Seoul: South Korea's foreign ministry announced on Friday the lifting of travel bans for specific areas in Cambodia and Venezuela, attributing the decision to improved security conditions in these regions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry has adjusted the travel alert for Cambodia's Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, along with the cities of Bavet and Poipet, from Level 4, the highest warning, to Level 3. This change advises South Korean nationals to exit the areas with caution, reflecting a significant decline in crime reports involving South Koreans-down 94 percent in the first half of this year compared to the previous year.

In Venezuela, the foreign ministry downgraded the travel alert from Level 4 to Level 3 for the states of Zulia, Tachira, Apure, and Sucre, citing a more stable security situation. The travel ban had originally been imposed in November last year due to heightened military tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

Despite these changes, the ministry extended the travel ban until January 31 next year for ten countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, Mali, and Iran. This extension also applies to twelve regions, such as parts of the Philippines, Myanmar, Russia, Belarus, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.

Under South Korea's Passport Act, nationals entering or remaining in areas under a travel ban without government approval may incur criminal penalties and administrative sanctions.

Additionally, the ministry has lowered travel alerts for some areas in Cambodia and Nepal as part of its routine examination of travel advisories, citing improved security and political conditions. Special travel advisories for fifteen countries, including El Salvador and Cuba, have been extended for another 90 days.