The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the world's most isolated and controlled destinations. All tourism is tightly regulated through guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into this enigmatic nation with its grand monuments, orchestrated events, and carefully curated experiences.
North Korea is an extraordinarily controlled destination where conventional travel safety concerns are replaced by political and legal risks. Street crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent, but violations of DPRK regulations — however inadvertent — can result in detention, arrest, or expulsion with severe international consequences.
Current safety advisory
High
Most Western governments advise against all travel to North Korea citing the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention. US citizens are specifically prohibited from traveling to North Korea under the US State Department's travel ban (since September 2017). Citizens of Australia, Canada, the UK, and most EU nations face Level 3 or 4 advisories.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Do Not Travel
US citizens are legally prohibited from traveling to North Korea. Travel ban in effect since September 2017. No US Embassy in Pyongyang; Sweden represents US interests.
Reconsider Travel
The FCDO advises against all travel to North Korea due to risk of arbitrary arrest, the lack of formal diplomatic representation, and the unpredictable security situation.
Exercise a High Degree of Caution
Arbitrary arrest and detention is a very real risk. Consular access for arrested Australians is very limited. North Korea's laws and customs are very different from Australia's.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Only travel with authorized tour groups — independent travel is illegal and physically impossible in North Korea
Never photograph military installations, construction sites, soldiers, or poverty-stricken areas without explicit guide permission
Do not criticize the regime, its leaders, or the political system under any circumstances — even in private conversations
Avoid all religious activities including possessing Bibles, religious pamphlets, or related materials
Follow guide instructions at all times — unauthorized contact with locals is illegal and can result in arrest of both parties
Talking to North Koreans without guide authorization is treated as espionage — always wait for formal introductions
Register with your home country embassy before travel — the US Embassy in Seoul handles US citizen emergencies related to North Korea
Carry a printed copy of your hotel address and tour itinerary in case of separation from the group
Mobile phones may be confiscated on entry — check current regulations before travel; SIM cards for foreigners are available at Pyongyang airport
Alcohol is available but excessive drunkenness can cause serious diplomatic incidents — drink responsibly
Dress conservatively and avoid clothing with Western logos or political slogans that could be deemed disrespectful to DPRK values
Any books or magazines you bring may be inspected on entry — leave anything with potentially sensitive political content at home
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Overpriced Souvenir Markup
Hotel shops and tourist-facing stores charge heavily inflated prices in euros or USD. While not a scam per se, prices bear no relation to local costs. Foreigners are always charged in hard currency at premium rates.
How to avoid: Compare prices at multiple official shops; most items have fixed prices so negotiation is generally not expected
Currency Exchange Rate Confusion
The official exchange rate for the North Korean Won is grossly overvalued. Tourists pay in EUR, USD, or CNY at tourist rates. Some tourist facilities may quote confusing mixed currency pricing.
How to avoid: Always confirm the currency and total price before purchasing; carry a mix of euros and Chinese yuan
Unauthorized Photography Pressure
Rarely, guides may pressure tourists to photograph prohibited subjects (military, poverty scenes) and then report them, creating a difficult situation. This is extremely uncommon but has been reported.
How to avoid: Never photograph anything without explicit guide permission; follow guide instructions precisely and document trip rules in writing before departure
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: None mandatory, but recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas), routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio). Check with travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure. COVID-19 vaccination may be required depending on border policy.
- Water
- NOT safe to drink. Drink only bottled water, which is provided in hotels. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Hotels typically provide boiled water in thermoses.
- Food
- Food at tourist restaurants and hotels is generally safe. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Do not eat at unapproved venues. Inform guides of any food allergies before meals as cross-contamination is common in basic kitchens.
- Facilities
- Medical facilities are extremely limited compared to international standards. Pyongyang has the Friendship Hospital with some Western equipment. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to China or South Korea is the only realistic option. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — not optional.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travelers cannot travel independently in North Korea — all tourists must be in organized groups accompanied by state-assigned guides at all times. Solo booking is possible but you will be joined with other tourists in a group tour. The controlled environment means personal safety from street crime is very high, but all political and legal risks apply equally.
Female travellers
Female travelers face no specific gender-based safety risks in North Korea beyond those affecting all visitors. The controlled tour environment and constant guide presence mean harassment is essentially nonexistent. Dress conservatively and follow the same rules as all tourists. Female solo travelers are automatically placed in group tours.
Families
Families with older children (13+) can travel safely within the controlled tour structure. The contained environment of tour groups and hotels means physical safety is high. Ensure children are thoroughly briefed on behavioral rules before arrival. Younger children may struggle with long structured days of monument visits.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is not recognized in North Korea and same-sex relationships are effectively illegal. Public displays of affection of any kind are inadvisable for all tourists. LGBTQ+ travelers face no greater personal safety risk than others in the highly controlled environment, but should exercise complete discretion. North Korea is not an appropriate destination for LGBTQ+ advocacy or visibility.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 119
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Most countries have no embassy in Pyongyang. Sweden represents US, Canadian, and some other Western interests. UK Embassy: +850 2 381 7982. German Embassy: +850 2 381 7082. Check your country's representation before travel.
- Tourist Police
- No dedicated tourist police. All tourist issues are handled through the state-assigned guide who contacts relevant authorities. Report any incident to the guide immediately.