Planning a trip to North Korea is unlike planning any other vacation. The question of “Is It Safe To Travel To North Korea?” is often the first and most pressing concern for potential visitors. As a content creator for Family Circle Travel, I understand the importance of safety and security when considering travel destinations, especially for families. This guide provides a detailed, objective analysis of the safety situation in North Korea to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Risk: North Korea Travel Advisory
The overwhelming advice from international governments, including Canada, is to avoid all travel to North Korea. This is primarily due to the very high risk of arbitrary detention and the uncertain security situation stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and its highly repressive regime.
It’s crucial to understand that North Korea operates under a unique set of rules and regulations, vastly different from what most travelers are accustomed to. The lack of a permanent Canadian government office in North Korea further complicates matters, with Sweden acting as Canada’s protecting power. This limited consular access significantly restricts the assistance Canadian officials can provide in case of emergencies.
Safety and Security Concerns in North Korea
Since 2020, North Korea has largely closed its borders to international travelers, adding another layer of complexity to entry. While this situation may change, it highlights the unpredictable nature of travel to this country.
If, despite these warnings, you are still considering travel to North Korea, it is imperative to register with your country’s embassy in Seoul (if applicable) and the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang. This is a crucial step in attempting to secure limited consular assistance should you encounter difficulties.
Risk of Detention and Limited Consular Assistance
Detention in North Korea, especially outside of Pyongyang, is a significant risk. Consular access from international governments is severely restricted by the North Korean government, making it extremely challenging for officials to provide help if you are detained. The opaque nature of the North Korean police and judicial systems further diminishes any potential for external assistance. This is a critical factor to consider when asking, “is it safe to travel to North Korea?”.
Basic Living Conditions and Potential Hardships
Beyond political and security risks, basic living conditions in North Korea can be challenging. Serious shortages of food, electricity, and clean water are prevalent, potentially impacting your health and comfort during your visit.
Surveillance and Lack of Privacy
Privacy as travelers understand it simply does not exist in North Korea. Be aware that your movements and communications are likely under constant surveillance. Personal belongings can be searched at any time, and authorities may review the contents of your electronic devices. This lack of privacy is a standard aspect of the highly controlled environment.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula: An Unpredictable Factor
The Korean Peninsula is a region with ongoing tensions that can escalate rapidly. The security situation can deteriorate with little to no warning. Events such as North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises, or incidents at the inter-Korean border can significantly heighten tensions and impact safety. These escalations are often unpredictable and can occur before, during, and after such events.
Access to international media within North Korea is extremely limited. This means you may be unaware of events unfolding outside of your immediate surroundings that could directly affect your security. This information blackout further increases the risk for travelers.
Crime in North Korea: Petty Theft
While major crime is not widely reported against tourists, petty crime, particularly theft, can occur. Pyongyang Sunan International Airport is one area where travelers should be particularly vigilant about their belongings. Always keep your personal items, especially your passport and travel documents, in a secure place to minimize the risk of theft.
Restrictions on Transportation and Movement
Travel within North Korea is heavily restricted. Foreigners are not permitted to drive, and independent travel is forbidden. All transportation is provided and controlled by tour guides or government authorities. While major highways are generally in good condition, rural roads can be hazardous. This controlled movement is a key aspect of the North Korean travel experience and a reflection of the security concerns.
Police Checkpoints and Security Presence
Expect to encounter frequent police checkpoints throughout North Korea. You may be asked to show identification at any time. A heavy presence of security forces is normal. If stopped at a checkpoint, it is essential to remain calm, be polite, and strictly follow the instructions of security personnel. Cooperation is paramount in these situations.
Air Travel Safety: Foreign Domestic Airlines
It’s important to note that assessments regarding the compliance of North Korean domestic airlines with international safety standards are not readily available from international aviation safety organizations. Travelers should be aware of this lack of independent safety assessment when considering air travel within North Korea.
Entry and Exit Requirements for North Korea
Entry and exit regulations for North Korea are determined solely by North Korean authorities and can change without notice. It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date information with North Korean embassies or consulates in third countries before your travel. Your home government cannot intervene on your behalf if you are denied entry or exit for failing to meet these requirements.
Passport Validity and Visa Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from North Korea. However, always check with your airline or transportation provider as they may have stricter validity rules.
Canadians, like most nationalities, require a visa to enter North Korea. Visas must be obtained from a North Korean mission in a third country after receiving approval from the government in Pyongyang. The visa application process is known to be lengthy and complex. Attempting to enter North Korea without a valid passport and visa can lead to detention, arrest, fines, or denied entry.
Professional journalists must obtain special permission to visit North Korea and cannot enter on a tourist visa, even for personal travel.
Visa requirements are categorized, including tourist, business, work, and student visas, all of which require prior approval.
Points of Entry and Travel Restrictions
Foreigners can enter North Korea by air or train. However, it is strictly prohibited to enter North Korea from South Korea, or vice versa. This border is heavily militarized and crossing it is not permitted.
Even with all entry requirements met, arbitrary arrest and detention at the point of entry remain a risk.
Travelers with South Korean citizenship, family ties to North Korea, or Korean heritage should carefully consider the heightened risks associated with visiting North Korea. Dual citizens and children of former Korean citizens may be subject to specific laws and obligations by North Korean authorities. Canadians with South Korean citizenship must obtain permission from South Korean authorities to travel to North Korea.
Unauthorized Entry Points: A Severe Danger
Entering North Korea through unauthorized entry points is extremely dangerous and has resulted in detention, injury, and even death for foreigners. It is crucial to remain within permitted zones and strictly adhere to North Korea’s entry procedures and protocols to avoid severe consequences.
Health Considerations for Travel to North Korea
Health Risks and Necessary Precautions
North Korea’s healthcare system is significantly underdeveloped compared to international standards. Medical facilities often lack essential resources, including heat, medicine, and reliable power. Medical care for foreigners is expensive, and hospitals typically demand immediate cash payment.
For any serious medical issues, particularly those requiring surgery, medical evacuation is highly recommended. However, arranging medical evacuations from North Korea is a difficult and uncertain process and is not guaranteed. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should carefully consider this significant limitation.
Travel health insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays is absolutely essential for any trip to North Korea.
Disease Risks and Recommended Vaccinations
Several preventable diseases pose a risk in North Korea. Consult a healthcare provider or travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice and necessary vaccinations.
Routine Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal disease, and seasonal flu.
Recommended and Required Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A: Vaccination is highly recommended due to the risk of contracting the disease through contaminated food and water.
- Typhoid: Vaccination is recommended, especially for travelers to rural areas or those with extended stays, due to the risk from contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B: Vaccination is recommended for all travelers due to the risk of transmission through blood and bodily fluids.
- Japanese Encephalitis: Vaccination may be considered for travelers spending extended periods in rural areas or during peak transmission seasons.
- Measles: Ensure you are fully protected against measles before traveling.
- Rabies: Pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travelers due to the presence of rabies in dogs and wildlife.
Malaria: While malaria transmission risk is low, it is essential to protect yourself from mosquito bites through repellents, clothing, and bed nets. Antimalarial medication is generally not recommended for travelers to North Korea due to the low risk.
COVID-19 and Influenza: It is recommended to be up-to-date on COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and mask-wearing in crowded spaces.
Yellow Fever: There is no yellow fever risk in North Korea, and vaccination is not required for entry.
Food and Water Safety
Food and water safety is a significant concern. Practice strict precautions: only consume food that is safely prepared, and only drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks and be cautious with fresh fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself. Traveler’s diarrhea is a common risk, so pack oral rehydration salts and be prepared to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Laws and Culture in North Korea: Navigating Restrictions
Navigating the legal and cultural landscape of North Korea requires strict adherence to local laws and regulations, which are significantly more restrictive than in most countries.
Tourist Laws and Guidelines: Constant Supervision
Upon arrival, you will be met by guides from a host organization, and you must be accompanied by an official guide at all times during your stay. Strictly follow all instructions from your guides. Any behavior deemed inappropriate by North Korean authorities can result in fines, arrest, or detention. This includes seemingly minor interactions such as unauthorized conversations with locals or attempting to shop in stores not designated for foreigners. Foreigners are prohibited from using public transportation.
Drug Laws: Severe Penalties
Penalties for drug-related offenses, including possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs, are extremely severe in North Korea, potentially leading to lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Be vigilant with your luggage and never transport items for others.
Import and Export Restrictions: Prohibited Items
Certain items are prohibited from being imported into North Korea, including satellite telephones and shortwave radios, which may be confiscated upon arrival and possibly returned upon departure. It is also forbidden to bring local North Korean currency into or out of the country. Authorities may seize materials deemed pornographic, political, or intended for religious proselytizing, including materials printed in South Korea. Exercise caution when bringing Korean-language materials to ensure they cannot be misinterpreted as being against the North Korean regime.
Photography Restrictions: Sensitive Areas
Photography is strictly prohibited in certain locations, including airports, roads, bridges, seaports, rail stations, and military personnel or facilities. Taking photos or videos outside designated tourist areas could lead to equipment confiscation or detention. Always seek permission from your tour guide before taking any photographs.
Political Criticism: Avoid Negative Remarks
Be extremely cautious about making any remarks that could be construed as critical of the North Korean state, its leadership, or its political system. This includes discussions about the ruling Kim family (Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un). Even seemingly minor criticisms could lead to serious repercussions, including imprisonment.
2SLGBTQI+ Persons: Uncertain Status
The legal and social status of 2SLGBTQI+ persons in North Korea is uncertain. While North Korean law does not explicitly address sexual orientation or gender identity, homosexuality is not widely accepted and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals may face harassment and verbal abuse.
Currency and Money: Cash is Key
The official currency is the North Korean won (KPW), but foreigners are typically expected to use Euros, Chinese Renminbi, or U.S. dollars. Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. Change in foreign currency may be unavailable, and banking facilities are limited, with no ATMs accessible to foreigners. Some hotels may accept credit cards with advance notice.
Natural Disasters and Climate Considerations
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Climate change is impacting North Korea, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events that can disrupt travel plans. Monitor local weather forecasts and be prepared for potential disruptions.
Rainy and Typhoon Seasons: Potential Hazards
The rainy season in North Korea extends from late June to August, with July being the wettest month. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, posing significant safety risks. Typhoon season occurs in August and September, bringing severe storms that can cause extensive damage and loss of life, potentially impacting essential services.
If traveling during these seasons, understand the heightened safety risks, be prepared to alter travel plans on short notice, stay informed about weather forecasts, and strictly follow the advice of local authorities.
Conclusion: Reconsidering Travel to North Korea
Returning to the initial question, “is it safe to travel to North Korea?”, the answer, based on official advisories and the realities on the ground, is overwhelmingly no. The risks of arbitrary detention, the highly controlled environment, potential health concerns, and the unpredictable security situation due to geopolitical tensions make North Korea a destination that most travelers, especially families, should seriously reconsider.
While the prospect of visiting such a unique and isolated country may be alluring, the potential dangers and restrictions significantly outweigh the benefits for the vast majority of travelers. It is crucial to prioritize your safety and security when making travel decisions, and in the case of North Korea, exercising extreme caution and heeding government travel advisories is strongly recommended.
This comprehensive guide is intended to provide factual information to help you make an informed decision about travel to North Korea. For further information and the most up-to-date travel advisories, always consult your government’s travel information resources.
