Cross mission; or(3) The applicant's trip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations; or(4) The applicant's request is otherwise in the national interest.