can i visit north korea from uk

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North Korea

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

North Korea’s borders are currently closed, but few British people visit when they are open. Those that do are usually part of an organised tour. If you decide to visit North Korea, follow the advice of your tour group and the local authorities. Failure to do so could put your personal safety at risk.

The North Korean authorities have reportedly detained some foreign nationals and denied them access to consular support.

While daily life in the capital city Pyongyang may appear calm, the security situation can change quickly with no advance warning about possible actions by the authorities. This poses significant risks to British visitors and residents.

Follow the political and security situation very closely and stay in touch with your host organisation or tour operator.

Current incidents and risks

Covid-19 lockdown.

No entry into North Korea is permitted while COVID-19 border restrictions remain in place. The North Korean government continues to temporarily suspend all passenger routes into and out of North Korea. The British Embassy in Pyongyang is temporarily closed due to these restrictions. This means you cannot get consular support from within North Korea.

You cannot enter or leave North Korea through the border with South Korea without special permission.

Nuclear testing

The level of tension on the Korean peninsula has remained high since 2017 when North Korea began a series of nuclear and missile tests.

A halt in nuclear testing and ballistic missile tests, announced in April 2018, came to an end in May 2019. Testing of ballistic missiles has taken place frequently since 2019.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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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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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 30,778 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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How To Travel to North Korea as a Tourist

Note: Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea’s borders have been completely closed to foreigners. As of right now, it is not possible to go to North Korea.

Quite a few of my friends were shocked to discover I was travelling to North Korea. “I didn’t even know you could go to North Korea, let alone join a tour group!” they exclaimed.

Yup, against common belief, it is possible to travel to North Korea. And it’s actually surprisingly easy.

Almost anyone can visit North Korea, with the exception of citizens of South Korea and the United States. It was only recently (September 2019) that the US government banned its citizens from travelling to North Korea, and this may be reversed in time now that Donald Trump is out of office.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to travel to North Korea as a tourist, explaining everything you need to know about tours, visas and travelling into the country itself.

How To Travel To North Korea: The Logistics

There are very few places from where you can enter North Korea — you can’t simply book a flight from London to Pyongyang! You will most likely need to go through China, which shares a border with North Korea. You’ll also need to book onto a government-run tour group, as you cannot visit North Korea independently.

With this in mind, there are three things you’ll need to do in order to visit North Korea as a tourist:

• Book onto a tour
• Arrange a Chinese visa
• Organise transport to China

1) Book Onto A Tour

To visit North Korea, you must book onto a tour group. You cannot visit North Korea independently as the country’s government simply doesn’t allow this. Any visit to North Korea will be an all-inclusive tour with an organized itinerary — there is no getting around this.

Your tour group is ultimately controlled by the Government via the Korean International Travel Company. This means your itinerary is set in stone, with no room for free exploration or solo adventuring. You will be escorted at all times by two guides and a driver.

There are a few tour operators who run trips in North Korea, and these are Lupine Travel , Young Pioneers and Koryo Group . I personally went with Lupine Travel, although it seems as though the three companies are all fairly similar.

There is quite a well-pathed tourist route which most if not all, tourists are taken on. This goes to all the main  attractions in Pyongyang , to the Demilitarised Zone on the border of South Korea and to a mountainous region in the north.

Once you choose the tour you want to go on and have booked it, the tour operator will take care of a lot of the logistics for you, including your return transport into North Korea from China, your North Korean visa and your accommodation, food and itinerary once in North Korea.

The tour company probably will not take care of your return transport to China from your home country, or your Chinese visa (although they will help you with this).

Once you’re booked onto a tour, the company will liaise with you prior to your trip, ensuring they have everything they need from you and that you have everything ready, as well.

2) Get Your Chinese Visa

My tour with Lupine Travel started and ended in Beijing. This meant I required a Dual Entry Chinese Visa, as I would technically be entering China twice: once via a flight from London, and then again when I left North Korea.

The Chinese visa can be a little tricky. I’ve applied for and received 2 Chinese visas in the last decade, and they were a bit of a hassle on both occasions. There are a lot of forms to fill out and it can get complicated. Be sure to read through the documents carefully and answer everything truthfully.

For your Chinese visa, you will need:

• Your passport: with remaining validity of at least 6 months and with blank visa pages.
• Visa Application Form: truthfully completed and type-written.
• A photo: taken within the last six months; full face against a light background; size: 48mm x 33mm; bare-headed unless for religious reasons.

You can visit a Chinese embassy or Chinese Visa Application Centre to hand in your documents, or you can mail it. It typically takes four working days to process your application, but it’s recommended that you apply about 2 months before, as there can be issues. They rejected my photo on one occasion and I had to resubmit it, for example.

Once approved and processed, you can go and collect your passport and visa. The fee for a Chinese visa is £150 / $140.

Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to apply for your visa.

The tour company you booked with will handle your North Korean tourist visa for you. All you’ll need to do is fill in a few simple forms and send over a scanned copy of your passport. Your guide will then give you your North Korean visa once you meet up with your tour group.

3) Book Your Transport To China

As your tour to North Korea likely starts in China, you’ll need to book flights or some other form of transport to China, as this is probably not included in your tour package. Check which city your tour’s meeting place is — mine met at the train station in Beijing, but some meet in the city of Dandong, which is on the border of China and North Korea.

Flights from Europe start from about £500. You can search for cheap flights on Skyscanner.

Travelling into North Korea from China

As mentioned above, your tour company will take care of the logistics of your transport into and out of North Korea from China. You’ll most likely meet your tour group in Beijing or Dandong, and then travel with them from there into North Korea, either by train or plane. It depends on the tour company you go with as to whether you’ll go by train or plane. You will be escorted at all times on your transit into and out of North Korea.

The sleeper train departs Beijing in the late afternoon and goes through Northeast China overnight, before reaching the border at around midday.

Once at the border, North Korean soldiers will come onboard to do visa, passport and luggage checks. I found the experience quite intimidating; they poked around in my backpack and asked me to explain what some things were. I remember a fellow traveller on my tour awkwardly explaining what his beard trimmer was used for.

You will also be given forms asking you to declare electronic devices that you’re bringing into the country. I’d advise that you don’t bring any devices with you if possible — you won’t be able to use the internet or make phone calls anyway, and you may be asked to open it up and show the soldiers your files.

Be certain that you do not have religious material, pornography, or memes/other insulting material about North Korea on your device.

It can take a few hours to cross the North Korean entry customs. Once through, you’ll spend about 5 hours travelling through the scenic North Korean countryside before arriving in Pyongyang .

Another way to enter North Korea from China is to take an aeroplane, which is much quicker than the train but certainly less scenic. Air Koryo runs three to four flights from Beijing to Pyongyang each week, as well as weekly flights from Shanghai, Shenyang and Dandong.

I took the train myself, so I don’t have first-hand insight into what the plane is like. But apparently, you’re welcomed on board with songs about socialism and Kim Jong-un, as well as magazines that showcase the ‘fatherly leader’ and the heinous war crimes of Japan and the US.

Tourism in North Korea: Frequently asked questions

There are lots of unique rules and regulations around travelling to North Korea as a foreigner, so let’s break these down.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit North Korea?

The North Korean tour companies I mentioned above organise all-inclusive packages. This means all of your meals, transport within the country and hotel will be included in the price. Tour prices range massively — between about £400 and £3500 depending on the length of your tour and the company you choose to go with.

• Lupine Travel tours start at £569 ($740)
• Young Pioneers tours start at £444 ($578)
• Koryo Group tours start at £448 ($583)

You should also bear in mind the cost of getting to North Korea. My  flight from London to Beijing  (the starting point of the tour) was about £500.

Is It Safe To Visit North Korea?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to North Korea. They note that “the security situation in North Korea can change with little notice and with no advance warning of possible actions by the North Korean authorities.” However, the FCO also advises the same for many parts of Turkey and Egypt, which are still frequently visited by tourists.

Tensions between North Korea and the United States have calmed and North Korea announced a halt to its missile testing in April 2018. It is now arguably much safer to visit the country than when  I visited in August 2017 .

As long as you follow all the rules outlined to you before you enter North Korea, travel is ‘deemed safe’ in that you are never alone and are not going to be the target of petty crimes such as theft.

While there is definitely some risk in visiting North Korea, if you follow the rules and remain respectful, there should be no issues. Terrorism and crimes towards tourists are highly unlikely and detainment of tourists is rare!

What Are The Rules For Tourists In North Korea?

• Your every movement is watched and monitored and,  under no circumstance , can you wander off on your own. Doing so will result in serious consequences for both you and your tour guide.
• The country dislikes the term North Korea and prefers to be called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK for short.
• Do not speak negatively about the country or the leaders. Disrespecting the country is viewed as a major offence and has caused problems for tourists in the past.
• You cannot take photos of everything. You’re allowed to take photos of tourist attractions etc, but it is forbidden to photograph the military, labourers or construction sites, among other things.
• You must ensure that any photos of statues of the leaders must capture their whole body — no close-ups or chopping off their feet from the frame.
• Your belongings will be thoroughly searched at the border. It is forbidden to bring religious material, porn or literature or film about North Korea into the country. Please, for heaven’s sake, do not try to bring a copy of  The Interview  into North Korea. Confiscated possessions may not be returned at the border.
• Practising religion is not allowed. North Korea is an atheist country and practising religion there is highly restricted. Praying or showing off a bible is a great way to get detained.
• You cannot speak with random citizens during your time in North Korea, as doing so may be considered espionage.

Will Visiting North Korea Affect Whether Other Countries Grant Me Entry?

Not at all! There are no restrictions on entering any country due to previous entry into North Korea — including South Korea and the United States. In fact, it’s unlikely that border controls will even know you’ve been to North Korea because your visa is issued on a separate piece of paper and your passport is not stamped.

My Experience Visiting North Korea

I found my time in North Korea to actually feel a lot more relaxed than I anticipated. When I first arrived, I was a little nervous and tried not to look at anybody for too long or seem disrespectful in any way.

However, by the end of my second day in North Korea, I felt more relaxed and realised that I just had to follow the rules. I stuck with my tour group, asked permission to take photos, didn’t question any “facts” the tour guides stated about their country, and didn’t try to interact with random locals. In doing this, all was well.

The country was extremely different to how I imagined it and threw a lot of my preconceptions out the window.

I was surprised, for example, to find that Pyongyang was a very picturesque and modern city. I think I had expected it to look kind of grey and old. I was also surprised to see that the countryside was absolutely beautiful, with rolling hills and vivid green colours.

Of course, I also saw plenty of things that upset, angered or confused me a little, such as the phenomenal amount of blatant propaganda and the fact that a guy on my tour got told off for buying ice cream from a nearby stall.

READ MORE:  My North Korea Travel Experience – What’s It Really Like?

What Do You Get To See In North Korea?

The key thing to bear in mind is that you won’t get to see the  real  North Korea. You’ll be ferried from place to place — mostly within Pyongyang — with zero opportunity for independent exploration. You’ll only see what they allow you to see, in what I believe is a very tightly controlled tourist route.

Monuments And Squares

A trip to North Korea will most definitely involve visiting the sites  they want you to see , such as Kim Il Sung Square, the Founding Party Monument, the captured US spy ship USS Pueblo, Kim Il Sung’s native home and many more. These are, what I would call, showpieces of the regime.

The Pyongyang Metro

At 110 metres underground, the Pyongyang metro is the deepest metro station in the world. Covered in propaganda, images of the Kim family, and with station names such as ‘Comrade’, ‘Glory’ and ‘Reunification’, North Korea’s metro is really quite an experience.

While it was definitely the most interesting metro journey I’ve ever been on, the whole scenario was somehow quite strange. You can only ride 5 of the 16 stops — perhaps there’s something secret beyond stop 5.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land running along the Korean Peninsula. It is used as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, and is 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

While tourists can easily visit the DMZ in South Korea, this is a chance to see it from the other side and, of course, hear the story from North Korea’s perspective.

The Kaeson Funfair

The Kaeson Funfair was the only place we were allowed to wander around somewhat freely. Our guides let us mingle with the locals a little and stood guard along the pathways leading to the entry and exit points.

We were, however, told that we should skip all the queues and go straight onto any ride we wanted, because “we’re Western.” This annoyed me, as I didn’t feel that this presented a good view of us as Westerners to the citizens of North Korea. Perhaps they didn’t mind, but as a Brit, orderly queues are an essential part of my culture!

Is It Ethical To Visit North Korea?

This is the most important question you should ask yourself before visiting North Korea: is it ethical?

There is a view that visiting North Korea is potentially helping to  fund the regime . I.e. that you’re helping to fund horrific human rights atrocities and nuclear programmes. However, I believe that the money North Korea receives from tourism is very small. With only 10,000 tourists a year, most of which are from China, how much can they  really  be making from this? It’s not like tourism in North Korea is a booming industry.

I also strongly believe that completely stripping a country of exposure to other cultures and attitudes is detrimental. Contact with the outside world helps to improve the citizens’ views of outsiders, which is a good thing since they’ve held a very bad view of the West for decades. Peace and progression within North Korea are certainly never going to occur if its citizens aren’t exposed to anything other than what they already know.

It’s certainly not a black-and-white answer and is something that you should consider carefully.

READ MORE:  Is It Ethical To Visit North Korea?

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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Is it Ethical to Visit North Korea?

Thanks a lot for your explanation Lauren this country is my dream to visit , however, I am terrified and nervous. and how I control myself.

I got curious about visiting North Korea since I saw a pic of someone else’s tour there. I didn’t even know it was possible to visit! But then my bubble burst since finding out that it has stopped since covid 🙁 anyways, thanks for writing this, it’s done plenty to satiate my curiosity for now haha

Thanks for reading Monica! Tours will likely open up again at some point in the future 🙂

very good and very detailed article.

Thanks John!

Very informative article on a unique topic, so much appreciated 🙂 I agree with the final message that there is a reciprocal value in connecting with people and cultures all around the world.

Glad you found it informative Lucas!

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North Korea Travel Guide

Thinking of travel to North Korea? This guide will give you an idea of what to expect and what to look out for.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: February 2, 2023

North Korea Travel

Secretive. Isolationist. Dangerous. These are the words often used to describe North Korea, one of the world’s last truly communist countries. But what’s it like to travel to North Korea?

A lot of people don’t realise that you can actually travel to North Korea as a tourist. I guess the perception is that, because it’s a strange rogue nation, it wouldn’t be open to foreigners.

Well, guess what? You can go to North Korea. But it’s still going to be a very strange experience.

I’ve written a few stories about what it’s like to be a tourist in this fascinating country and what to expect from any North Korea travel. I’ve got links to all those articles at the end of this travel guide.

In this guide, I just want to focus on giving you some practical information in case you’re thinking about doing a North Korea trip yourself as a tourist.

The good news is that it’s not too difficult to arrange – but you do need to be prepared. You can’t just jump on a flight to Pyongyang and start exploring the Hermit Kingdom for yourself.

So here are my tips for your North Korea travel.

North Korea tours

The best (and only reasonable) way to travel into North Korea is with a tour company. Several thousand Western foreigners are allowed into the country this way each year.

There are several organisations that run North Korea tours – usually you would go in and out via China.

There are slight variations in price and length of the tours with different companies but, because the North Korean government has final say on the itineraries, they all go to generally the same places.

I would recommend Koryo Tours , which has been around the longest and is probably the most reputable company.

Other options which I have heard good things about include:

• Young Pioneer Tours
• Korea Konsult

Normally you will have a Western guide who will go with you from Beijing (or wherever your group meets). And then you’ll be joined by local North Korean guides when you arrive.

Your tour company will help you with the visa application process and all the paperwork you’ll need to do to confirm you have permission to enter the country.

What will I be allowed to do in North Korea?

You’ll be surprised at how much you are able to do – and how much you’re unable to do.

Your itinerary will be decided for you by the North Korean authorities and you’ll have two guides with you the whole time. If you would like to make any changes it would normally take about three days to get them approved, so speak up early.

Your guides will take you to see a lot of things – monuments, museums, transport systems, factories, parks, and artistic performances.

From the regime’s perspective, all the sights are supposed to be painting a positive picture of the country. But you will find yourself seeing a lot of the country as you’re driven between all these places and on the streets around them.

You won’t be able to wander off on your own, though. You’ll always have to be in the company of the guides and you’ll have to follow their instructions on what you can or can’t do.

You will be allowed to take photos, except of military personnel and from moving vehicles

You will be allowed to take your camera and your computer in with you. You are also now allowed to take your phone with you and use it as a camera (and whatever else). But you won’t be able to connect to a phone network to make/receive calls or use data.

As long as you are happy to follow the instructions, it will all be fine. I think that’s part of the experience.

For more information about what you can do, you can read this story about visiting North Korea .

Things to see in North Korea

Most of the main ‘sights’ of North Korea are in the capital, Pyongyang, and this is where the shorter trips will focus their time. The highlights of the capital are:

• The Kumsusan Memorial Palace: This is the mausoleum of the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung, and has a bizarrely-grand feel to everything about it inside.
• Juche Tower: The tower is about 170 metres high and has an elevator to the top. It gives a great view of all of Pyongyang.
• The Revolutionary Martyr’s Cemetery: The war memorial at the top of a hill for those who died fighting the Japanese.
• The Triumphal March : Intentionally-built to be three metres higher than the one in Paris, it is the world’s largest Arch de Triumphe. It will be hard to avoid seeing this as you drive around the city.
• The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum: This is interesting for the exhibitions but even moreso to understand how the propaganda system work in North Korea.

Getting outside Pyongyang will be slightly harder unless your tour is longer than a few days. You won’t have much control at all over which areas you visit. Here are some of the highlights and it would be worth seeing if they are included in any trip you’re considering.

• DMZ: You can visit the de-militarised zone from South Korea as well but there’s something fun about waving at the perplexed tourists from the North Korean side.
• International Friendship Exhibition: This is promoted as being a display of the presents given by world leaders to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, although I’m convinced the bunker built into the mountain is actually a lair for when nuclear war breaks out. It will be a highlight of the trip because of the bizarre collection of gifts.
• Ryongmun Cave: A strange warren of caves lit up with different colours all along. It’s a popular spot for school groups to visit, it seems.
• West Sea Barrage: This is an eight kilometre dam built during the 1980s and is the industrial pride and joy of North Korea.

If you’re interested in some of the other things you might see on a tour, you can have a look at my photos from inside North Korea .

What about the locals in North Korea?

Visitors to North Korea will get limited interaction with locals. But it will be rare to find many who speak English, so unless you speak Korean you won’t be able to talk to them much.

Many of the locals will try to ignore you, because that’s clearly what they’ve been told to do. Children will often look at you in fear until you smile and wave, when they’ll smile and wave back even harder.

The guides you are with won’t stop you from talking and interacting with local people. But they will keep a watchful eye on things to make sure there is nothing suspicious going on.

You can read more about life in North Korea here.

The best attitude is to assume that, unless you speak Korean, you won’t get to have many conversations with locals. However, you will still feel like you get a bit of exposure to their lives.

Safety in North Korea

As long as you don’t go into North Korea with the clear intention to cause trouble, you will find things to be extremely safe.

You are always being looked after by two local North Korean guides and so you can’t really get into trouble with the authorities because the guides will stop you from doing anything that could land you in hot water.

One of the aims of the trips for foreigners is to send a positive message about the country. The regime essentially sees it as a big PR campaign – with you as part of the propaganda machine – and so they don’t want anything to go wrong.

If you do what you’re told, it will be one of the safest trips you ever take.

You can read more here about the propaganda in North Korea .

However, you have probably read some of the stories about tourists being detained in North Korea. These unfortunate situations are rare and usually occurred because the tourist did something they shouldn’t have.

I think it’s clear that their punishment vastly outweighed their ‘crime’ and they were obviously used as a form of hostage for political negotiations. But the advice from all the experts is still that, if you do nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear.

The Ariang Mass Games in Pyongyang

The Mass Games, the enormously epic 90 minute performance, has rightly been described as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’.

It takes place several times a week during August and September in the May Day Stadium, the largest stadium in the world (holding 150,00 seated people).

The performance is a huge patriotic display of marchers, dancers, acrobats, musicians and more. About 100,000 people take part in it, including 20,000 children who hold up coloured cards to make the tableau backdrops.

If you’re thinking of a trip to North Korea, it would be worth finding out the latest information about dates for the Mass Games and try to coincide your travels with it.

You’ll have to pay extra for a ticket to the performance but it is worth it. I would recommend the first class ticket, which cost about 150 Euro.

You can read a bit more about my experience there and see some more of my photos from the Mass Games here .

Overall, a trip into North Korea will be an experience unlike any other you’ve had in the world of travel. It will open your eyes to a country with so few parallels to any you have lived in before.

You shouldn’t be worried or scared. But you do need to do some preparation in advance and behave accordingly when you’re there.

The trip will be safe and comfortable – but your opinions will be challenged. North Korea travel is not a holiday… it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

4 thoughts on “North Korea Travel Guide”

A great editorial. Travel to both Koreas has been a dream of mine, especially the DMZ. One thing I would like and maybe you can advise me on is a N. Korea lapel pin. I collect lapel pins from all over the world but have not been able to get this one. Thanks for the pics also! Jerry J., Las Vegas, NV.

Hi Jerry. Perhaps it would be worth doing a trip to North Korea just to collect the pin! I believe I was given one while I was there (although I’m not exactly sure where I’ve put it). Certainly if the collection is a passion of yours, you might be able to get a good selection over there. They are keen on them!

Sure, this may be a one-of-a-kind experience, but how do you reconcile that the 150 Euros spent on a ticket for the Arirang Games and who knows how much on a way to get into the country, you’re directly funding a horrifically repressive regime that holds twenty-five million people captive?

It’s a good question, Joyce, and not one that’s easy to answer. As a travel writer, this issue comes up often in regards to countries that have regimes or policies that seem ‘wrong’ compared to what is ‘normal’. In some cases, the injustice can be quite obvious and some people choose to boycott those countries. But most of the time there are lots of grey areas and if you started boycotting every country that had human rights issues you didn’t agree with, there would be almost no places to go (the death penalty in the US, incarceration of asylum seekers in Australia, etc).

In my case, I have made the decision not to boycott any countries, but to always report fairly and transparently what I see and how I feel about it. It’s not a perfect solution and the points you’ve raised are very valid, but I think seeing the world and understanding more about other cultures and politics ultimately outweighs the negatives.

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All You Need to Know About Travel to North Korea

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Can I Travel to North Korea? Yes, You Actually Can & Here’s How

Travel to North Korea is not something a lot of people have done. So there’s really not much information about travel to North Korea online. But, people actually do it. (There’s not many).

So why do people travel to North Korea? HOW do you travel to North Korea? And what should you expect once you’re there…

RELATED: I Have Been To North Korea Almost 30 Times & Counting, Why I Keep Going Back

Table of Contents

Who Travels to North Korea?

There are generally three different types of people that travel to North Korea.

• Those glory seekers looking to tell a tale about the time they went to the ‘mysterious Hermit Kingdom’.
• Those interested in communist and socialist countries.
• Those who want to see the country for themselves instead of just through the eyes of the media.

Within these categories, you have all kinds of people. Different ages, social backgrounds, and different nationalities.

Aside from Chinese people, the most common nationality to see in North Korea are Brits, Germans, Australians, Dutch etc… And Americans – before the travel ban.

Yes, that’s right. Trump’s travel ban forbids US citizens from traveling to North Korea (sorry guys). But Biden has suggested that he may be lifting some of these bans. So let’s see!

For now, US citizens cannot go.

RELATED: The Curious Case Of North Korean Currency & Why It Is So Rare

HOW to Travel to the DPRK?

While most people don’t even know you can travel to North Korea, let’s explore the process of how you get there in the first place.

Firstly, you need to go through a tour company. There’s no other way to get into North Korea. No tour company, no visa, no entry. You will then book a tour through the tour company, depending on how many nights you want to stay, where you want to go etc. Tours normally include everything, from travel into the country, to the accommodation and full board. Although you can of course buy anything extra once you’re in North Korea.

The path to get there is through China. You can either take a plane or a train into North Korea, depending on your time and budget. There are also sometimes flights available from Russia and South-East Asian countries.

In North Korea

Rules & politics.

Once you’re in North Korea, you will be met by your North Korean guides. From the moment you arrive, you can’t walk around by yourself. You should always be accompanied by these guides. Contrary to popular opinion, these guides are not the glamorous ‘government minders’ that the media labels them to be. They are trained tour guides who have studied and worked hard to get where they are.

There are a lot more rules for your travel to North Korea, including rules on photography and what you should and shouldn’t do. You’ll get a full briefing from your tour company before you go into North Korea.

A lot of people are concerned with the safety of the trip. Basically, if you stick to the rules, you will be fine.

Can I Bring my Mobile Phone?

Yes, no problem! (But see below)

Can I Talk to Local North Koreans?

Yes, and no. You can try, but they probably won’t want to talk to you and if you don’t know Korean that’s going to be difficult anyway.

What if I Do Something Bad?

Everyone makes mistakes. If you accidentally break the rules once or twice (depending on what it is!) then that’s fine. A guide might pull you aside and mention it to you. If you do it again and again… Mistakes can only be mistakes for so long, and at some point it must be deliberate. Depending on what you do, you could get yourself, the group, or the guides into trouble. If you’re ever unsure, ask your guides!

Check Your Phone and Electronic Devices

You can bring your phone and laptop, but make sure to check your device before you go in. It is not permitted to have any religious material, Korean material, or anything to do with North Korea on you when you go in. Make sure to delete any Korean dramas you might have downloaded!

Where Can I Go?

Foreigners can currently visit all but one province in North Korea. Aside from city life in Pyongyang, you can head out to the countryside to enjoy skiing, hiking, and even going to the beach and swimming in the sea.

In Pyongyang, your visit will mainly comprise of visits to important historical sites and revolutionary sites, as well as famous monuments such as the Juche Tower and the Mansudae Grand Monuments (the big bronze statues).

Other than that, you might even get to go to some fun places like the bowling alley, you could go ice skating, to the spa, coffee shop, or local beer bar.

Seeing is Believing

Surprisingly, it’s not actually all fake! In fact, there is pretty much northing fake about it. It functions as a country and there are people living their lives – not acting – inside. But I suppose you might need to go there before you believe me on that one.

If you’re looking for all the action you get on the media, for example, rocket launches and military parades, you might be disappointed. Military parades happy very rarely, only on special occasions, and even then it is difficult to see as a foreigner.

Accommodation

What’s a North Korean hotel like?

A lot will tell you that all the tourists are put into the same hotel that sits on an island in the middle of the river so you can’t walk off easily. As glitzy as this Alcatraz-like theory is, we have to bust it, unfortunately. There’s over 10 hotels in Pyongyang alone where foreigners can stay – one even with a great view of the party headquarters.

The Alcatraz hotel is called Yanggakdo, and it’s probably one of the most popular hotels to stay in. It’s big, just got refurbished, and has a lot of facilities. It’s also in a convenient location and gives killer views of Pyongyang city in the morning.

The hotels in North Korea would have all been really nice and really fancy… 30 years ago. But they haven’t really had many makeovers since they were first built and therefore sit in a weird out-dated time capsule. Things break and fall off, sometimes there’s no hot water and blackouts do happen sometimes too. But this is much more frequent in the countryside.

Go with an open mind and embrace the “traditional meets kitsch” interiors with a pinch of salt.

Everyone’s favorite topic!

If you love Korean food, you’ll have no problem. If you’re up for trying different foods, you’ll also have no problem. But, if you’re a strict ‘will-only-eat-pizza-and-chips’ kind of person, you might want to re-think your trip to North Korea, or pack a lot of food.

The food in North Korea is plentiful. You eat in traditional Chinese/Korean style, having food presented in the middle of the table and everyone just grabbing a bit of everything. Food ranges from Bibimbap (fried rice) to noodles, sushi, and everything in between! (Apart from pizza and chips).

For those with dietary requirements, they can also cater for you. Just let them know in advance!

Can I Travel To North Korea Final Thoughts

A tour to North Korea is not for the faint-hearted. It’s not a beach holiday in Barbados or a shopping trip in New York. It’s action-packed and you’ll be on the move from 7am to 7pm at night – with some days being longer. You get your most out of the money, and more. But you will be tired. And, you’ll probably leave North Korea with more questions than answers.

Ultimately, I always come back to the same quote. North Korea is pleasantly underwhelming. You may be underwhelmed, in a good way. It’s pretty normal. But sometimes we go in with such prejudice about it from the media. So go in with a good mind and you’ll learn a lot, discover a lot, and want to find out a lot more.

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Very interesting, I wouldn’t have even considered it before. I would still prefer S Korea of course as it has all the amenities and protection I am looking for.a great write up. Have you been to Iran, I tried that a couple times as an American and my Visa was denied.

I agree with your comment. I visited S. Korea a couple of times, on business. Once I spent three months and enjoyed life in S. Korea. I stayed at the “Chosun Hotel” and enjoyed every minute of my stay in S. Korea. S. Koreans are so friendly and so helpful. Their Metro System is perfectly clean as well as all the passengers, but very crowded during business hours and smelly of “KIMSHY” that is very tasty. At mid-day and 06:00pm, Catholic Churches ring the bells and, surisingly, I watched the majority of pedestrians stopped, made the sign of the Cross and prayed for a few minutes, then proceed to walk. I never knew that in S. Korea there were such a great number of Catholics. During one of my trips, my Wife joined me for one month during Christmas and New Year Season. We went to the Catholic Cathedral for the mid-night Mass. The Cathedral was FULL, but they managed to find us two seats at the end of the Church. All of a sudden, the Photographers of a Television Channel observed us, they came staright to photograh us. Apparently, we were the only non-Asians at the Church and my wife was Blond. I love S. Koreans, I love their food, I love their efficiency and I made a lot of Friends.

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How to Get a North Korea Tourist Visa for British Citizens

Do you know how people get more drawn into things or people with this air of mystery around them? This might be one of the reasons more and more people get interested in traveling to North Korea, despite what the reports about this East Asian nation say. If you are a UK Passport Holder, here’s a guide on how to get a North Korea Tourist Visa for British Citizens.

We probably know the Korean peninsula as one, if not, the only divided nation in Asia and the whole world. Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the nation has since been split into North and South, with the former becoming under communist leadership and the latter being a democratic one.

Over the years, its southern counterpart has probably turned into one of the most visited countries in Asia, thanks to its booming Hallyu wave which is taking the world by storm. With this, there are already tons of information available online on places to visit, the process of applying for a visa, and almost anything you need to know to get there.

Now, what about North Korea? What do you have to know about it? Where should you go? And more importantly, how will you go, especially if you’re someone with a UK passport. Well, let me go ahead and discuss just that.

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Table of Contents

Quick Facts about North Korea Tourist Visa

One surprising fact about this reclusive nation is that despite its sudden boom in the tourism sector after the recent North-South summit, it’s technically already been open to visitors wanting to know more about the country since 1953. 

With that being said, it’s not difficult to get a visa to North Korea, contrary to popular belief. 

Validity: 6 months Entry: Single How to Apply: Through Government-recognized Tour Agency Processing Time: 4 – 6 weeks

Nearest Embassy:

Embassy of North Korea, London 73 Gunnersbury Ave, London W5 4LP, UK Phone: +44 20 8992 4965 Office Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 2 PM to 5 PM

Additional Note:

But that is unless you are a US citizen, a South Korean citizen, or a journalist (you have to honestly let them know if you are one because there’s a different process for this). 

Documents Required for a North Korea Tourist Visa

• Visa Application Form – Here’s a sample
• Scanned copy of your passport
• Passport-sized photos
• Visa Fee – The cost of the visa application varies from one travel agency to another, but typically ranges between €40-60 (around £37-55.)

Step-By-Step Process for Applying for a North Korea Tourist Visa

STEP 1. Find a government-recognized tour agency to help you fix your application.

To begin your submission of documents, you must first find a North Korean government-recognized tourist agency to help you with this. North Korea’s process is entirely different from others in the sense that agencies are aiming to help you provide an existing travel application which is a requirement for you to even submit a visa application.

Keep in mind that it’s very important to have a travel agency fix your North Korean tour for you. You cannot just show up at the nearest embassy saying you need a visa as you’ll be staying (let’s say, for a week) and most of all, you cannot travel within North Korea alone. It’s ideal that you contact a tour agency and submit your application at least a month before your intended departure.

You will find several websites such as Lupine Travel , Koryo Tours , The Young Pioneers , Uri Tours , Pyongyang Travel , and Regent Holidays offering various North Korean tours. Their services already include the visa assistance for a fee on top of the actual cost of your tour.

STEP 2. Submit your application together with the proper documents.

Once you’ve already booked a tour with them, they will send you an application form with clear instructions on how to answer them. Here’s how the application form from Pyongyang Travel looks like.

After filling out the two copies of this form, you may turn them over to your chosen tour agency along with the rest of the requirements which are a scanned copy of your passport and passport-sized photos. Most of these agencies won’t ask for you to give them your actual passport as the visa is printed on a separate document unlike in most countries.

STEP 3: Get your North Korea Tourist Visa from your specified location.

You’ll then be given the option to choose where you want to get your visa from the embassy near you or from Beijing, where most tourists enter North Korea from. 

There have been some accounts of people being interviewed by the nearest North Korean embassy before their visas are granted (this probably applies to those who choose to pick their visa up from the said embassy). According to them, these are mainly just to verify some information about you and are often relaxed and friendly. In case this happens, just make sure to answer them truthfully as they’re not out there to make your visa application difficult, but only to check the personal details you provided them.

Your tour agency will eventually let you know when your visa is approved and it will eventually be delivered to you through your chosen method. North Korean visas are valid for 6 months from the day it was issued.

Quick Facts About North Korea

Capital: Pyeongyang

Country Code: +850

Languages Spoken: Korean

Going to China

Now, since most of the tourists that visit North Korea come from Beijing, you might be wondering if you need a Chinese Visa for transit and if the tour agency also covers this.

Since 2013, there has been an agreement between the UK and Chinese governments which allows British citizens to transit through Beijing and Shanghai for a considerable amount of time without a visa. And as of the moment, UK passport holders can enter China through Beijing and spend 144 hours (6 days) without a visa. Please note that it’s still important that you coordinate with your tour guide, airline going to China as well as your local Chinese Embassy if you are eligible for this and what documents they will require from you before boarding the plane and upon arrival to China.

Here are the details of the Chinese Visa Application Center in the UK

Tel: 020-77767888 Fax: 020-77106001 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: visaforchina.org

In case you will be staying for longer than 144 hours in China, you will need to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa. Unfortunately, this might not be covered by your agency to North Korea anymore, but most of them will be happy to provide an invitation letter as a supporting document for your Chinese visa application.

Going to North Korea

This might be a common fact already, but there are no direct flights from the UK or most countries in the world to North Korea. Your best bet is via a connecting flight or train ride arranged by your agency from either Russia or China. Most agencies choose Beijing as their meeting or departure point to Pyongyang.

Online reviews from people who’ve already been to North Korea say it’s still much more convenient to get to the country by boarding a flight as opposed to getting on board a train. But that is unless you’re also up for around 24 hours worth of sight-seeing around China.

Juche Travel Services has provided this schedule of train rides and flights just to give you an idea by how long these rides usually take. Only 3 airlines are flying to and from North Korea namely MIAT Airlines (Mongolia), Air China, and Air Koryo (North Korea’s national airline). Since most agencies depart from Beijing, you will most likely be on board an Air China or an Air Koryo flight en route to Pyongyang.

Since you’ll be heading to North Korea on a pre-planned tour, you’ll be sure to get a glimpse of all the best the country has to offer.

When to Visit North Korea

It’s best to visit during spring or autumn when the temperatures are milder and the skies are clearer. Winters in North Korea are often cold and sunny while summers are humid and tend to have the most rainfall. 

What to See and Do in North Korea

Probably one of the most fascinating sights in the country and even in the whole world is the Mass Games– the largest human performance in the world which is held within the largest stadium in the world. It is one of the only two festivals you’re allowed to witness as a foreigner (together with the Spring Dragon Boat Festival). You’ll get to see for yourself the perfectly synchronized and choreographed movements of the highly-trained North Korean performers.

You must also not miss going on a trip to Mount Paektu which the country considers as the heart of the Korean Revolution. It’s also considered as a sacred mountain by the locals which they believe to be one of the “spirited” mountains, along with Jiri and Halla mountains.

Of course, no North Korean trip will be complete without visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum complex where President Kim Il Sung and General Kim Jong Il were laid to rest. It is also an extremely important place for North Koreans so visitors must show their respect when visiting.

Safety in North Korea

Now, most of you might ask, is it safe to travel to North Korea? The answer is yes! North Korea is strict with their laws, so it’s probably one of the safest places where you can visit, as long as you don’t break any of them.

You might also be wondering if it’s still necessary to purchase travel insurance when getting there. According to some agencies, they require all their travelers to get one before they leave and are offering help in obtaining these as well.

North Koreans are also very friendly and accommodating once you get to know them without judging their beliefs and ideologies.

Rules in North Korea

Your agency will provide to you in detail all the rules that you must adhere to before you leave for North Korea so you’re aware of them as well as the consequences of going against them.

One practice that you must respect when visiting the country is the act of bowing down or laying flowers on one or two occasions in front of Kim Il Sung when visiting important places or monuments. It is a criminal offense to show disrespect to North Korea’s leaders.

According to accounts of past travelers, you will be accompanied by a local guide (apart from the tour guide you booked) from the moment you step into Pyongyang’s soil up until you leave. They will be the ones to accompany you to where you will be going and will let you know what are the dos and don’ts around their country. You are not allowed to wander around without them so if, in any case, something within the country piqued your interest, always consult with them first before doing anything.

One of the things you must consult with them is taboo places or subjects when taking pictures. Yes, you read that right! You are allowed to take pictures within North Korea, however, some lenses might not be allowed within the country. Remember to check in with your agency first in case you have doubts about the size of your camera lenses.

Other than the places/ people considered as a no-no when it comes to picking photo subjects, you are more than welcome to snap your heart away!

With cameras being allowed within the DPRK, it’s also safe to say that laptops, tablets, e-readers, and mobile phones can now also be used. 

Contrary to what the outdated news around the internet are saying, yes, you can bring your mobile phone within the country, take pictures with it, and even access Google through data. You just need to purchase a local sim card and you’re good to go!

Just make sure that upon your arrival, you don’t have any of these prohibited items in your phone or any of your things:

• religious materials
• pornographic materials
• anti-DPRK websites/photos/anything
• South Korean websites
• political materials

Money in North Korea

When getting around North Korea, you may be able to purchase things using Euros and even US Dollars in some places. However, the Chinese Yuan is the most advisable currency to use as it’s easier to get change for it. North Korean won may be purchased, but is usually used by the locals and is prohibited from being brought outside the country.

I hope you find this guide on how to get a North Korea Tourist Visa for British Citizens helpful. As much as it is a mysterious country, there’s no denying that North Korea has its own story to tell that’s worth discovering at least once in your life. And as long as you’ll let your assumptions and conceptions about this country go out the window as soon as you step foot in their lands, you’ll most probably have a good and amazing time!

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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 .

Travel Advisory Levels

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North Korea

*Please note - we are not currently running tours to North Korea. They have been closed since January 2020 and there is currently no sign of when they will reopen. Come and explore one of the most isolated and secretive countries in the world, completely shut off from outside influences since 1953. To visit North Korea is a bizarre and unique travel adventure, catching a glimpse into the lives of a nation mostly closed off from the 21st century as we know it. During our tour you will stay in the bustling capital city of Pyongyang; visiting iconic locations such as the Arch of Triumph and the Mansudae Monument to see the giant bronze statue of Kim Jong Il. Outside of Pyongyang we will visit the beautiful Mount Myohang, the quiet area of Panmunjom, also known as the 'truce village' and much more.

Upcoming Tours

Our current upcoming group tours can be seen below. They are all guaranteed departures.

We arrange monthly group tours which take in everything from national holidays to the annual North Korean Open Golf Tournament and various other sporting events.

Our standard North Korea tours start in Beijing. However, we also offer a cheaper option of beginning and ending the tour in Dandong (North East China)

We also arrange individual private North Korea tours at any time throughout the year. Contact us for details.

Our current prices (per person) for group tours are listed in the tour table section below. Prices for private tours are as follows: 2 nights in NK 1 person: €995 2-3 people: €825 (per person) 4-5 people: €685 (per person) 3 nights in NK 1 person: €1170 2-3 people: €985 (per person) 4-5 people: €860 (per person) 4 nights in NK 1 person: €1360 2-3 people: €1145 (per person) 4-5 people: €1020 (per person)

7 nights in NK 1 person: €1995 2-3 people: €1785 (per person) 4-5 people: €1470 (per person) 10 nights in NK 1 person: €2795 2-3 people: €2395 (per person) 4-5 people: €1995 (per person) Each tour includes the return sleeper train from Beijing to the NK border. Itineraries are customiseable but the most popular options are 2 nights (Visit Pyongyang). 3 nights (Pyongyang and the DMZ). 4 nights (PY, DMZ and Mt Myohyang). 7 nights adds on 3 days on the beaches at Wonsan and visiting Kumgang national park. 10 nights adds on the west coast at Nampo, Sincheon and Sariwon.

All the private tour prices are starting and ending the tour in Beijing. To start and end in Dandong, please reduce the price by €100. Private tours can be customised and we also have experience arranging Sabbath/Shabbat compliant tours as well as tours for clients with disabilities. We can also arrange North Korean guides fluent in French, Spanish, German, Russian, Hungarian, Japanese and Chinese. Balance payment must be paid in cash on arrival in Euros. If you are travelling alone a €45 per night single room supplement is required. If you would prefer to avoid this, we can usually allocate somebody else for you to share with.

error_outline Security Advice

Please note that although we only run tours to areas we feel we can keep our clients safe, the British FCO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea.

We research the security of our destinations highly and safety is a priority for us, however, we advise you to do your own research as well to ensure you are comfortable with your trip.

Please note these travel warnings may also affect travel insurance for these regions, please contact us for advice on this. For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here

This tour is currently full.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

North Korea travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: March 13, 2024 15:06 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, north korea - avoid all travel.

There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance in North Korea is extremely limited.

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Safety information

Canadian (and Swedish) authorities may encounter major difficulties and delays in obtaining consular access to you if you are detained, particularly outside of Pyongyang. The provision of consular access is solely at the discretion of the North Korean government. Knowledge of North Korean police and judicial systems is limited, which may further affect our ability to provide assistance to you.

Tourist facilities are minimal and telecommunications are unreliable. Individual tourism can be arranged only through a handful of North Korean government-approved travel agencies. Travel must be authorized in advance by the government. Travellers are closely observed, and their accommodations and telecommunications are monitored.

There are serious shortages of food, electricity and clean water.

You have no right to privacy. Your movements and communications may be under surveillance at any time. Your personal belongings may be searched, and authorities may review the contents stored on your electronic devices.

Register with the Embassy of Canada to South Korea in Seoul and with the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula can escalate with little notice. They may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises and incidents such as inter-Korean border skirmishes or other incidents that one or the other side finds offensive. Due to very limited access to international media broadcasts in North Korea, you may be taken by surprise by events that could affect your security.

The crime rate is low. Petty crime occurs, especially at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Road safety

Travel within North Korea is severely restricted. Transportation is usually provided by local tour representatives or authorities. Major highways are in good condition, while rural roads can be hazardous. Police checkpoints, usually located at the entry to towns, may require that travellers provide documentation before onward travel is permitted.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the North Korean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave North Korea.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Canadians must have a visa to enter North Korea. You can obtain a visa from a North Korean mission in a third country after approval from the government in Pyongyang. The process for obtaining visas can be extremely slow and arduous.

Canadians arriving without a valid Canadian passport and visa may be detained, arrested, fined or denied entry.

Professional journalists must apply for special permission to visit North Korea and may not enter the country on a tourist visa, even if they are travelling for personal reasons.

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Other entry information

Foreigners can enter North Korea either by air or by train. It is not possible to enter North Korea from South Korea or to enter South Korea from North Korea.

Even if you meet all entry requirements, you may be arbitrarily arrested and/or detained at your point of entry.

Dual citizenship

If you are a Korean citizen or have family ties with North Korea, you should carefully consider your decision to visit. Authorities periodically subject dual citizens and children of former Koreans to certain laws and obligations.

Canadians who also have South Korean citizenship must obtain approval from South Korean authorities for travel to North Korea. For more information, contact the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea in Seoul, South Korea.

Unauthorized points of entry

Foreigners have been detained, and in one instance shot, for entering the country at unauthorized points. Ensure that you stay within permitted zones and strictly follow North Korea’s procedures and protocols.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre

* It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

The level of medical services and facilities is poor. Hospitals often lack heat and medicine, and suffer from frequent power outages. Immediate payment in cash is expected for treatment. Pyongyang Friendship Hospital, in the Munsu-dong district of Pyongyang, is staffed by English-speaking professionals. If possible, avoid undergoing surgery. Medical evacuations are very difficult to arrange and are not guaranteed. You should take this into account prior to travel if you have an unstable medical condition. If you show symptoms of a serious communicable disease, you may be subject to strict quarantine conditions.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

North Korea is under international and Canadian sanctions . These sanctions could be relevant to and affect your travel.

Foreigners must register through their host organization within 24 hours of arrival in the country.

You must be accompanied by an official guide at all times. Follow all instructions from your guide. Unauthorized conversations with locals or currency exchange, as well as making a purchase in a store not designated for foreigners, could lead to fines or arrest.

Foreigners are prohibited from using public buses or the subway.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Import and exports

Importation of satellite telephones and shortwave radios is prohibited. Such items are confiscated upon entry and usually returned upon departure.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited.

Authorities may seize any material that they deem to be pornographic, political or intended for religious proselytizing. If you plan to bring material written in the Korean language, ensure that it will not be interpreted by local authorities as being against the interests of the North Korean regime.

Involvement in politics and unsanctioned religious activity can result in detention.

Photography of airports, roads, bridges, seaports and rail stations is prohibited. Any pictures or video taken outside of tourist areas could result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Seek permission from your tour guide before taking photographs.

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in North Korea.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of North Korea, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and North Korea.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in North Korea by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in North Korea to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Ensure that you are not seen to be critical of the country’s political system or its current and former leaders Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-Sung and their family members.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

North Korean law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in North Korean society.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers have experienced harassment and verbal abuse.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

The currency is North Korean won (KPW). Cash is the most accepted form of payment. Foreigners are expected to use the Euro or, alternatively, the Chinese renminbi or U.S. dollar. Change in foreign currency is often unavailable. Banking facilities are limited. There are no ATMs. Some hotels accept credit cards, if you give them advance notice.

The rainy (monsoon) season extends from the end of June until August. Typhoons occur in August and September.

Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, which in turn can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, as well as hamper the provision of essential services. North Korea is also prone to drought. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in North Korea. You can obtain consular assistance from the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in South Korea and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

North Korea FAQs: Travel to the US & the ESTA Visa Waiver Program

By Koryo Tours

What is the new ESTA Visa Waiver rule regarding travel to the US after travelling to North Korea?

What is the ESTA Visa Waiver Program? What is the new rule for travel to the US on the ESTA Visa Waiver Program? What does this mean for me? Can I still visit the US after visiting North Korea? I am Canadian, does the ESTA Visa Waiver Program change affect me?

What is the ESTA Visa Waiver Program?

ESTA stands for 'Electronic System for Travel Authorisation'. The ESTA Visa Waiver Program is a US government program allowing citizens from 39 countries to go to the US visa-free for up to 90 days. Travellers from these countries can enter the US for either business or tourism purposes without having to first apply for a visa. This means that for nationals of these 39 countries, you can travel to the US visa-free. The ESTA Visa Waiver Program is an online platform where travellers will first fill in an application form online with various personal details to get approval for the ESTVA Visa Waiver Program. 

The official list of the 39 countries

ESTA Visa Waiver Application page. 

ESTA Visa Waiver: What is the new rule for travel to US on the ESTA Visa Waiver Program?

The United States has introduced travel restrictions on foreign nationals who have visited North Korea. 

This affects only those within the 39 countries that are eligible for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program. 

As of Tuesday 6th August, the US government announced that anyone who has been to North Korea since March 2011 would no longer qualify for the ESTA Visa Waiver. Instead, it is necessary to get a visa for the US before travelling. 

The US  updated its list of countries travellers had visited that means the traveller is no longer eligible to apply to the ESTA Visa Waiver Program.  Not just North Korea, but there are also other countries on this list. 

This means that people from countries that are normally eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) will now have to apply for a US visa in order to visit the United States if they have visited North Korea since 2011.

ESTA Visa Waiver: What does this mean for me? 

This does not mean that if you have visited or are planning to visit North Korea , you can't go to the United States.

It just means that you have to apply for a US visa, which you also have to pay for. 

ESTA Visa Waiver: Can I still visit the US after visiting North Korea? 

Yes. As mentioned above, you can still travel to the US after visiting North Korea. However, you will need a US visa. 

If you were one of the 39 country nationals permitted to use the ESTA program, you will no longer be able to use this to travel to the US. 

ESTA Visa Waiver: I am Canadian, does the ESTA Visa Waiver Program change affect me? 

No. Canadians citizens never used the ETSA Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, the new laws will not affect you.   

Can American Citizens Travel To North Korea?  

Can I Travel To North Korea? 

For more North Korea FAQs visit our North Korea FAQ page

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World Chevron

Biden reiterated position on Rafah in Netanyahu call, says White House

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "reiterated his clear position" on a possible invasion of the Gaza border city of Rafah, the White House said.

Courts in Russia placed two journalists in pre-trial detention for two months on Saturday after state prosecutors accused them of taking part in the activities of an "extremist" organisation founded by late opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Fighting 'intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back'; UK estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began

Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi says his troops have taken up new positions west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka in order to conserve their forces while armed forces minister Leo Docherty tells the UK Defence Journal tens of thousands have deserted Russian's military since February 2022.

Sunday 28 April 2024 20:00, UK

• Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back
• UK minister estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began
• Tajikistan citizens warned not to travel to Russia
• 'Well-provisioned' Ukrainian troops could prevent Russian advances
• Russia destroys 17 drones launched by Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by  Emily Mee  and, earlier, Lauren Russell

Earlier we brought you news of a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv. 

The attack set a hotel ablaze and damaged energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. 

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of the southern Mykolaiv region, said in an update the attack had "seriously damaged" the hotel.

The strike also damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city.

There were no casualties, he said. 

A priest sprinkles holy water on believers holding willow branches during an Orthodox Palm Sunday service. 

The service is being held in Donetsk, in an area occupied by Russian forces. 

Russia gained full control of the city of Donetsk in October 2022, but the area has been a major site of fighting since 2014. 

The majority of people in Ukraine are Orthodox Christian, although they follow different branches. 

As we've been reporting, Russia has been pushing forward in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. 

Ukrainian military officials say their troops are falling back to new positions in at least three places along the frontlines. 

But they are facing public criticism about the transparency of their military updates. 

Ukrainian military blogger Myroshnykov and Ukraine's DeepState monitoring group, which updates daily changes in frontline positions, both say the updates have been unrealistic. 

DeepState shared a video on social media of a Russian soldier being killed in a drone strike in the village of Soloviove, arguing such footage was being used to mask a bigger picture. 

"You can watch with pleasure forever the video of a Russian [soldier] being torn to pieces, but nearby there is another location that requires attention: Muscovites calmly moving around the village, keeping it under control. 

"The [Ukrainian] Defence Forces inflict fire damage on them, and one can repeat at least a billion times that two-thirds of the village is under the control of the Ukrainian military, but the picture of reality is completely different." 

It appeared to be referring to a statement from Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military in the east, who also said the nearby village of Ocheretyne was still two-thirds controlled by Ukraine. 

However, DeepState says it believes Russian troops have been in control of the centre of Ocheretyne for at least three days. 

The site accused some military spokespersons of incompetence last week. 

Police have arrested a 57-year-old Russian on suspicion of murder following the killings yesterday evening, German news agency dpa reported. 

The two Ukrainians were 23 and 36 years old, and lived in the southern German county of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

They were killed at a shopping centre in the village of Murnau in Upper Bavaria.

The names of the victims and suspect have not been released due to German privacy rules. 

It is not clear if the men knew each other. 

More than one million Ukrainian refugees fled to Germany following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine is "not as black and white as some people think", the Polish foreign minister has said. 

The former US president, who is running for election again this year, has said he will not commit to providing Ukraine with defence assistance. 

Republicans aligned with Mr Trump were also the reason behind a six-month delay to aid for Ukraine. 

But foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the Axel Springer media company that Mr Trump had sent Ukraine anti-tank missiles before Russia's invasion "when others were not doing it". 

He was referring to Javelin anti-tank missiles supplied by the US in 2018. 

Mr Sikorski also said Mr Trump was "right in urging us all in Europe to spend more on defence".

He said he "did not hear any protests from Trump" once the $61bn aid package for Ukraine was approved. 

"So, I hope that candidate Trump has seen that this opposition to helping Ukraine is not actually popular in the United States, that it is harming his chances [to be re-elected]," he added.

Earlier we reported that a top Ukrainian general said troops had fallen back from three villages in the east of the country. 

We can now bring you more from Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief of Ukraine's armed forces, about the situation on the ground.

Mr Syrskyi said the Donetsk region (in the east) remains one of the hottest sectors of the frontline as Russia continues its offensive.

He described the situation in the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove as "the most difficult one" now.

Russia is reportedly using up to four brigades (anywhere from an estimated 8,000 to 32,000 personnel) to conduct assault operations in the direction of both the cities, which lie west of Avdiivka, which was captured earlier this year. 

Mr Syrskyi said the situation is changing "dynamically" on the frontline as a result. 

Meanwhile, Mr Syrskyi said the situation in the south also remains "intense" as Russia tries to advance near the village of Krynky in Kherson.

It also wants to advance towards the villages of Robotyne and Verbove villages in Zaporizhzhia.

Since 2023, there's been a record 30% increase in Russian men aged 31-59 with disabilities, the UK's Ministry of Defence says.

In data provided by the MoD, there were 2.17 million Russian men aged 31-59 with disabilities, up from 1.67 million the year before. 

It said the increase may be down to a growth in military casualties.

Two people have been injured after Russian strikes in the cities of Kupiansk and Vovchansk, local authorities have said.

A 52-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment after being injured, the military administration in Kharkiv said. 

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old woman was trapped under rubble and was given medical care after being rescued. 

Both cities are in the region of Kharkiv with Vovchansk close to the Russian border and frontline, while Kupiansk is crucial for logistics. 

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has worsened, with troops falling back to new positions in at least three places along the frontlines, Ukraine's top general has said.

Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app that his troops had taken up new positions west of the villages of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka in order to conserve their forces. 

All three villages are in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. 

Mr Syrskyi said Russian troops "achieved certain tactical successes in these areas, but could not gain operational advantages".

Earlier, we reported that the Russian defence ministry claimed that they had taken the village of Novobakhmutivka which is in the same region.

Ukraine has not commented on the claim.

Led by a 68-year-old commander known as Grandpa, Ukraine's Steppe Wolves unit, is made up of volunteers who are considered too old to fight - but still want to.

Staying behind the frontline, the mobile artillery unit use truck-mounted rocket launchers, take orders from field commanders and work with other troops, contributing to the war effort despite lacking official support from the military.

"We... get by thanks to the pension fund," commander Oleksandr Taran said.

The unit also depends on donations, in order to repair faulty rounds and capture weapons from the enemy. 

Mr Taran said his unit has been attempting to officially join Ukraine's armed forces to directly receive ammunition - and salaries - but has so far been unsuccessful.

Younger men who have been ruled unfit to fight have also joined Mr Taran's unit. 

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