can norwegians visit north korea

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to North Korea

Are you thinking of traveling to North Korea but unsure of how to make it happen? Start by reading this North Korea travel guide.

I’ve visited North Korea, or officially, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) twice: once in 2015 ( Pyongyang  / DMZ + Kaesong / Mount Kumgang /  Wonsan ) and once in 2018 (Rason). However, I rarely brag about visiting North Korea because it isn’t a place I would encourage just anyone to visit. It’s not relaxing or enjoyable. It’s…mentally challenging, to say the least.

You should not travel to North Korea unless you’re willing to consider a perspective different from what mainstream western media tells you. Your experience of North Korea hinges on how you frame it, and it’s vital that you go with an open mind. In fact, I believe I had an easier time digesting and understanding my North Korea travel experiences  because of my East Asian heritage, but still I’m struggling to put them all in words.

People who learn that I’ve traveled to North Korea  always  ask the same questions about how they can do it too, so I finally decided to write this guide to answer all the questions (and bust all the myths). If there’s something you want to know that’s not mentioned here, please leave a comment and I’ll reply!

Can anyone travel to North Korea?

There’s a misconception that it’s almost impossible to visit North Korea when in fact, almost anyone can go to North Korea (except South Korean citizens). Even US citizens were previously able to go but following the high-profile case of Otto Warmbier, the US Department of State has for now  banned citizens from traveling to North Korea .

While almost anyone can visit North Korea for tourism, you do not get to go around North Korea freely. You must join a tour, and only travel agencies approved by the North Korean government can organize tours to North Korea. Many of these tours have itineraries covering the same state-designated destinations and attractions.

Throughout your visit, you will be accompanied by at least two North Korean guides from the state-owned tourism bureaus such as KITC (Korea International Travel Company). They are the only North Koreans you’ll interact with extensively for the entire length of your stay.

But you’re not allowed to take photos, right?

Photography is definitely allowed in North Korea, as you can see from this post and others on this site. There are indeed some restrictions: you’re not allowed to take photos of military buildings and vehicles, soldiers in uniform, buildings under construction, or monuments undergoing maintenance. You will be cautioned not to crop any photos of the Great Leader (Kim Il Sung) or Dear Leader (Kim Jong Il). If you try to take a photo when it’s prohibited, your guides will stop you.

The North Korean government is extremely conscious of its image, and it’s understandable if you think about it. After all, photos of North Korea are often used by western media to paint the country in a negative light. The guides I’ve met know all too well how their country is perceived, and that likely reinforces what they’ve learned: to have great pride in what they’ve been able to achieve despite a lack of resources.

Is it very expensive to visit North Korea?

I find that North Korea tour costs are similar to any group adventure tour with accommodation, transport, and meals included. Expect a 5-night tour to cost around 1,200-1,700 euro with return Beijing-Pyongyang flights (entry/exit by rail should be cheaper). This does not include drinking water or tips and gratuities.

When choosing from North Korea travel operators, it’s more important to check their reputation and see what unique itineraries they offer.

Which tour operators would you recommend?

As with other East Asian countries, mutual trust and relationships are deeply rooted in the culture and a trusted North Korea tour company/agent will have latitude to offer more special tours. Koryo Tours and Juche Travel both have a good track record and in-depth knowledge to help you plan your trip (I’m not affiliated with either company).

Your North Korea tour company should guide you through the logistics of your trip, handle visa processing for you, and inform you on all the latest rules and regulations. That brings us to the most important question:

Is it safe to travel to North Korea?

You’re always looked after by guides, food is clean and tasty, and you’re unlikely to become a victim of crime. So yes, it’s safe to travel to North Korea, as long as you follow the rules.

I know what you’re thinking: that the North Korean tourism rules are meant to restrict tourists’ freedom and paint a false picture of the country. Whether you agree with this or not, you need to respect the rules and local laws of any place you visit. Some North Korea tourism rules include:

• Camera lenses beyond a certain zoom level are not allowed.
• Your passport will be kept by your guides upon arrival and returned at departure.
• All devices (mobile phones, cameras, laptops) will be inspected upon entry and exit to/from North Korea. Make sure your phone does not contain any religious or politically sensitive content (e.g. remove Bible apps, existing photos, etc.)
• You must pay respects when visiting statues of North Korea’s leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, or other national monuments.
• Be respectful to guides. Do not ask provocative questions or argue against their narrative.
• You are allowed to talk to locals, but they are very wary of foreigners and most do not speak English or other foreign languages.
• Do not bring any magazines or religious material into North Korea.
• Most North Korea tour companies will allow you to blog about your experience, but journalists are not allowed to visit as tourists or sell stories/images to news publications unless you receive special permission.

Not following the rules means you risk getting yourself, the tour company, and possibly even your North Korean guides in trouble. However, as long as you play by the rules, you’ll be able to glean quite a bit of knowledge beyond what you’re shown or told.

Isn’t it unethical to support the North Korean regime through our tourism?

Discussion about safety when traveling to North Korea inevitably lead to moral concerns about supporting the DPRK regime through tourism. Even if you disagree with how the country is governed, visiting in person is the best way to understand North Korea’s nuances and complexities. Think of it this way: your moral obligation, if any, is to learn as much as possible to make it worth the trip.

Reading up on a place before visiting is always a plus, but for travel to North Korea it’s absolutely essential. I’d recommend you go beyond US news articles and add the following 8 books to your reading list. Want more? Check out this extensive selection of books about North Korea .

What to Explore in Busan: History, Nature, & More

Certain “bestsellers” have been excluded from this list as they’re known to be overly dramatized or disrespect/risk the safety of ordinary people in North Korea. For news and analysis, NK News and 38 North are good places to start (but are by no means the only sources).

What will I get to see and experience in North Korea?

Lots of people sneer at North Korea tours, claiming that everything you’ll see is staged or even that all the people in the city are actors. While you’ll come across scenes that are more of performances, I can reassure you the people and buildings are real.

A typical first-time visit to North Korea will includes standard sights in Pyongyang, the DMZ, Kaesong, and some UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the tombs of ancient Korean kings.

How much do things cost in North Korea?

While most North Korea tours include accommodation and three meals a day, you’re expected to buy your own bottled water, snacks, and any out-of-pocket expenses such as riding the Pyongyang tram. Make sure you bring enough extra cash for souvenirs and tips.

The official exchange rate when I visited was US$1 : 100 North Korean won, but if you get to shop at a Pyongyang department store  you’ll find a far more favorable exchange rate.

Staying connected in North Korea

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If you haven’t lived in the pre-Internet age, be prepared to feel extremely isolated in North Korea as most tourists will not have any connectivity to the rest of the world. Although data SIM cards are available, they’re prohibitively expensive . If you have to call home, you can make international calls from the lobby at hotels like Yanggakdo Hotel. When I visited in 2015, calls cost US$5/minute.

Another cool activity is to send home postcards that you’ve purchased at souvenir shops. North Korean postal services will mail out your postcards to any international address, with the exception of some countries (definitely not the US or South Korea). It can take weeks or months to get delivered, but it’ll be a great gift when your friends receive it.

What else would you like to know about visiting North Korea? 

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How to Travel to North Korea

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Stef Katz . Stef Katz is a Travel Agent and the Founder of The Travel Superhero. She has helped clients enjoy convenience, access, personal attention, and ease in their travel planning for 6 years. Stef specializes in elevated social travel and finds ways to bring peace of mind to her travelers with open communication, genuine care, and professional support. She holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Miami Dade College and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Florida, as well as numerous certifications with destinations, tour companies, and cruise lines in the travel industry. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 30,810 times.

Known as the “hermit kingdom,” trips to North Korea are extremely limited, but can spark curiosity in foreign travellers. Many countries have active travel bans advising their citizens not to travel to North Korea. Tightened travel restrictions followed the death of Otto Warmbier in 2017, an American student who was arrested during his trip in North Korea. After his release, he returned to the U.S. in a coma and then passed away. [1] X Research source Travelers can usually visit North Korea only in very special cases. If you are allowed to travel to North Korea, research its laws and culture, and prepare in case of emergencies.

Completing Necessary Paperwork

• For example, citizens in the UK need to contact the Korean embassy in London to apply for a visa. [2] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• U.S. citizens can apply to receive a special validation passport at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/passport-for-travel-to-north-korea.html . But get ready for denial as obtaining a Special Validated Passport is rare.
• If you are traveling from South Korea, you will need permission from both the Republic of Korea and the DPRK to tour North Korea.

• Some tour operators like Koryo Tours and Mir Corporation have stopped leading trips for citizens in certain countries (like the U.S.) until travel bans are lifted, so check their websites to make sure you can join. [4] X Research source

Taking Precautions Before Your Trip

• The Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang acts as the protecting power for U.S., Australian and Canadian citizens. [8] X Research source

• For example, citizens in Ireland can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade if they’re traveling outside Ireland or Great Britain. [10] X Research source
• U.S. citizens can enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/ .

Staying Safe While in North Korea

• You cannot take Korean money out of the country when you exit. [13] X Research source

• Don't fold or dispose of newspapers that have the image of the Kim dynasty's members on them. It can be taken the wrong way by North Korean officials.
• Speech is extremely restricted in North Korea so it's best to avoid saying anything.

Community Q&A

• Remember that even for minor crimes, you could be imprisoned for several years or for a life sentence, or even be executed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
• Do not disrespect any of the past or current leaders; it is a crime. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Traveling to high-risk areas like North Korea raises the risk of kidnapping, theft, rape, injury or hostage-taking. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• The risk of arrest and detainment is high, even if you are adequately prepared. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Getting used to the culture can be difficult: what might not be considered a crime in your home country can be considered a crime under North Korean law enforcement. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you travel without a special validation passport, then you can be arrested by either North Korean officials or your home country's officials. [18] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It is illegal to call the country North Korea while you're there. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
• It is best to stay silent, not to touch anything, and to view everything with your eyes. You can share your experiences afterwards. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you visit the Demilitarized Zone from either North or South Korea, you also should remain silent. Both North and South Korean guards can arrest or hurt you if you do not obey their orders. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Don't try to overthrow the government; you will be punished in the same manner as if you were to overthrow your own government. As obvious as it may sound, someone actually tried it and did not get away easily. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
• Breaking any law in North Korea can result in being taken to a labor camp where you will face horrible conditions and torture. Always be extremely careful not to break any laws. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/19/us/otto-warmbier-north-korea-dies.html?module=inline
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-korea/entry-requirements
• ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/07/what-its-like-to-travel-to-north-korea.html
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/10/travel/north-korea-travel.html
• ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/heres-what-it-will-cost-you-to-travel-to-north-korea/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/high-risk-travelers.html
• ↑ https://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=410
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/KoreaDemocraticPeoplesRepublicof.html
• ↑ https://www.dfa.ie/travel/citizens-registration/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/north-korea-travel-advisory.html
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/passport-for-travel-to-north-korea.html
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/29/north-koreas-recipe-for-bargaining-detained-westerner-script-tv-cameras/?utm_term=.465443edfa99

About This Article

Before you can travel to North Korea, you'll need to check your country's official government site to see if they restrict or ban travel to North Korea. Once you're certain you can travel there, book a tour by looking up a tour operator that's been approved by the North Korean government. Although you should be able to find a package with airfare and accommodations, you may still need to book plane tickets to the city where your tour starts. Since the threat of arrest or detention in North Korea is high, make sure you know how to contact your government in case of an emergency. You should also adhere to North Korea's strict laws and cultural regulations on behavior, which make it illegal to perform religious activities or possess items that criticize North Korea. For more tips, like how to stay safe while in North Korea, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The most important piece of North Korea travel advice is to abide by a few important rules. 

Firstly, never speak ill of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il or Kim Jon-un. Criticising the Kims is a huge insult –  and also a crime  – and could put your entire trip at risk. 

Secondly, don’t wander off from your group or guides. Trying to sneak off alone or to see things unaccompanied will land you in a huge heap of trouble.

Finally, be careful what you photograph. The rules on what you can photograph are not as restrictive as you might think – we took over 1000 photos during trip to North Korea. 

However, certain things are off limits. Photos of construction sites and military officers are not allowed. Neither are shots of the countryside during the journeys between cities. 

Photography is also prohibited inside specific sites, but if in doubt check with your guides. Don’t be surprised if you’re told to delete any photos that your guides might not be happy with.

You'll Hear a Lot About the Kims

It’s impossible to overstate  how much the Kim dynasty dominates North Korea . The ubiquitous and glowing statues and portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il are just the tip of a very large iceberg. 

The Kim’s cult of personality is inescapable and permeates every aspect of life, including tourist’s trips to the DPRK. 

Obvious examples are the visits to the embalmed bodies of the Kims at the  Palace of the Sun  and their enormous statues at  Mansudae Hill Grand Monument , but they’re infused into almost everywhere you visit.

Almost every book in souvenir shops is either written by or about Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il. At every place you visit in North Korea your guides will tell you how many times Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il visited it. There’s usually a framed red sign above the door to mark the date they came, or a huge framed photo of their visit at the entrance. 

The schools, universities, factories and farms that you’re taken to will all have a connection to the Kims, too. They’ll have either visited it, provided guidance there or, supposedly, will have given the order to build it. 

Even historic sites that were damaged during the war will have been restored under the orders of one of the Kims. Their words and slogans are even etched into the mountains in Myohyangsan.

Don't Question North Korea's Historical Narrative

Visiting North Korea means having to accept the country’s version of its own history and the history of the region. The North Korean version differs greatly from the reality. 

As a totalitarian state with a vice-like grip on all forms of education, media and communication, the ruling regime has created an alternative history for the DPRK that cannot be questioned. 

That history suits the narrative that portrays the DPRK as a victim, defending itself from several decades of American imperialism and aggression. Added to this is the complete whitewash of any of North Korea’s sins,  of which there are many.

Take anything presented as historical fact with a huge dollop of salt. Many historical claims will be heavily biased, and others will be a complete fiction. The prime example of this is the DPRK’s take on  the Korean War . 

North Koreans are taught that it was they who were attacked by the South, when in reality it was North Korea’s invasion of South Korea that led to war. If you’re told something that you know not to be true it’s best to hold your tongue and play along.

You Can Talk Politics, Up to a Point

Discussing politics isn’t completely out of the question in North Korea, but if the subject comes up you’ll need to know what to say and how to say it. 

One of our guides broached the subject on a couple of occasions, asking about  Kim Jong-un’s summits with President Trump  and if there was any discussions of the  economic sanctions on North Korea being lifted. 

It led to a fairly frank conversation about the geopolitical situation that North Korea finds itself in, though caution was obviously required. Our guide wanted to know how the land lay between the US and the DPRK following the summits, and was keen to know the outside world’s view on top of what was reported within the DPRK. 

For your own safety its best to play conversations regarding politics involving North Korea safely, but don’t be surprised if you get asked the occasional question about the view from outside the DPRK.

You Can Take Your Phone to North Korea

Despite some reports, you can take your smartphone into North Korea, as well as cameras, laptops and tablets. They will all be inspected by customs officials when you arrive in North Korea. Drones are not allowed into the DPRK. 

Be aware that you’ll be offline the entire time that you’re in North Korea. On the whole there is no access to internet or mobile phone network for foreigners in the DPRK, though things may be about to change.

Reports suggest that WiFi is available in the casino in the basement of the Yanggakdo Hotel in Pyongyang. According to NK News the network runs through China and their restrictive firewall, so websites like Google and BBC are still blocked.

Be Good to Your Tour Guides

Tour guides are appointed to every tour group that visits North Korea. They play a dual role of guide and minder, ensuring that visitors behave appropriately whilst providing information and the government line on all of the places you visit. 

The guides are far from stern faced state-appointed apparatchik; instead they are the young, friendly and mostly female face of North Korean tourism.

Forming a good bond with your guides will help you to get the most out of your trip to North Korea. Though they’ll never show it, ferrying groups of tourists around the DPRK is a stressful job, especially if tourists are hard to handle. 

If there’s any fallout from a badly behaved tour group, it puts them at risk of recriminations from their superiors.

Also, our guides told us that groups that are difficult to handle often miss out on visiting certain sites, such as the Palace of the Sun, as they can’t be trusted to behave themselves. Forming a good relationship and understanding with your guides will make the whole trip much more beneficial for everyone.

You See More of North Korea on a Private Tour

Though more expensive than group tours, if you can afford a private tour to North Korea then it’s worth the extra cost. 

Private group tours can be tailored and adjusted to suit you, meaning that you get to see more of the things that you want to see. Trips on group tours tend to be set itineraries that only allow for the odd tweak here and there.

Also, on a private tour your North Korean guides will be dedicated just to you, rather than looking after a group of up to 20 people. This means you’ll have a much more personal service and it allows you the chance to find out much more about the places that you visit and about life in North Korea.

You’ll also be easier to manage, meaning that you can fit a lot more into your daily schedule than if you were in a group. Fewer numbers means that it’s naturally a lot easier to move around and you’re able to do so much more in a day. 

Another advantage of a private tour is that you’ll be in a smaller vehicle, giving you the chance to go to places that group tours on coaches just can’t reach. This adds so many more possibilities to your trip, especially if you’re travelling outside of Pyongyang. 

As part of our ten day trip to the DPRK, we managed to visit  Pakyon waterfall  near Kaesong and Paeksang Pavillion in the city of Anju, two places that even our guides hadn’t previously visited.

You Will Get a Few Glimpses of the 'Real' North Korea

It’s often asked of how much of the ‘real’ North Korea you get to see as a tourist in the DPRK. The answer is hard to quantify. 

Contact with real North Koreans is extremely limited; you’re obviously not going to have the chance to discuss the Supreme People’s Assembly’s latest legislative proposals with the man on the street. 

You’re also in the odd situation whereby the state is trying to show you one version of North Korea whilst you might be trying to look for another.

You probably won’t find the real North Korea – whatever that is – whilst on a tourist trip. But you’ll be surprised by just how much you are allowed to witness. 

Whilst being driven around you will see plenty of examples of real life and of things that the North Korean regime itself might not actively promote, from grim Soviet-style housing blocks to old men sat by the road charging cyclists for the use of a bicycle pump. 

You’ll see even more if you venture outside of Pyongyang. The countryside is incredibly eye-opening and a world away from the epic monuments and lavish government buildings that line Pyongyang’s streets. 

Driving through North Korea’s countryside feels like going back in time, and there’s no hiding the harsh reality of life outside of the cities.

You'll be Taken to Many Places the State Wants You to See

The highlight of a visit to North Korea is the chance to see some of the country’s most well known sites, such as the Kim statues at Mansudae Hill Grand Monument, the Arch of Triumph or the spectacular view from the top of the Juche Tower. 

Yet in every trip to North Korea are tours of more everyday sites that the regime is keen for outsiders to see.

You’ll almost certainly be taken to see a school to see performances by phenomenally talented if alarmingly young children. Other common stops are universities, farms and factories, and each is likely to be a little dry and uninspiring. 

The visits are obviously propaganda, designed to show North Korea as a highly educated, talented and productive nation blossoming under the leadership of the Workers Party of Korea. 

You don’t have to be a hardened cynic to see through it all. For the less entertaining trips it’s best to put on a polite smile and nod occasionally until the tour is over.

North Korean Accommodation is Incredibly Varied

The standard of accommodation in North Korea is always adequate but the quality can fluctuate wildly. It’s recommended that you take a torch when you travel in North Korea in case you’re caught in a power cut whilst at your hotel.

In Pyongyang most tourists usually stay at the  Yanggakdo International Hotel , a monolithic tower with over 1000 rooms and a revolving restaurant on top. Filled with amenities to keep tourists entertained, the hotel’s rooms are okay if a bit dated and low on mod cons. 

They come with comfortable beds, a television with a few outside news channels and, most importantly of all, hot water and electricity when you need it.

Outside Pyongyang accommodation varies from the more basic to the scarcely believable. In Kaesong our dated hotel suffered from power cuts and hot water was rationed to an hour in the morning and an hour at night. The room was at least warm, with underfloor heating and radiators that didn’t turn off. 

The Hyangsan Hotel in Myohyangsan on the other hand was a completely different story altogether. Known as the best hotel in North Korea,  the Hyangsan is easily a 5 star hotel by Western standards . How and why it is where it is is a bit of a mystery, yet the bumpy ride from Pyongyang is worth the trip to see the Hyangsan alone.

Bring Enough Money in a Multitude of Currencies

This is where North Korea can get confusing. Foreigners aren’t allowed to spend North Korean Won whilst in the DPRK (the only exception being at  the Kwangbok Supermarket ). 

Instead, tourists have to use a confusing combination of three foreign currencies when buying anything in North Korea. These are the Chinese yuan, US dollars and Euros. Bring enough of each currency, and ideally in low denominations. Even $10 goes a long way in North Korea, so bring plenty of 5 and even 1 dollar bills. 

In souvenir shops and in hotels the staff will convert all local prices into whichever currency you wish to pay in. Be aware that your change may come in a different currency than the one you paid in. We received a handful of change in the cafe at the Yanggakdo hotel in US dollars, Euros and Chinese Yuan.

Make sure that you bring enough money for the duration of your trip. If you run out there are no ATM’s. Also, make sure that all notes that you bring into the country are in mint condition. Shop assistants in North Korea will turn away notes that are tattered or badly creased. 

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• The Newsletter
• The Newsletter 78 Autumn 2017

North Korea from a Norwegian perspective

<p align=\"left\">The theme throughout this paper is the Norwegian government’s strong commitment to uphold and advance international laws and principles, our condemnation of North Korea’s human rights situation and their weapons development program, and our support for peaceful, diplomatic and political solutions. The article presents two simple answers as to why Norway is concerned about the Korean peninsula: Our common security. Our common prosperity.</p>

Norway established diplomatic ties with the DPRK at the same time as the other Nordic countries, in 1973. While Norway never had an embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea closed its embassy in Oslo in the 1990s. Since 2004, the Norwegian Ambassador to Seoul has also been accredited as Ambassador to Pyongyang. We continue to maintain a diplomatic relationship with North Korea as we believe contact is critical to sustain peace and development in any geopolitical situation.

As of today, Norway has virtually zero trade with North Korea. Our engagement is restricted to humanitarian assistance through international organizations, and diplomatic interactions, including at the multilateral arena. The embassy attempts annual visits, mainly to follow up on our humanitarian assistance to the people of North Korea, which we have been giving since the 1990s. Our assistance is based purely on humanitarian needs and therefore we do not withhold aid as and when the political situation changes. On humanitarian assistance, Norway communicates clearly to the North Korean authorities that we expect them to respect and support humanitarian principles. We advocate for the government to do its best to make sure United Nations and other agencies have full access.

When in North Korea we also make it clear that any improvement in our bilateral relations is contingent on two issues: unambiguously positive developments on the human rights and the cessation of nuclear tests. Norway is not a party to the conflict on the peninsula, but global norms, international law, and the security situation of East Asia matters to us. Continued testing and development runs counter to international norms and resolutions. An unstable peninsula means an unstable region. An unsafe peninsula means an unsafe world. In response, we firmly and faithfully support all multilateral sanctions on North Korea, which we have adopted into Norwegian law.

An unsafe peninsula also represents a risk to our common prosperity. Norway has robust and healthy trade relationships with not only South Korea, but also other countries in the region. This region’s role in and impact on the world economy, for merchandise and financial goods and services, is massively important. Finally, however much we disagree with their actions and their attitude, we must accept that North Korea, its leadership and regime, have their own concerns. Understanding Pyongyang’s own positions is a first step for any useful discussion on the North Korea issue. Norway stands with the international community in supporting all efforts for a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation on the peninsula.

Jan Grevstad , Ambassador of Norway to Korea ([email protected])

Update April 12, 2024

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North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, north korea - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to North Korea due to  the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.  Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to  the critical threat of wrongful detention.

• All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State. 
• Special validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. More information on how to apply for the special validation is available  here .

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea. Sweden serves as the protecting power for the United States in North Korea, providing limited emergency services. The North Korean government routinely delays or denies Swedish officials access to detained U.S. citizens.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of North Korea, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to North Korea.

If you receive a special validation to travel to North Korea:

• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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North Korea

Explore the Mysterious Land of North Korea

What countries can visit north korea?

Since North Korea opened its borders to tourism in 1987, visitors have been able to explore the country and get a glimpse into the daily lives of its citizens. While tourism is still tightly controlled by the government, travelers can now visit a number of different cities and towns, including the capital Pyongyang.

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to North Korea, there are a few things you need to know. First, all visitors must obtain a visa in advance, and must be part of an organized tour group. Second, you’ll be closely monitored throughout your stay by government-appointed guides. And third, don’t expect to be able to use your cell phone or access the internet—both are strictly forbidden.

Despite these restrictions, many people are drawn to North Korea’s unique history and culture. So if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel destination, North Korea may be the perfect place for you.

There are very few countries that are able to visit North Korea. Some of the countries that are able to visit North Korea are China, Russia, and a few others.

Which countries citizens can go to North Korea?

If you wish to visit North Korea, you can do so by entering through China or Russia. You can travel by air or by train, and holders of diplomatic or service passports from certain countries are able to visit without a visa.

As of February 2023, North Korean passport holders can travel visa free to 10 countries and territories:

Belarus Cook Islands Dominica Guyana Haiti Kyrgyzstan Micronesia Niue

This is great news for North Korean citizens, as it will allow them to travel more easily to a number of different countries. We hope that this will lead to increased understanding and cooperation between North Korea and the rest of the world.

How many countries can North Korea visit

The North Korean passport is considered one of the lowest ranking passports in the world. North Korean passport holders have visa-free access to only 38 destinations including Dominica, Madagascar and Seychelles. There are 191 destinations for which a North Korean passport holder requires to obtain a visa prior to traveling.

The only country that North Korea restricts visitors from is South Korea (the Republic of Korea). Citizens of South Korea need special permission from both governments in order to visit North Korea.

Can Americans visit North Korea?

The State Department has now imposed additional restrictions that will further limit Americans’ ability to travel to North Korea. Americans will now be required to obtain a special validation from the State Department in order to travel to North Korea. This restriction is in addition to the existing travel ban that prohibits American citizens from traveling to North Korea.

Due to the current situation with North Korea, tourists are not able to use their US passport to travel there. Special validations from the Department of State are required in order to do so, and these are only given out if it is in the US national interest. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk.

Does North Korea allow tourists?

If you are traveling to North Korea, you will need a visa in order to enter the country. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be subject to detention or arrest.

Foreigners can enter North Korea by air or by train. All visitors must have a valid passport and a visa. Tourist visas are only available through licensed tour operators.

Can I travel to North Korea as a tourist

North Korea is a country that is tightly controlled by the government. Tourism is no exception to this rule. Tourists can only visit the country on pre-booked guided tours. There are a handful of long-established companies that specialize in arranging tours of North Korea.

Can a North Korean go to Switzerland?

Yes, North Koreans can travel abroad. They are allowed to leave the country for humanitarian reasons, to participate in international events, or for work purposes. However, they must obtain permission from the government in order to do so.

The citizens of South Korea require special permission from both governments to enter North Korea. They are typically not granted such permission for regular tourism except in special tourist areas designated for South Koreans.

Can a Mexican go to North Korea

There is a common misconception that only westerners are restricted from travel to North Korea. However, the only nationalities restricted from travel to the DPRK are tourists travelling on South Korean (Republic of Korea) and United States of America (USA) passports. All other nationalities are legally allowed to visit North Korea.

North Korea is a country that strictly controls emigration and immigration. North Korean citizens usually cannot freely travel around the country, let alone travel abroad. This is because the North Korean government wants to keep its citizens from knowing too much about the outside world and from leaving the country.

What things are illegal in North Korea?

The government of North Korea strictly controls all media within the country. Accessing phones, computers, televisions, radios or media content that are not sanctioned by the government is illegal, and considered “anti-socialist behavior” to be severely punished. The government regularly cracks down on unsanctioned media consumption.

North Korea is a country located in East Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, and by South Korea to the south. It has a population of about 25 million people, and its capital city is Pyongyang.

The government of North Korea is a dictatorship, and the country is not very friendly to foreigners. In fact, it is illegal for US citizens to travel to North Korea. This is because the government of North Korea does not want foreigners to see the conditions that its citizens live in.

If you are a US citizen, and you want to visit North Korea, you will need to get a special visa from the government of North Korea. This can be very difficult to do, and it is not recommended that you try to visit North Korea without the proper documentation.

There are very few countries in the world that are able to visit North Korea. The reasons for this are political and North Korea’s lack of relations with most of the world. The only countries that are able to visit North Korea are Russia, China, and a few select countries in Europe.

Although North Korea is technically open to visitors from any country, in reality, only a handful of nationalities are able to obtain a tourist visa. Visitors from China, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are among the few that North Korea permits to enter the country. All other visitors must obtain a special permit, which is typically only granted to those with family ties or business interests in North Korea.

Neil Lawrence

Neil Lawrence is an expert on North Korea, having studied the country and its people for years. He has written extensively about the nation's politics, culture, and history. He has traveled to North Korea multiple times, gathering firsthand information and insights from people who live there. Neil is passionate about helping others understand North Korea.

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