Travel

#Travel advice and advisories for Korea, North (DPRK)

Last updated: June 4, 2015 14:02 ET Still valid: June 30, 2015 13:22 ET Latest updates: An editorial change was made

Advisories

Advisories

NORTH KOREA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to North Korea (officially named the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) due to the uncertain security situation caused by North Korea s nuclear weapons development program and highly repressive regime.

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

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Nuclear weapons development program

Tensions have increased in the region as a result of North Korea s ongoing nuclear weapons development program. In April and December 2012, North Korea attempted to launch two missiles into orbit, and on February 12, 2013, performed a nuclear weapons test. Additional tests cannot be ruled out.

North Korea and South Korea

Relations between North Korea and South Korea remain tense. On March 11, 2013, North Korea issued a statement declaring that the Korean Armistice Agreement is invalid. While past threats made by the North to nullify this agreement have gone unfulfilled, this statement has raised tension in the region.

Border skirmishes with South Korean armed forces occur occasionally. The security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Due to very limited access to international media broadcasts in North Korea, you may be taken by surprise by events that could affect your security.

Crime

The crime rate is low. Petty crime occurs, especially at the airport in Pyongyang and in public markets. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Transportation

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

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

General safety information

There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. Register with the Embassy of Canada in Seoul, South Korea, and with the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang.

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

Tourist facilities are minimal and telecommunications are unreliable. Individual tourism can be arranged only through a handful of North Korean government-approved travel agencies. Travel must be authorized in advance by the government. Travellers are closely observed. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines are monitored. There are serious shortages of food, electricity and clean water.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from North Korean authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit North Korea. which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Visas

Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Visas are issued from a North Korean mission in a third country after approval from the government in Pyongyang. The process for obtaining visas (even for accredited diplomats) can be extremely slow and arduous.

Canadians arriving without a valid Canadian passport and visa may be detained, arrested, fined or denied entry. Foreigners must register through their host organization within 24 hours of arrival.

As most travellers must pass through China on their way to and from North Korea, a single- or double-entry Chinese visa may also be required, depending on the length and number of stays in China. For more information, please consult the Travel Advisory for China .

Professional journalists must apply for special permission to visit North Korea and may not enter the country on a tourist visa (regardless of their reason for travel).

Tourist visa: Required

Business visa: Required

Student visa: Required

General entry/exit information

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

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

Dual citizenship

Persons with Korean citizenship or family ties with North Korea should carefully consider their decision to visit. Authorities periodically subject dual citizens and children of former Koreans to certain laws and obligations.

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

See Laws Culture for more information.

Unauthorized points of entry

Foreigners have been detained, and in one instance, shot, for entering the country through unauthorized points of entry. Ensure that you stay within permitted zones and strictly follow North Korean procedures and protocols.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.