Travel advice for North Korea

Avoid all travel to North Korea because arbitrary detention and an uncertain security situation linked to its nuclear weapons program and repressive regime create risks. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula may escalate with little notice, including around nuclear or missile tests and at or near the inter-Korean border. Consular assistance is extremely limited, shortages of food, electricity and clean water are serious, and movements, communications and belongings may be searched.

Avoid all travel to North Korea because of the tense situation in the region. Independent travel is prohibited and a guide is required. Military checkpoints require identity documents, tourists have been detained for allegedly improper conduct, and currency import and export are prohibited while credit cards cannot be used. Outside Pyongyang, guides must arrange the necessary documents and permits.

Avoid all travel to North Korea because conditions are considered too dangerous and the Dutch embassy cannot assist inside the country. Arbitrary arrests may lead to long prison terms or forced labour, drug offences can carry the death penalty, and healthcare and medical facilities are very poor. A visa is required, and Dutch or international driving licences are not valid; a local licence must be obtained.

Avoid all travel to North Korea because of the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and wrongful detention. U.S. passports cannot be used there unless specially validated in very limited circumstances. The United States cannot provide direct emergency help because it has no diplomatic relations; Sweden provides limited consular assistance but is often denied access to detained citizens. Aviation safety restrictions also apply.

Avoid travel to North Korea because Hungary classifies it as category I, travel not recommended, and states that the country is currently not visitable. Entry, stay and movement are strictly controlled, security can change quickly, and EU diplomatic missions have withdrawn, making consular assistance difficult. No Hungarian embassy is present, and tourism is unavailable in practice.

Avoid non-essential travel to North Korea because entry is highly restricted, borders remain mostly closed, and missile tests and military tensions make the situation unpredictable. Consular assistance is extremely limited, and travellers who gain access should stay in permitted areas, obey officials, avoid photographing soldiers, officials and guarded buildings, and follow local guidance. Military incidents are a particular concern along the demilitarised zone border and maritime boundaries.

Avoid all non-essential travel to North Korea because the situation remains unpredictable and travellers may inadvertently violate United Nations sanctions and Singapore law. Movement is highly restricted, and tourists are accompanied by guides at all times. Severe penalties apply for drug offences, political or pornographic material may be seized, and the absence of diplomatic representation limits consular assistance.

Avoid non-essential travel to North Korea because entry is currently prohibited and organised tourist trips are cancelled, amid high regional tension and ballistic missile launches. Crime is low, but terrorism cannot be excluded. Travellers face Japanese encephalitis, cholera, tuberculosis, unsafe water and poor medical care. Tourism generally requires state-organised groups and a guide, independent travel needs permission, and travel outside Pyongyang or across the South Korea border requires authorisation.

Avoid non-essential travel to North Korea. The advice applies until further notice and concerns tourist and visiting trips.

Avoid all but essential travel to North Korea. Borders are closed to general entry; tourists normally travel as part of organised tours, while independent travellers need a sponsor and permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Customs rules can confiscate media, with penalties including imprisonment. Health risks include altitude sickness, Japanese encephalitis, cholera and tuberculosis; hospital standards are poor, anaesthetics may be unavailable and serious illness may require evacuation.

Do not travel to North Korea because the country has been completely closed since January 2020. The Czech embassy in Pyongyang suspended its operations in March 2021, and Czech citizens are warned against travel.