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Update April 12, 2024

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

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

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to North Korea

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

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

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

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

Attractions when visiting North Korea: Grand People's Study House, Pyongyang

Can anyone travel to North Korea?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it very expensive to visit North Korea?

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

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

Which tour operators would you recommend?

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

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

Is it safe to travel to North Korea?

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

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

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

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

Train going past rice fields in North Korea

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

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

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

Hotel Review: Fraser Place Namdaemun, Seoul

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

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

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

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

North Korea UNESCO World Heritage sites: Tomb of King Tongmyong

How much do things cost in North Korea?

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

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

Staying connected in North Korea

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Want to travel to North Korea as a tourist? This guide answers your burning questions about what the experience is like, and how you can make it happen.

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

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

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

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Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

Anthony Kuhn

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again. Lee Su-Kil/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

SEOUL — The Biden administration has to decide by the end of the month whether to renew a ban on U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea, and Americans with relatives in North Korea are eagerly awaiting the decision.

They include Kate Shim, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea in the 1970s. After the Korean War, her uncle was missing and her family believed he was in North Korea.

Shim says her great-grandmother told her father: "You need to find your brother because I know he's alive."

Shim's brother managed to track down their missing uncle in North Korea in the 1980s, finally reuniting him with his mother after more than 30 years.

In 1989, Shim started visiting relatives in North Korea, too.

"They were alive, and I was so happy to see my cousins," says Shim, 62. "We didn't care about, like, what politics, what kind of government we are under. We're just happy to see them."

In the 1940s and 50s, the division of Korea into two countries and the Korean War left as many as 10 million Koreans separated from their families. U.S. officials estimated in 2001 that the figure included 100,000 Korean Americans, but the number has dwindled as their communities age.

For many of the remaining members of that divided generation, time is running out to reunite with their relatives separated by geography and clashing governments.

Travel was banned after Otto Warmbier

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP hide caption

The U.S. has barred the use of an American passport to enter North Korea since 2017, making limited, one-time exceptions for some citizens such as aid workers and journalists.

101 Ways To Thwart A Reporter In Pyongyang

The Trump administration enacted the ban following the June 2017 death of American college student Otto Warmbier after his release from detention in Pyongyang.

The Two-Way

Otto warmbier's parents sue north korea, alleging torture of their son.

North Korean authorities arrested Warmbier in January 2016 and sentenced him to 15 years of hard labor for taking a propaganda poster in a hotel in Pyongyang. After being in custody for more than a year, the 22-year-old was flown home in a coma and died shortly after. North Korea has denied accusations of torture.

Last year, when Biden was a candidate, he said in an op-ed that as president he would work "to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades."

The administration has not commented on what it will do about the travel policy.

In a statement to NPR, the State Department said it renewed the restriction in September 2020 "due to continuing concerns over the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention in North Korea." The ban will expire on Sept. 1 unless the secretary of state extends or revokes it.

(The government's travel advisory also says not to visit North Korea now because of COVID-19 .)

Detention risk or dialogue opportunity

Some experts on North Korea believe the threat of detention remains, and so should the restriction.

North Korea Says Detained American Had Intended To 'Subvert The Country'

"At this moment, there's no reason to get rid of the travel ban," argues Anthony Ruggiero, a former National Security Council director for North Korea. He says Pyongyang has not abandoned its practice of detaining Americans as it hopes to secure political leverage over Washington.

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009. Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images hide caption

Some previous detentions have required former presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton , to travel to North Korea to secure their release and bring them home.

The ban should only be lifted "when North Korea is more of a normal country, that doesn't kidnap people," says Ruggiero, now a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a research group in Washington that has advocated for a hard line against North Korea.

Ruggiero doesn't think allowing people-to-people exchanges will help persuade the government of Kim Jong Un to give up its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Other observers argue that reopening travel could be a start.

"The U.S. is saying we want the North Koreans to come to the table," notes Daniel Jasper, the Asia public education and advocacy coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee, a Philadelphia-based peace advocacy group. "In order to do that," he says, "we have to get back to baseline level of engagement, or North Koreans will continue to understand that to mean that the U.S. is not really sincere in their attempts to engage."

Jasper attended a meeting recently where several civic groups tried to persuade administration officials to lift the ban.

The White House has said it's taking a " calibrated practical approach " toward potential diplomacy with North Korea. This week, Biden's envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, said he discussed with South Korean officials possible ways to address humanitarian cooperation with North Korea.

Meanwhile, advocates and lawmakers have pushed for help reuniting divided Korean families. A bill is now before the Senate that would require U.S. officials to consult with Korean Americans on progress on these efforts.

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea. Lee Su-Kil/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

Opening up helps to seek closure

Although official visitor figures for North Korea are hard to find, one tour operator estimated as many as 1,000 Americans went annually, according to news reports before the ban took effect.

One of the lucky ones who made it was Choon Lim. He was born in Nampo, North Korea, and fled to South Korea during the war. He later settled in Chicago.

In 1998, he visited North Korea hoping to find his father, but discovered he had died six years before.

When it came time for Lim to pour an offering of liquor before his father's ashes, he froze for an instant, that felt like an eternity.

"All those 47 years, what I have experienced, how I lived, how we lived in the South, all those things came down through my head. And I collapsed. I couldn't do it," remembers Lim, who is 75.

Lim later returned to North Korea several times with other Korean American families.

"I worked for helping separated family members visiting North Korea," he says, "because every one of the separated families should have the same kind of a closure that I had."

Waiting for a peaceful resolution

Ed Kang is also in favor of ending the travel ban. Born in 1934, he grew up in a Christian family in Pyongyang. He fled to avoid persecution under the communist regime, walking with his father the roughly 120 miles to Seoul in the winter of 1950.

"Many times, I was almost killed, but I survived," Kang recalls. "I saw the hand of God, protecting me and guiding me." Kang became a Presbyterian minister in the U.S., and returned to North Korea several times to visit his mother and younger brother, after being separated for more than 30 years.

He says the travel ban is causing unnecessary suffering, and removing it would be "making a contribution to a kind of peaceful resolution between the U.S. and North Korea."

Even if the ban is lifted, though, North Korea remains closed to the outside world, due to the pandemic. It has stopped answering hotline connecting it with South Korea, and says it is "not even considering " negotiations with the U.S.

Se Eun Gong contributed to this story from Seoul and Michele Kelemen from Washington, D.C.

North Korea diplomacy
otto warmbier
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North Korea

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

Images of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il at Mansudae Artist Studio in Pyongyang - North Korea travel advice

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.

A captured American plane at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum

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.

Kim Jong Un on TV in Kaesong in North Korea

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.

Mural of Kim Il-sung at Paeksong Revolutionary Site 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.

Citizens of Pyongyang watch performances on the Day of the Sun

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.

Dancing class at Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace in Pyongyang

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.

Hotel suite in Kaesong - North Korea travel advice

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.

Explore Even More of Asia:

What to expect on a ten day tour of North Korea
The best books on North Korea
What it’s like to visit the DMZ from both sides of the Korean border
Five must-see Korean films
Discover Jeju Island, South Korea’s tropical paradise
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

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Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again.

Updated August 27, 2021 at 1:04 PM ET

They include Kate Shim, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea in the 1970s. After the Korean War, her uncle was missing and her family believed he was in North Korea.

Shim says her great-grandmother told her father: "You need to find your brother because I know he's alive."

Shim's brother managed to track down their missing uncle in North Korea in the 1980s, finally reuniting him with his mother after more than 30 years.

In 1989, Shim started visiting relatives in North Korea, too.

"They were alive, and I was so happy to see my cousins," says Shim, 62. "We didn't care about, like, what politics, what kind of government we are under. We're just happy to see them."

For many of the remaining members of that divided generation, time is running out to reunite with their relatives separated by geography and clashing governments.

Travel was banned after Otto Warmbier

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma.

The U.S. has barred the use of an American passport to enter North Korea since 2017, making limited, one-time exceptions for some citizens such as aid workers and journalists.

The Trump administration enacted the ban following the June 2017 death of American college student Otto Warmbier after his release from detention in Pyongyang.

Last year, when Biden was a candidate, he said in an op-ed that as president he would work "to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades."

The administration has not commented on what it will do about the travel policy.

(The government's travel advisory also says not to visit North Korea now because of COVID-19 .)

Detention risk or dialogue opportunity

Some experts on North Korea believe the threat of detention remains, and so should the restriction.

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009.

Some previous detentions have required former presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton , to travel to North Korea to secure their release and bring them home.

Ruggiero doesn't think allowing people-to-people exchanges will help persuade the government of Kim Jong Un to give up its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Other observers argue that reopening travel could be a start.

Jasper attended a meeting recently where several civic groups tried to persuade administration officials to lift the ban.

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea.

Opening up helps to seek closure

Although official visitor figures for North Korea are hard to find, one tour operator estimated as many as 1,000 Americans went annually, according to news reports before the ban took effect.

One of the lucky ones who made it was Choon Lim. He was born in Nampo, North Korea, and fled to South Korea during the war. He later settled in Chicago.

In 1998, he visited North Korea hoping to find his father, but discovered he had died six years before.

When it came time for Lim to pour an offering of liquor before his father's ashes, he froze for an instant, that felt like an eternity.

"All those 47 years, what I have experienced, how I lived, how we lived in the South, all those things came down through my head. And I collapsed. I couldn't do it," remembers Lim, who is 75.

Lim later returned to North Korea several times with other Korean American families.

"I worked for helping separated family members visiting North Korea," he says, "because every one of the separated families should have the same kind of a closure that I had."

Waiting for a peaceful resolution

He says the travel ban is causing unnecessary suffering, and removing it would be "making a contribution to a kind of peaceful resolution between the U.S. and North Korea."

Se Eun Gong contributed to this story from Seoul and Michele Kelemen from Washington, D.C.

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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.

I Tried 4 of the Most Popular Walt Disney World Character Breakfasts – Was It Worth It For the Cost?

I’ll take it – two dfw international airport surprises, neither bad, just stop my three biggest travel pet peeves are…, the many lessons learned on my “summer vacation”.

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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 .

Lauren Pears on the train to North Korea

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.

Monument to Party Founder, Pyongyang, North Korea

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!

Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang, North Korea

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.

Tourists on the Pyongyang Metro, North Korea

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!

What North Korea Travel Is Like: FAQ

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

January 17th, 2024 at 2:49 PM EST

If you have North Korea on your travel bucket list, expect the planning to be complicated and your visit to be like a school field trip.

Dawit Habtemariam

An upcoming Russian tourist trip to North Korea is the first such inbound visit by vacationers there in four years. When people think of that country under the strict dictatorship of Kim Jong Un, they don’t think of tourism. So many will have questions about what kind of travel is possible.

North Korea is known as one of the last communist state holdouts of the 21st century. As a little-visited curiosity, it’s appealing to some Westerners.

Here’s what you need to know:

Does the upcoming Russia trip mean North Korea is open for tourism?

No. North Korea closed its border because of the pandemic in January 2020. The upcoming trip was allowed an exception thanks to an agreement between the Russian regional government of Primorsky Krai and the North Korean government.

“With any luck, it’s a kind of little experiment for the North Koreans to see that they’re still ready to receive foreign tourists,” said Simon Cockerell, a general manager for Koryo Tours, which has operated tours to North Korea since 1993.

Did Americans go to North Korea before the lockdown?

Even before the lockdown, Americans weren’t allowed to travel there. Since September 2017, the U.S. State Department has made it illegal to travel to North Korea with an American passport.

“Travel to, in, or through North Korea on a U.S. passport without this special validation may justify revocation of your passport for misuse,” said the State Department’s website. Travelers could also be subject to “felony prosecution.”

There have been reports that some Americans with dual citizenship in another country have used their other passport to enter and exit. But it’s dangerous. Several U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea in the past decade, and the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.

How would people go about traveling to North Korea?

Travelers typically fly into China or Russia and then take a flight or train into Pyongyang. For the upcoming ski trip, for example, Russians are flying from Vladivostok to Pyongyang.

But you can’t just book a flight and show up and explore the country. Travel can only be booked with a certified tour operator that is allowed to give tours in North Korea. The meals, hotel and guides have to be pre-arranged for every traveler, said Cockerell.

The upcoming Russian trip is with the agency Vostok Intour. Their trip package is comprehensive and includes flights, hotels and meals.

What would tourists do there?

The most visited destinations are Pyongyang and then the DMZ de facto border with South Korea, and the historical city of Kaesong. In Pyongyang, the Russian tourists will be visiting the Tower of the Juche and the Arch of Triumph.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simon Cockerell (@simonkoryo)

Travelers can visit the mountains in the far north, take a day-and-a-half train up to the Russian border, and visit some cities, but most of the country is off-limits to foreigners.

The Russians will be focusing on a ski trip at Masikryong Ski Resort in Kangown Province.

Can I explore the destination?

Travelers have to stay with their tour guides and follow the itinerary prepared for them. Wandering isn’t allowed. It’s like traveling on a school field trip, said Cockerell.

“You can’t rent a car, you can’t couch surf, none of that stuff. You’re not trusted to go anywhere,” he said. “You’re kind of infantilized.”

Organized mass events like the Arirang Mass Games are what is most popular with Westerners. Impressive large synchronized mass events are one of the reasons G Adventures considered including North Korea as a destination before 2017, said Marceau.

The top one is the annual Pyongyang International Marathon, said Cockerell. It’s been suspended in North Korea for the last three years because of the pandemic.

Yet restriction on traveler movements was a huge turn-off for some tour operators.

“My team was looking into [North Korea], and what pushed them away was that there was no room for wandering,” said Yves Marceau, vice president of product for G Adventures, which serves multiple Western markets.

Can I take photos and post them on Instagram?

You can take photos, but you have to ask your tour guides first. They’ll usually say yes as long as it’s not of military areas. For photos of statues of North Korean leaders, only what they call “respectful pictures” are allowed.

“Don’t pretend to hold them in your hand,” said Cockerell. ”Don’t mimic them for a photo.”

Travelers should expect to be offline unless they are willing to spend a lot of money on a very expensive SIM card, said Cockerell. All transactions in North Korea must be done in cash.

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Can Americans Travel To North Korea? A Detailed Look At The Rules

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is one of the most isolated countries in the world. Yet despite its closed borders, a small number of international tourists do visit every year. So can American citizens travel to North Korea?

The short answer is yes, but only through an approved tour company and with some restrictions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know as an American wanting to visit North Korea. We’ll cover the visa application process, where you can go, rules to follow, costs, and common questions about traveling to this unique destination.

American Citizen Visa Process for North Korea

Americans can visit north korea on organized tours.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for American citizens to visit North Korea. However, the process is not as straightforward as traveling to other countries. In order to enter North Korea, Americans must join organized tours.

This means that individual travel to the country is not allowed, and tourists must be accompanied by a tour guide at all times during their visit.

You Must Book Through an Approved Tour Operator

When planning a trip to North Korea, it is important to book through an approved tour operator. The tour operator acts as a liaison between the traveler and the North Korean government, ensuring that all necessary permits and visa arrangements are taken care of.

It is recommended to choose a reputable tour operator that has experience in organizing trips to North Korea and has a good track record of providing safe and reliable tours.

The Visa Application Requires Detailed Information

Applying for a visa to enter North Korea as an American citizen involves a detailed application process. The visa application form requires individuals to provide personal information, such as their full name, date of birth, passport details, and occupation.

Additionally, applicants may need to provide additional documentation, such as a letter of invitation from a North Korean organization or a travel itinerary.

It is important to note that the visa application process for North Korea can be time-consuming and may require patience. It is recommended to start the application process well in advance of the planned trip to allow for any potential delays or complications.

For more information on the visa process for Americans traveling to North Korea, it is advisable to consult the official website of the North Korean tourism authorities or contact the U.S. Department of State for the latest travel advisories and requirements.

What Places Americans Can Visit in North Korea

For Americans looking to visit North Korea, there are certain places that are open to tourists. While the country has strict rules and regulations, there are still a few locations that Americans can explore and experience. Let’s take a detailed look at some of these destinations.

Pyongyang and Nearby Sites

One of the main destinations for tourists in North Korea is the capital city, Pyongyang. This vibrant city offers a glimpse into the country’s culture, history, and daily life. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Juche Tower, Mansudae Grand Monument, and the Arch of Triumph.

The city also boasts beautiful parks and gardens, including Moran Hill and the Botanical Gardens.

Outside of Pyongyang, there are several nearby sites that Americans can visit. One of these is the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which serves as a mausoleum for the country’s leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

Another popular destination is the Mangyongdae Native House, the birthplace of Kim Il-sung, where visitors can learn about his early life.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a heavily fortified border that separates North and South Korea. While Americans can’t freely explore the entire DMZ, there are certain areas that they can visit. One of these is the Joint Security Area (JSA), where visitors can step into the infamous blue negotiation huts and stand on the border between the two countries.

It’s a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the tension between North and South Korea.

Another part of the DMZ that Americans can visit is the Dora Observatory, which provides panoramic views of North Korea. Visitors can also explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel, a tunnel dug by North Korea for potential military infiltration into South Korea.

Other Limited Destinations Outside the Capital

Outside of Pyongyang and the DMZ, there are a few limited destinations that Americans can explore. One such place is Mount Myohyang, known for its beautiful scenery and historic Buddhist temples. Another is the city of Kaesong, located near the border with South Korea, which offers a glimpse into traditional Korean culture and architecture.

It’s important to note that travel to North Korea for Americans is strictly regulated and usually requires booking through authorized tour operators. Additionally, certain areas may be off-limits or restricted depending on the political climate.

Therefore, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and follow all rules and regulations set by the North Korean government.

For more information on traveling to North Korea as an American, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date travel advisories and guidelines.

Rules Americans Must Follow While in North Korea

You’ll have official guides watching you.

When traveling to North Korea as an American, it is important to understand that you will be accompanied by official guides throughout your stay. These guides are there to ensure your safety and to monitor your activities.

They will provide you with information about the places you visit and will be your main point of contact with the local authorities. It is crucial to follow their instructions and not wander off on your own, as this could lead to serious consequences.

Photography is Restricted

One of the rules that Americans must adhere to while in North Korea is the restriction on photography. While you will have the opportunity to take photos at designated tourist sites, it is important to remember that photography in certain areas is prohibited.

This includes military installations, checkpoints, and sensitive government buildings. It is crucial to respect these restrictions to avoid any legal issues or misunderstandings with the local authorities.

Abide by Local Laws and Customs

When visiting any foreign country, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs. This is especially true when traveling to North Korea as an American. It is important to research and understand the laws and regulations that apply to you as a foreign visitor.

This includes respecting the local customs, traditions, and cultural norms. By doing so, you will not only ensure your own safety but also show respect to the local people and their way of life.

Avoid Politically Sensitive Topics

Political discussions and debates can be sensitive in any country, and North Korea is no exception. It is crucial for Americans traveling to North Korea to avoid engaging in conversations or debates about politically sensitive topics.

This includes discussions about North Korean leadership, nuclear weapons, and human rights issues. Engaging in such discussions could lead to misunderstandings or even legal trouble. It is always better to focus on cultural exchanges and positive interactions during your visit.

Costs for Americans to Visit North Korea

Planning a trip to North Korea as an American can be an exciting and unique experience. However, it’s important to be aware of the costs involved. Here is a detailed look at the expenses you can expect when traveling to this intriguing destination.

Tour Packages Range from $1,000 to $4,000

When it comes to traveling to North Korea, most Americans opt for organized tour packages. These packages typically include accommodation, meals, transportation, and a guide. The cost of these tours can vary depending on the duration of the trip and the level of luxury.

On average, tour packages for Americans range from $1,000 to $4,000, with higher-end options offering more amenities.

Flights and Visa Fees Additional

In addition to the cost of the tour package, Americans should budget for flights and visa fees. Flights from the United States to North Korea typically involve multiple layovers, and prices can vary depending on the time of year and the airline.

It’s recommended to book your flights well in advance to secure the best deals. Additionally, Americans are required to obtain a visa to enter North Korea, which typically comes with a fee. It’s important to check the latest visa requirements and fees before planning your trip.

Bring Spending Money for Souvenirs

While most expenses are covered in the tour package, it’s always a good idea to bring some extra spending money for souvenirs or additional activities. North Korea offers unique and interesting souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else.

From traditional artwork to locally-made crafts, there are plenty of options to choose from. It’s also worth noting that credit cards are not widely accepted in North Korea, so it’s best to bring cash in the local currency.

It’s important to keep in mind that these costs are subject to change and may vary depending on the current political climate and regulations. It’s recommended to consult with a reputable tour operator and do thorough research before planning your trip to North Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel to North Korea

Is it safe for americans.

Traveling to North Korea can be a complex and potentially risky endeavor, especially for Americans. The US Department of State strongly advises against all travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.

The North Korean government has detained several US citizens in the past, often on unclear charges, and there have been cases of mistreatment and even death while in custody. It is crucial to assess the risks and carefully consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential dangers before planning a trip to North Korea.

Can I Go Without a Tour Group?

No, it is not possible for Americans to travel to North Korea without being part of an organized tour group. The North Korean government requires all visitors, including Americans, to be accompanied by a tour guide at all times.

This is primarily for monitoring and controlling the activities and movements of visitors. Tour groups are usually led by guides approved by the government, and they strictly adhere to a predetermined itinerary.

What About Getting a North Korean Visa?

Obtaining a North Korean visa is a necessary step for traveling to the country. Americans must apply for a visa through a travel agency authorized by the North Korean government. The visa application process typically involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport with at least six months of validity, and a passport-sized photograph.

The travel agency will assist in obtaining the visa, but it is important to note that the government has the final say in granting or denying visas.

Are Communication and Internet Access Available?

Communication and internet access in North Korea are heavily restricted. The North Korean government tightly controls all forms of communication, and access to the internet is limited to a select few individuals and institutions.

As a tourist, you will not have access to the internet or be able to communicate freely with the outside world. It is advisable to make necessary arrangements before entering the country, such as informing family and friends about limited communication options and establishing alternative means of contact.

While quite complicated, it is possible for American citizens to visit North Korea if they join an approved tour. The experience provides a rare glimpse into the world’s most mysterious country. Yet travelers must follow strict rules and prepare for limited access.

If you’re up for the challenge, visiting North Korea as an American can be an unforgettable adventure.

Stephanie Lee is an avid travel writer and remote worker with a passion for mind-opening adventures that change not just where you go, but who you become. Originally from San Francisco with continual wanderlust woven into her multiethnic upbringing, Stephanie has extensively backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents while working flexibly online. Through vulnerable storytelling on The FYS Life, she motivates people to embrace travel as a conduit for better understanding themselves and the cultures that shape our world. An optimistic spirit who finds daily inspiration in moments of natural beauty or human connection, Stephanie currently resides in Portland, Oregon between journeys abroad.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

These Are the Last Americans to Visit North Korea

Before the United States banned travelers from visiting the closed nation, a small group rushed to get there for one last tour.

For all of its restrictive laws, its harsh ruler, and its reputation as the Hermit Kingdom, North Korea has long been open to visitors. For years, Chinese tour companies have brought foreigners into the country—including roughly 1,000 Americans per year—for a curated tour of daily North Korean life. Americans have been able to spend time at North Korean amusement parks, schools, and subway stations. Almost all left without incident.

a A traffic policeman in Kaesong, North Korea.

But that changed after the June 19 death of Otto Warmbier, the American student detained in Pyongyang for stealing a poster from a hotel. Citing Warmbier’s inhumane treatment––and amid the country’s deteriorating relationship with Washington over the regime’s nuclear weapons ambitions––the U.S. State Department restricted all U.S. passports from being used to travel to North Korea. (The regime called the ban a “vile measure.”)

Before the new travel ban took effect on September 1, photojournalist David Guttenfelder joined a group of six American tourists eager to see inside the world’s most secretive nation. For almost 20 years, Guttenfelder has been one of the few western journalists allowed inside North Korea, making nearly 50 trips, some while on assignment for National Geographic, to document its political and military situation.

All of the travelers said they were motivated by intense curiosity. Brad Yoon, an Uber driver from California, had never traveled abroad before; he told his parents he was going to China so they wouldn’t worry. Amy Kang, a Korean-American, went with her husband in hopes of learning about her heritage. “It was completely different from anything I was expecting,” Kang said. After all the horror stories she had heard about the repressive regime and the widespread lack of freedoms, she was surprised to find in Pyongyang an element of normality: people who had jobs, families, and who could name their favorite American movies.

Of course, being a tourist meant staying in a bubble of predictability and calm. There were no sudden movements, no surprises.

There were planned visits to a grocery store, a bowling alley, a brewery, and a circus. No one mentioned the country’s nuclear threats, or Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un’s war of words with U.S. President Donald Trump. When the North Korean military launched a missile over Japan in late August that drew international rebuke, Guttenfelder learned of it on Twitter via his cell phone’s limited wireless coverage. No one else around him, including his handlers, had any idea.

One could, however, sense the tension of potential military conflict. Guttenfelder, who has visited North Korea during four presidential administrations, observed that in the Trump era, the people seemed to be tense, but not as tense as he'd seen in the past. On the roads there were more propaganda billboards than usual bashing the United States. At a children's play place in the airport, an old piece of art showing children building missiles out of blocks seemed to fit the current tensions.

The tour included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the area straddling the 38th Parallel where North and South Korean soldiers traditionally stare stone-faced at each other across a courtyard bisecting North and South.

The threat of war at any moment has always kept the two militaries prepared to fight. But to the American tourists, the impending travel ban also brought an urgency to buy keepsakes. At various stores selling trinkets, the Americans and other foreign tourists clamored over stamps, art, ginseng products, and North Korean alcohol. One especially popular souvenir: anti-American propaganda posters.

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Young Pioneer Tours

Can Americans travel to North Korea in 2024?

Since September 1 st 2017 the US State Department introduced travel restrictions to North Korea for all American tourists. This restriction is valid for one year, but has been renewed each year on the 31 st of August unless otherwise revoked by the US Secretary of State. Can Americans travel to North Korea? The US State Department Travel restriction prohibits the use of a US passport for travel to, in, and through the DPRK. Four categories of US visitors are allowed to apply for an exemption to the rule. Journalists, Red Cross officials, humanitarian workers and those working “in the national interest”.

Can dual national Americans travel to North Korea?

By the letter of the law, dual-nationals can use their non-US passport to travel to North Korea as a tourist and indeed have been reported as doing so. We obviously do not offer, nor imply offering legal advice, but as per the wording of the US, US passports have been invalidated for travel to the DPRK , rather than a blanket ban for citizens.

It should though be noted that there is no US embassy in North Korea should dual nationals run into problems. Technically in this case they would be assisted by the country of their passport.

Can Americans visit North Korea as a tourist? Even for one day?

As the law stands there is no material difference between going for a day or going for a month. In the meantime, we’d suggest our North Korea Borderlands Tour – you will never set foot on North Korean soil, but you will see and experience North Korean border life. We also have our South Korean Borderlands Tour where you catch glimpses of the North Korean landscape and have an up and close encounter with the South Korean military.

If I find a travel company willing to take me to North Korea on my US passport, can I go?

Technically, yes. The North Koreans did not block Americans from entering North Korea on US passports. This was a US government decision. That said, YPT is not willing to assist a US passport traveller in committing a crime against their country, and we strongly recommend that you respect your government’s laws.

Keep in mind people have not only been arrested, but have lost their passport for doing this.

Is the North Korea US travel ban the same as Cuba travel ban?

Americans were previously banned from spending any money in Cuba, which constituted a de facto ban on visiting. Passports were never confiscated as a result of visiting Cuba; the worst that could happen was a fine. Granted, this fine could be pretty high.

Have any Americans traveled to North Korea since the ban?

Previously some Americans involved in the humanitarian sector were allowed to stay in the DPRK and there have also been some rumoured high level meetings between closed doors. In this respects it is not a blanket ban, with people able to apply for an exemption in order to travel to North Korea.

Famously of course Donald Trump briefly stepped into the DPRK at the DMZ, while Travis King also went slightly further from the same exit point. In fairness neither had their passports with them at the time.

Will Americans be allowed to travel to North Korea again?

If dialogue and diplomatic relations continue to improve between North Korea and the US, there is a chance for this travel restriction to be lifted which then we will make announcements on our website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . Trump 2024? Stranger things have happened.

Rowan Beard

Rowan’s a YPT co-founder with over 100 visits to North Korea (DPRK) and visited 100+ countries. You’ll most likely catch him leading group tours in Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East.

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Explore the Mysterious Land of North Korea

How to visit north korea as an american?

Since the United States and North Korea do not have diplomatic relations, Americans cannot simply purchase a tourist visa and fly to North Korea as they would to any other country. While it is possible for Americans to visit North Korea, it requires some advance planning and a willingness to follow the strict rules and regulations set by the North Korean government.

There is no definitive answer, as travel to North Korea is highly restricted for all foreign nationals, including Americans. However, some tour companies specialize in arranging travel to North Korea for various purposes, including tourism. Americans interested in visiting North Korea should research any such tour companies thoroughly before making any arrangements, as there are significant risks involved in travel to North Korea.

How can I visit North Korea legally?

As of now, all travel to North Korea requires a visa. If you arrive without a valid visa, you may be subject to various penalties. Business travellers generally need to be sponsored by a North Korean organisation in order to obtain a visa.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has closed its borders. This means that all travel to North Korea is currently suspended.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, better known as North Korea, is a country that is notoriously difficult to visit. In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea; only South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied, although there have been some exceptions for journalists. If you are interested in visiting North Korea, you will need to be a member of a tour group, as independent travel is not allowed. Tour groups are closely monitored by the North Korean government and you will not be able to stray from the group or go off on your own. Although North Korea is a fascinating country, it is important to remember that it is a dictatorship and visitors are not allowed the same freedoms that they are used to in other countries.

Do US citizens need a visa for North Korea

If you are a US citizen planning to travel to North Korea, you will need to obtain a visa from the DPRK Embassy in Beijing, China. This is the only way to obtain a visa for North Korea, as there is no North Korean embassy in the United States. Passport Health cannot assist with this process.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to North Korea due to the uncertain security situation caused by its nuclear weapons development program and highly repressive regime. U.S. citizens in North Korea are at serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement. This system imposes harsh sentences for actions that would not be considered crimes in the United States.

Is it safe to live in North Korea?

Because of the lack of international cooperation, travel to North Korea is not recommended. The increased risk of unlawful detention and imprisonment and the potential for warfare or nuclear escalation outbursts make visiting this nation unsafe.

However, in September 2017 the U.S. Department of State released a travel warning that advised against all travel to North Korea, and in November 2017 the Trump administration announced a ban on American citizens traveling to North Korea. The ban was officially enacted in January 2018.

Do any Americans live in North Korea?

The number of Americans living in North Korea is very small. Most of them are either defectors or prisoners of war from the Korean War, or their descendants. Sometimes there are tour groups of Americans who visit North Korea from China, but they usually only stay for a short time.

North Korean citizens usually cannot travel easily around the country or leave the country. Immigration and emigration are both strictly controlled by the government. This limit on travel makes it difficult for North Koreans to leave the country and makes it hard for people from other countries to enter North Korea.

Is Korea allowing American tourists

Starting September 1, 2021, all US citizens traveling to Korea will need to have a valid visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) in order to enter the country. This new requirement is in line with the Korean government’s recent decision to strengthen its border security measures. US citizens who do not have a visa or K-ETA will not be allowed to enter Korea.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia due to the risk of terrorist attacks and civil unrest. This replaces the Travel Warning for Russia issued December 28, 2016.

Since mid-2014, Russia has been embroiled in a conflict with Ukraine, which has resulted in increased tensions between the U.S. and Russia. The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could escalate quickly. In addition, the Russian government has been assertive in its handling of domestic dissent and has been concerned about the possibility of anti-government protests.

The risk of terrorist attacks in Russia remains high. Terrorist groups, including ISIS and its affiliates, have proclaimed their intention to target Russia. previous attacks have occurred in major Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd, and Rostov-on-Don. U.S. citizens should exercise heightened caution and awareness of their surroundings, especially when frequenting large public gatherings, tourist sites, and transportation hubs.

What countries are allowed in North Korea?

It is possible to enter North Korea through China or Russia, either by air or by train. Holders of diplomatic or service passports of the following countries can visit without a visa: Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Indonesia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan.

It is estimated that only 2.4 million North Koreans have access to a telephone landline, which is less than 2% of the population. The North Korean government strictly controls who has access to telephone lines and monitors all calls. Someone wanting a phone must fill out a form indicating their rank, why they want a phone, and how they will pay for it. The majority of North Koreans cannot afford a phone, so the numbers are very limited.

Can Americans go to Iran

The US State Department has issued a travel advisory for Iran, recommending that US citizens do not travel to the country due to the risk of kidnapping and arbitrary arrest and detention. US citizens who do travel to Iran may be subject to harassment and mistreatment by the Iranian government.

The total number of Internet users in North Korea is estimated to be no more than a few thousand. People who can access the global Internet without limits are claimed to be high-ranking officials, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government ambassadors. However, some access is allowed in North Korea’s academic institutions.

How difficult is it to leave North Korea?

In many cases, death is the only way to escape the North Korean regime. Even if you do successfully get out, the regime will often have a more death sentence waiting for you.

The country is spiritually and economically isolated. Many North Koreans go to work every day on farms, in factories, and in the capital of Pyongyang, but they earn very little and suffer from malnutrition. Extreme poverty is widespread, and the country is culturally and economically isolated.

What happens if a US citizen visits North Korea

There is a serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US nationals if they travel to North Korea. We advise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention.

Yes, the PRC allows foreign nationals to enter under certain conditions. A valid residence permit and visa are required. The conditions are generally limited to business, study, or family visits.

Final Words

The best way to visit North Korea as an American is to go on a guided tour. There are many companies that offer these types of tours, and they can be a great way to see the country and learn about its culture and history. However, it is important to research the company you choose to make sure they are reputable and have a good track record.

If you want to visit North Korea as an American, the best way to do it is to go on a guided tour. There are several companies that offer these, and they will take care of all the necessary paperwork and arrangements. The downside is that you will be closely monitored while you are in the country, and you may not be able to see everything you want to. Nevertheless, it is possible to visit North Korea as an American, and it can be a fascinating experience.

Neil Lawrence

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

Tourism to North Korea: Unethical or an opportunity for engagement?

Subscribe to the center for asia policy studies bulletin, jean h. lee jean h. lee global fellow - woodrow wilson international center for scholars @newsjean.

June 9, 2015

13 min read

“What is it like inside an American nightclub?” The question from a young North Korean woman startled me.

For so long, curiosity about the outside world was not just taboo for North Koreans, but also dangerous. North Korea strictly regulates interaction between North Koreans and foreigners, limiting travel overseas to official business and forbidding spontaneous, unmonitored visits between locals and visitors. With the “imperialist Yankees” remaining Enemy No. 1 for the North Koreans, travel to the United States is not an option for all but a few North Koreans. And slipping away to such a forbidden den of sin without approval would put any North Korean under grave suspicion of courting outside influence.

“I would love to take you to an American nightclub,” I said, both of us laughing at what seemed like a farfetched idea. She was dressed in a tailored black pantsuit, with the ubiquitous red Kim badge pinned over her heart. It was hard to picture her in a sweaty Williamsburg, Brooklyn, club with hip-hop pulsating in the background.

But I didn’t need to take her to Brooklyn to show her an American nightclub. Later that year, a foreign tour agency organized what was billed as the “first rave in Pyongyang” — a DJ night in the karaoke bar of the Koryo Hotel in the North Korean capital. It promised to be the best and only chance for me to show her what an American nightclub is like.

Tourism amid tensions

While most North Koreans are not free to travel to the United States, it is possible for Americans to visit North Korea. But tourism to North Korea is a tricky issue — morally, politically, financially.

Now that North Korea has lifted a harsh Ebola quarantine that blocked tourism to the country for nearly five months, foreign tour agencies are scrambling to lure visitors back with ads that promise “ big celebrations, dances and parades ” and golf greens so empty that “ it’s like having your own private course .”

But the environment for tourism to North Korea isn’t the same in 2015 as it was a decade ago. After a relatively conciliatory period in North Korea’s foreign policy, the past six years have been defined by tension: nuclear tests, missile launches, deadly maritime clashes, cyberattacks, threats of thermonuclear war, the arrests of tourists, executions of purged officials and growing scrutiny of the human rights situation in a country with sprawling prison camps. We should remember that North Korea has been undergoing a change of leadership from 17 years of rule under Kim Jong Il to a new era under his young son, Kim Jong Un, who took power following his father’s death in December 2011. And with the purges purportedly continuing as the younger Kim seeks to solidify his leadership, the climate of uncertainty promises to persist.

To go, or not to go?

As an American journalist who has traveled to North Korea dozens of times since 2008, living and working in the country as the first Associated Press (AP) bureau chief in Pyongyang , I often am asked whether I think tourism to North Korea is a good idea.

The questioner may be asking whether it’s a good idea for them, as a Westerner, to make the costly and potentially risky trip to North Korea as a tourist. But I also weigh the question of whether it’s good for the North Koreans, living in one of the world’s most isolated nations, to have foreign tourists visiting their country.

As tour agencies gear up to promote two big events this year, the 70th anniversary of the end of Japan’s occupation of Korea on Aug. 15 and the 70th anniversary of the Oct. 10 founding of the Korean Workers’ Party, it is worth taking a step back and looking at the issues framing the question of whether tourism to North Korea is a good idea.

Critics say foreigners who visit impoverished North Korea at prices comparable to travel to Switzerland are funneling hard currency to a regime that diverts the money to the elite, the military and to propaganda while the millions of North Koreans who go hungry every day do not benefit.

Advocates say tourism facilitates much-needed cross-cultural learning, with foreigners experiencing that North Koreans are as human as anyone else, and North Koreans getting information about life outside their borders through their visitors from abroad. The Obama administration has made very clear its stance on tourism to North Korea: Don’t go.

In April, the U.S. State Department issued its toughest travel advisory so far for North Korea, warning that tourists risk being “arrested, detained, or expelled for activities that would not be considered criminal outside North Korea.” Britain, which has an embassy in Pyongyang, in April warned its travelers that “the level of tension on the Korean peninsula can change with little notice.” And while “most visits are trouble-free,” the advisory noted the recent arrests of Americans.

Speaking with locals, exchanging currency, taking candid photos, shopping locally — these are all routine tourist behavior anywhere but in North Korea, where such basic activities are largely illegal for North Koreans In the DPRK, these are not casual actions and the state can easily declare them as espionage. Sentences for such crimes can mean “years of detention in hard labor camps or death,” according to the State Department advisory.

Don’t be naive about surveillance, the advisory warns. “Please keep in mind that you have no right to privacy in North Korea and should assume your communications are monitored.” Should you be detained, Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Pyongyang and cannot directly provide consular services, the advisory reminds travelers. And don’t count on the tour agencies to protect you. “Efforts by private tour operators to prevent or resolve past detentions of U.S. citizens … have not succeeded in gaining their release,” the warning says.

Indeed, arrests of Americans complicate the sensitive diplomatic dance between Washington and Pyongyang. In March 2009, two American journalists working for former Vice President Al Gore’s media company slipped across a frozen river border from China into North Korea and were swiftly arrested. They were convicted and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor on anti-state charges. It took a high-profile campaign and a private visit by former President Bill Clinton to secure their release later that year. A group photo of Clinton seated next to Kim Jong Il released by North Korea’s state news agency makes clear that the North Koreans treated the visit as a diplomatic victory.

It was a dangerous precedent to set. Since then, at least 10 Americans have been detained in North Korea, some sneaking in illegally like the two journalists but most entering the country with legitimate visas. Two were regular visitors to North Korea; most arrived on tourist visas. North Korea eventually released all the Americans, but not before dangling them as diplomatic bait.

The roles of tour operators

The two leading Western tour operators, Beijing-based British-operated Koryo Tours and the American-owned Uri Tours, both have had American tourists detained and held by the North Koreans over the past two years. An American traveling with Britain’s Juche Travel also was detained .

Koryo Tours, proud of its previous 20 years without any tourist arrests, has remained tight-lipped about the incident while Uri Tours has chosen to go public about its efforts to try to help secure the release of its detained American traveler. But in the process, the agency revealed how helpless it and its North Korean tourism partners are in preventing tourists from breaking the law and in protecting them from North Korea’s tightening security mechanism. And the circumstances of the arrest of 85-year-old Korean War veteran Merrill Newman underlined the perils of traveling with an outfit inexperienced in dealing with North Korea.

On top of the high-profile arrests, the agencies have had to deal with fiery threats from North Korea to wage “thermo-nuclear war” on South Korea, and with an Ebola quarantine that shut down tourism to North Korea starting last fall by requiring anyone arriving in the country from abroad to remain sequestered for 21 days.

Though visibly frustrated, the agencies kept up an incongruous chirpiness about tourism to North Korea as they refunded deposits and waited with practiced patience for yet another seemingly arbitrary North Korean rule to lift.

The arrests, war threats and the entry ban didn’t deter a trade fair in Britain from featuring a booth marketing travel to North Korea , and they did not slow North Korea’s own state media from trumpeting the regime’s campaign to promote tourism even as tourists weren’t allowed into the country.

Improving the economic situation is high on the regime’s agenda, and tourism is seen as one way to bring in hard currency and foreign investment.

Last year, North Korea unveiled a five-star ski resort that rises like the city of Oz in the vast, underdeveloped countryside. Workers commenced construction on turning the nearby port city of Wonsan into what North Korea envisions as a “world-famous tourist city.” A new university devoted to tourism, Pyongyang Tourism College, took in its first students. Tour operators from China and Europe were brought in to discuss investing in North Korea’s infrastructure.

Boots on the ground

There are, indeed, some stunning sights in North Korea. The white sand beaches off the coast of Hamhung are the most pristine I’ve seen on the Korean Peninsula. The hiking in this mountainous country, particularly in autumn when the leaves turn all shades of gold and red, is spectacular.

But let’s not pretend these trips are relaxing. During one visit to Mount Myohyang northwest of Pyongyang, a colleague and I went for a walk on the grounds of our hotel. We didn’t go far, but were sternly ushered back into the hotel by a security guard. Only then did I remember that in 2008, a South Korean tourist who went for a walk was shot to death by a soldier for wandering into a military site. Ties between North Korea and South Korea soured after that incident, with all cross-border tourism coming to a halt by the end of that year.

Who travels to North Korea, aside from the neighboring Chinese, Russians and ethnic Koreans from Japan? About 5,000 to 6,000 Westerners per year, according to Uri Tours. There are the adventure seekers who have North Korea at the top of a bucket list of bizarre destinations and are looking for tall tales to tell at dinner parties (“When I was in Pyongyang last summer” never fails to turn heads). There are those nostalgic for a Cold War time past who turn up wearing retro communist gear and return home with their own custom-made Mao suits. And there are many who are sincerely curious about life inside North Korea, for professional or personal reasons. (Full disclosure: Uri Tours booked my flights on North Korean carrier Air Koryo when I was AP bureau chief, and I traveled with the agency as a tourist after completing my Pyongyang post.)

Tourists pay luxury travel prices — Koryo Tours’ summer group trip is advertised for 1850 euros — for package tours to a country with an estimated GDP per capita of $1,800 in 2013 that puts North Korean on par with Uganda and Haiti. The prices are set by the North Koreans, with the foreign tour operators determining the markup. Nearly every aspect of the tour, from the hotels to the souvenir shops to the meals, is chosen from a list of venues approved for foreigners; i.e., where interaction with locals can be controlled. The tour agencies, particularly Koryo Tours, pushes hard to get its visitors into places typically off limits to foreigners, but the trips are still incredibly restrictive: No going for a wander, no stopping by into a local shop to buy souvenirs, no chatting up the locals without the guides present.

Most of the American tourists’ interaction with North Koreans is with their guides. Tour guides assigned to a group of foreign tourists are fluent in English. The tourists discover that North Koreans are as human as anyone else, despite what you might see in comedic portrayals such as “The Interview”: they smile, they laugh, they crack jokes. The Americans begin to think the North Koreans aren’t so bad after all. They fall a little bit in love. By expecting so little, they leave overwhelmed.

For the North Korean guides, the tourists provide a valuable glimpse of life abroad. They learn their travelers’ slang, hear their music and drink up tales about love and life in a world they likely will never visit. They see every manner of fashion and individualism: piercings, tattoos, dreadlocks and that evil American emblem, blue jeans. In their own way, they become experts in the world outside, even if they never step foot beyond their country’s borders. And that is no doubt valuable currency as North Korea embarks on the slow but inevitable road to opening up to the outside world.

Risks and rewards

We cannot, and should not, stop Americans from visiting North Korea. But both tour operators and tourists should be mindful of the changed, and charged, environment for Americans traveling in enemy territory:

Tour operators should be transparent and forthcoming about the security situation in North Korea, including the extensive nature of North Korea’s penal code and surveillance apparatus, the risk of arrest and the consequences of prosecution. They need to do their due diligence in protecting tourists by preparing them for the reality of life in North Korea, for visiting foreigners as well as locals.
American tourists should give careful and considered thought to the ethics and dangers of traveling to North Korea. They should keep in mind that much of the fee they pay goes to the state-run tourism agency, not directly to the people, and may want to consider tour operators that find a way to give back to the local population. They should remember that North Korea remains in a technical state of war with the United States, and should arrive having read both the State Department’s travel advisory and any travel advice laid out by their tour operator. While being open-minded, travelers to North Korea should also be mindful of the severity of local laws. Leave the Bibles behind.

If it weren’t for tourism, I would not have been able to give that young North Korean woman a taste of American nightlife. For one night in August 2012, the basement bar of the Koryo Hotel — a 1970s-kitsch lounge decorated with plastic plants and purple neon lighting that typically plays host to impassioned, drunken karaoke while a hostess in traditional Korean dress sings along — was transformed into a nightclub. There was no bouncer and no velvet rope. But there was a DJ in the corner, bobbing to the beat, and a tangle of tourists gyrating on the dance floor: American ultimate frisbee players, Chinese journalists and “middle-aged Romanian diplomats requesting obscure Romanian disco,” according to the DJ . On the playlist: Little Richard, Janet Jackson, The Village People.

The North Koreans, mostly guides and interpreters, watched with amusement and perhaps a little shock at the frenetic, disorganized, rowdy scene before them. In North Korea, each song has a prescribed set of dance steps, so the chaos that was unfolding, with each person caught up in his or her own private dance, was entirely foreign. And yet it was so perfectly Western: individualistic, energetic, spontaneous. It wasn’t long before some of the more adventurous North Koreans jumped in.

The verdict from my North Korean friend: “Too noisy.”

It was the safest answer for a North Korean to give when confronted with such an American pastime as “disco dancing.” But her shining eyes, and the smile on her face, said otherwise.

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Asia & the Pacific North Korea Northeast Asia

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Harry J. Holzer

April 16, 2024

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Despite Arrests, Americans Continue to Visit North Korea

By Austin Ramzy

May 9, 2017

The State Department has long advised Americans to avoid North Korea, but every year hundreds visit. Not all of those get to leave.

The announcement Sunday that a man identified as Kim Hak-song had been arrested brings the total to four American citizens now held in North Korea. At a time when tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been elevated by North Korea’s missile launches, a potential nuclear test and threats of armed conflict, the detentions add another complication.

So why do any Americans visit North Korea?

Most are tourists intrigued by a destination far different from the usual itineraries. They are willing to overlook warnings that have grown increasingly strident.

The State Department updated its travel advisory on Tuesday with a more forceful admonishment for American citizens to avoid North Korea, replacing the language “strongly urges” with “strongly warns.” The danger, the advisory continues, is “the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement.”

The State Department does not keep records on how many Americans visit North Korea. Of the 4,000 to 5,000 Western tourists who visit each year, about 20 percent come from the United States, said Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, a travel company in Beijing.

Most have a sense of the potential risks, he said.

“I think people who go there know it’s not the sort of place where you just show up,” Mr. Cockerell said. “It’s people who look into it. We rightly assume people who go have knowledge of North Korea, who are doing reading about what kind of place it is.”

Acts that are not criminal or would result in light punishments elsewhere can lead to severe sentences in North Korea. A University of Virginia student, Otto F. Warmbier, was arrested at the end of a trip in January 2016. He was sentenced to 15 years’ hard labor for trying to steal a propaganda poster.

Since the 2009 arrests of two journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling , for what the North Koreans called illegal entry into the country, at least 14 Americans have been held by North Korea. The two most recent detainees, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang-duk — who is also known as Tony Kim — are Korean-Americans who worked for the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology. The private university was founded with money from Christian evangelicals and offers English-based teaching for North Korean elites.

While no exact figure is available, the number of Americans doing business in North Korea is small because of the risk of violating sanctions against the country. Representatives of nonprofit groups once made up a significant part of the Americans in North Korea, but their numbers have declined sharply as aid organizations have been forced to curtail operations.

“The overall number of Americans in North Korea at any one time is down compared to years past,” said Keith Luse, executive director of the National Committee on North Korea, a nonprofit group that researches relations between the United States and North Korea.

“For example, today there is no U.S.-funded food assistance and accompanying monitors,” he said by email. “Plus, sanctions have had an impact on overall operating conditions for U.S. and other humanitarian N.G.O.s, influencing the scope of operations in some cases,” he added, referring to nongovernmental organizations.

Twenty to 25 educational, environmental, humanitarian and scientific groups from the United States operate in North Korea, Mr. Luse said.

But most of those groups cannot permanently place Americans in North Korea and instead rely on representatives who make travel in and out of the country intermittently. “The North Koreans have been reticent for U.S. organizations to have someone on the ground at all times,” he wrote.

Americans who are detained can expect few, if any, protections. The United States does not have an embassy in North Korea, and diplomats from Sweden handle consular services for Americans. But the Swedes have often been unable to meet detained Americans for long periods of time. Mr. Warmbier was only able to see a Swedish representative two months after he had been arrested .

“North Korea has international obligations to provide access and information, something they increasingly do not even recognize,” said Evans J. R. Revere, a former principal deputy assistant secretary of state who worked on the release of several Americans who had been held by the North.

The prognosis for the four now held appears to be worsening under Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader who took over after his father, Kim Jong-il, died in December 2011.

“The ones arrested more recently, since Kim Jong-un came to power, seem to be held for a longer period of time,” said Robert R. King, a former State Department special envoy for North Korea human rights issues. “When Kim Jong-un’s father was leader the length of time tended to be shorter.”

Both Mr. Warmbier and Kim Dong-chul , a businessman who was sentenced last year to 10 years hard labor for an espionage conviction, have spent more than one year in custody.

Kenneth Bae, who was arrested in 2012, spent more than two years in prison before his release, making him the longest-held United States citizen. He was released with another American, Matthew Todd Miller, after the Obama administration’s national intelligence director, James R. Clapper Jr., traveled to North Korea in 2014 .

Follow Austin Ramzy on Twitter @austinramzy .

Opinion: I’m banned from visiting my family in North Korea. When will the U.S. change this policy?

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My grandfather rarely spoke, except through his saxophone. He was a man of few words but a lot of heart. I can’t pinpoint when exactly I learned that he was born in what is now called North Korea, but I do remember thinking, “I’m too old to be learning this for the first time.” Like thousands of Korean Americans, my family is still divided by the ongoing war in Korea and the current U.S. travel ban to North Korea.

On Tuesday, the State Department announced that the Biden administration will extend the travel ban to North Korea for another year. This draconian ban was initially instituted in 2017 under former President Trump and prevents thousands of Korean Americans from reuniting with family in North Korea. Americans can still use their U.S. passports to visit some countries with travel restrictions, such as Cuba and Iran . But no U.S. passport is valid for travel to North Korea . Instead, U.S. citizens must apply for a totally separate “special validation passport .” The State Department has unfettered discretion as to whether it grants this passport, and does so only in exceedingly exceptional circumstances.

Before 2017, thousands of U.S. citizens traveled to North Korea , many of them Korean Americans seeking to reunite with family from whom they became separated during the Korean War. The State Department made this decision despite the repeated urging of activists to lift this inhumane ban.

People watch a TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage, at a train station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Wednesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to bolster his nuclear arsenal "at the fastest possible pace" and threatened to use them against rivals. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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My paternal grandfather fled North Korea during the war and lived the rest of his life separated from his siblings and family members. Decades after this separation, he participated in an effort coordinated by a nongovernmental organization to reunite split Korean families when travel to North Korea was still permitted prior to 2017. In North Korea, he was shown a faded photograph of his elementary Sunday school class to verify that he was, in fact, related to family members with whom he sought to reunite. My grandfather failed to recognize his younger self in this photograph but recognized his teacher. This happenstance recognition permitted him to meet his sister, from whom he had been separated for nearly 50 years. He was able to meet her children for the first time and learned that his younger brother had passed away.

Our family has otherwise remained divided.

For years, I hesitated to look at photographs of our relatives in North Korea because I was afraid of what I’d feel. To even dream about the possibility of lifting this travel ban felt frightening because fighting for change would open me up to heartbreak. I have been tempted to settle into pessimism and dismiss attempts for change as naive. An elder Korean peace activist described this tendency as “so Korean”: to break my own heart before anyone else could break it for me. She counseled me instead to engage in peace advocacy and learn from intergenerational Koreans from across the diaspora who have kept the fight aflame for decades .

If it weren’t for the wise council of elders who map movements in lifetimes, this week’s announcement would have been another reason for pessimism. However, we must remember that we in the U.S. — especially Korean Americans ( gyopo ) — have an important role to play. In the days before his election, President Biden pledged “to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades .” But his administration has yet to make good on that promise. Biden instead escalates militarization and hurtles us closer to nuclear conflict, sending nuclear-capable submarines to Korea for the first time in 42 years . He also recently convened a trilateral summit with South Korea and Japan , further entrenching an escalatory militarized approach illustrated by this week’s large-scale “Ulchi Freedom Shield” war drills which involved the participation of 12 countries total .

Activists have been fighting against this alarming militarization and forever war-making, including through a congressional bill, the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act . This bill calls for urgent diplomacy in pursuit of a peace agreement to formally end the Korean War and urges the State Department to review and revise its travel restrictions. While the majority of the U.S. public supports the peace process in Korea, it is up to constituents to ensure our elected officials reflect this. Currently, 34 members of Congress are co-sponsors of the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, and through our advocacy , we can grow this number.

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On the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement last month, scholars and activists gathered to call for a peace agreement to formally end the Korean War . Among them, Dr. Kee Park, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, decried the current sanctions imposed on North Korea by the U.S., U.N. and others as deadly and “immoral.” Park has traveled to North Korea over 20 times, and said Korean Americans must act as a bridge from our community to the general U.S. public .

While the two Korean governments have facilitated a handful of brief “reunions” between residents of South and North Korea, Korean Americans have been left out of this process entirely. This U.S.-imposed travel ban is unjust and inhumane. For Korean Americans, we cannot heal this intergenerational pain until this travel ban is lifted. We must strategize, organize and educate our communities to ensure that this draconian ban is not renewed again.

Cathi Choi is the director of policy and organizing for Women Cross DMZ and co-coordinator of Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network. She is based in Los Angeles. @CathiSChoi

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FILE - A portrait of Army Pvt. Travis King is displayed as his grandfather, Carl Gates, talks about his grandson on July 19, 2023, in Kenosha, Wis. King, who fled to North Korea before being returned home to the United States has been detained by the U.S. military, two officials said Oct 19, and is facing charges including desertion and possessing sexual images of a child. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

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Are Americans allowed to travel to North Korea?

Kevin Quinitchett
Published : 11:35 ET, Jul 19 2023
Updated : 11:49 ET, Jul 19 2023

POLITICAL differences are present between the United States and North Korea.

The American government highly advises its citizens not to travel to the communist latter.

The US government warns American citizens to "exercise increased caution" when attempting to travel to North Korea

Although it is possible for Americans to travel to North Korea , the US government strongly recommends not doing so.

On October 5, 2022, the US reissued a Level 4 travel advisory to warn its citizens against visiting North Korea.

US passports are considered invalid when attempting to visit North Korea.

In order to travel to the latter, an American citizen's passport must be specially validated by the US government.

What to know about detained soldier Travis King

What to know about Otto Warmbier's North Korea detainment

When the individual is specially granted a passport to go to North Korea, it is valid for one round trip.

"Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals," warns the American government.

"Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention.

"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.

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"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."

Which Americans have been detained in North Korea?

The North Korean detainment of US soldier Travis King and college student Otto Warmbier serve as cautionary tales against traveling to the communist nation.

On June 19, 2017, Warmbier died from a lack of oxygen to the brain after the North Korean government returned him to the US from his imprisonment.

If an American citizen is imprisoned in North Korea, the US government has limited options

Other American citizens who have been imprisoned by the North Korean government include:

Bruce Byron Lowrance
Kim Dong-chul
Kim Hak-song
Kenneth Bae
Matthew Todd Miller
Robert Park
Aijalon Mahli Gomes
Evan Hunziker

In most of the cases mentioned above, the citizen was detained by North Korea and sentenced to several years of hard labor.

What is the history between the US and North Korea?

Relations between the US and North Korea have been tense since the Korean War.

During the war, North and South Korea fought one another until the Korean Armistice Agreement was reached on July 27, 1953.

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The North was supported by fellow Communist countries China and the Soviet Union .

Meanwhile, the South found allies in the US and the United Kingdom .

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North Korea condemns U.N. envoy's 'aid-begging trip' to Asia

SEOUL, April 19 (UPI) -- North Korea on Friday slammed a visit to Asia by the top U.S. envoy to the United Nations as an "aid-begging trip" meant to prop up an "illegal" sanctions regime against the isolated state.

Kim Son Gyong, the North's Vice Foreign Minister, made the remarks about U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who spent four days in South Korea this week before arriving in Japan on Thursday.

In a statement carried by state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim called the visit "no more than an aid-begging trip ... to enliven the weakened illegal sanctions and pressure on the DPRK with the help of inferior allies."

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

"It is the last-ditch effort to continue to beat the drum of pressure by sewing up a ripped sanctions drum," Kim said.

During her visit, Thomas-Greenfield said that the United States and its allies in Seoul and Tokyo were discussing new approaches to monitoring international sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The trip came after Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution last month to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts, which has been in place since 2009 to keep tabs on North Korea's sanctions compliance.

"I look forward to engaging with both the Republic of Korea and Japan, and like-minded [countries] as well, on trying to develop options both inside the U.N. as well as outside of the U.N.," Thomas-Greenfield said Wednesday at a press conference in Seoul.

"The point here is that we cannot allow the work that the Panel of Experts were doing to collapse," she said. "We have to continue to keep eyes on and report on the illegal activities of the DPRK and efforts to break the sanctions that have been put in place."

Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened ties since a September visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia.

South Korean defense officials said recently that the North has shipped around 7,000 containers of munitions to Russia for its war against Ukraine. Moscow, meanwhile, is widely believed to be sharing advanced weapons technology and delivering shipments of oil to help Pyongyang evade sanctions.

In Friday's statement, Kim claimed Greenfield-Thomas's Asia trip demonstrated that the United States was overlooking the more urgent conflict in the Middle East.

"At present, the Middle East situation, including Palestine's admission to a UN membership is brought up for discussion at the UNSC as the most pressing issue," Kim said.

"Nevertheless, the U.S. representative to the UN obstinately embarked on her trip to Asia, turning her face away from all the facts," Kim said. "This clearly shows that the U.S. has taken no account of peace and security guarantee in the Middle East including Palestine, but it is at a loss for the miserable fate of the tattered sanctions mechanism against the DPRK."

On Thursday, the United States blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution to recognize Palestine as a full member state of the United Nations, arguing that admission would not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people.

North Korea on Friday slammed the ongoing Asia visit by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who spoke to reporters in Seoul on Wednesday, as an "aid-begging trip" meant.

COMMENTS

I'm One of the Last Americans to Visit North Korea. This ...
North Korea is one country, and South Korea is another. According to World Bank, in 2016, North Korea had a population of 25.3 million and South Korea of 51.2 million. If we add up, we are much closer to the 70-80 million mentioned. The news showing the weather forecast. Look how North Korea takes the whole peninsula.
North Korea International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Is North Korea Safe? 8 Essential Travel Tips for Visitors
1. The political situation in North Korea. While peace is maintained under an armistice agreement, the two Koreas are still technically at war and inter-Korean relations are extremely tense. The security situation on the Korean Peninsula could deteriorate with little warning.
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory. July 24, 2023. North Korea - Level 4: Do Not Travel. O D. 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.
Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to North Korea
Start by reading this North Korea travel guide. I've visited North Korea, or officially, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) twice: once in 2015 (Pyongyang / DMZ + Kaesong / Mount Kumgang / Wonsan) and once in 2018 (Rason). However, I rarely brag about visiting North Korea because it isn't a place I would encourage just anyone to ...
Americans Separated From Family In North Korea Hope Biden Lifts Travel
Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That. North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang ...
Tourism in North Korea
Tourism in North Korea is tightly controlled by the North Korean government. ... In 2016, an American college student, Otto Warmbier, was arrested and sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for allegedly removing a propaganda poster from a wall in his Pyongyang hotel.
North Korea Travel Advice
Yes, tourists can visit North Korea, though there are a few caveats. Like everything else in the country, tourism is tightly controlled by the North Korean government. ... However, you cannot travel to North Korea if you hold an American passport. The American government banned its citizens from visiting North Korea in 2017. South Korean ...
North Korea hints at tourism reopening, but doubts remain
The 2017 ban on American travel to North Korea came shortly after the death of Otto Warmbier, a recent college graduate from Ohio who participated in a Young Pioneer Tours group trip to North ...
Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There ...
The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again. Updated August 27, 2021 at 1:04 PM ET
What Americans will miss about going to North Korea
1 of 15. CNN —. North Korea has drawn a small but steady flow of US travelers since easing restrictions on American tourism in 2010 . But after September 1, 2017, US citizens are barred from ...
Can I Travel to North Korea? Yes You Actually Can & Here's How
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.
It's complicated if you want to enter North Korea
The North Korean government certainly doesn't it make it easy for foreigners to visit. If you're American, the rules are even stricter. And then there's the danger of something going wrong ...
How To Travel to North Korea as a Tourist
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.
What North Korea Travel Is Like: FAQ
A Russian tourist trip to North Korea is the first such inbound visit in four years. ... the U.S. State Department has made it illegal to travel to North Korea with an American passport. "Travel ...
Can Americans Travel To North Korea? A Detailed Look At The Rules
Tour Packages Range from $1,000 to $4,000. When it comes to traveling to North Korea, most Americans opt for organized tour packages. These packages typically include accommodation, meals, transportation, and a guide. The cost of these tours can vary depending on the duration of the trip and the level of luxury.
These Are the Last Americans to Visit North Korea
For years, Chinese tour companies have brought foreigners into the country—including roughly 1,000 Americans per year—for a curated tour of daily North Korean life. Americans have been able to ...
Can Americans travel to North Korea in 2024?
Can Americans travel to North Korea in 2024? Since September 1 st 2017 the US State Department introduced travel restrictions to North Korea for all American tourists. This restriction is valid for one year, but has been renewed each year on the 31 st of August unless otherwise revoked by the US Secretary of State.
How to visit north korea as an american?
Starting September 1, 2021, all US citizens traveling to Korea will need to have a valid visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) in order to enter the country. This new requirement is in line with the Korean government's recent decision to strengthen its border security measures.
Tourism to North Korea: Unethical or an opportunity for engagement
The Obama administration has made very clear its stance on tourism to North Korea: Don't go. In April, the U.S. State Department issued its toughest travel advisory so far for North Korea ...
Despite Arrests, Americans Continue to Visit North Korea
The State Department does not keep records on how many Americans visit North Korea. Of the 4,000 to 5,000 Western tourists who visit each year, about 20 percent come from the United States, said ...
When will the U.S. allow Korean Americans like me to visit our families
The Biden administration has renewed a travel ban to North Korea. But activists are urging the U.S. to lift his rule to allow thousands of Americans with relatives there to visit.
Are Americans allowed to travel to North Korea?
On October 5, 2022, the US reissued a Level 4 travel advisory to warn its citizens against visiting North Korea. US passports are considered invalid when attempting to visit North Korea. In order to travel to the latter, an American citizen's passport must be specially validated by the US government.
China's Zhao, North Korea's Kim hold highest-level talks in years
A top-ranking Chinese official reaffirmed ties with North Korea during a meeting Saturday with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, in Pyongyang, China's state media reported, in the highest-level ...
How Likely Is a Japan-North Korea Summit?
Amid the stalled nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea, Japan seeks to hold a summit meeting with North Korea. A Message to Kim Jong Un From Mother of Japanese Girl Abducted by North ...
North Korea condemns U.N. envoy's 'aid-begging trip' to Asia
North Korea on Friday slammed a visit to Asia by the top U.S. envoy to the United Nations as an "aid-begging trip" meant to prop up an "illegal" sanctions regime against the isolated state.
US talks options for monitoring N. Korea
SEOUL, South Korea -- The United States and its allies are discussing options "both inside and outside the U.N. system" to create a new mechanism for monitoring North Korea over its nuclear ...

Update April 12, 2024

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Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

Travel was banned after Otto Warmbier

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Detention risk or dialogue opportunity

North Korea Says Detained American Had Intended To 'Subvert The Country'

Opening up helps to seek closure

Waiting for a peaceful resolution

You'll Hear a Lot About the Kims

Don't Question North Korea's Historical Narrative

You Can Talk Politics, Up to a Point

You Can Take Your Phone to North Korea

Be Good to Your Tour Guides

You See More of North Korea on a Private Tour

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

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

North Korean Accommodation is Incredibly Varied

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Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

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

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HOW to Travel to the DPRK?

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How To Travel to North Korea as a Tourist

How To Travel To North Korea: The Logistics

1) Book Onto A Tour

2) Get Your Chinese Visa

3) Book Your Transport To China

Travelling into North Korea from China

Tourism in North Korea: Frequently asked questions

How Much Does It Cost To Visit North Korea?

Is It Safe To Visit North Korea?

What Are The Rules For Tourists In North Korea?

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

My Experience Visiting North Korea

What Do You Get To See In North Korea?

Monuments And Squares

The Pyongyang Metro

The Kaeson Funfair

Is It Ethical To Visit North Korea?

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