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North Korea

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Do not travel — a minority say proceed with extreme caution.

7 governments of 10 advise against all travel. 3 governments advise against non-essential travel.

For informational purposes only — always verify with official government sources before travel.

United States
United States
Do Not Travel
Level 4
Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens. Do not travel to the Democratic People’s…
Canada
Canada
Do Not Travel
Level 4
NORTH KOREA - AVOID ALL TRAVEL Avoid all travel to North Korea due to the risk of arbitrary detention and the uncertain security situation caused by its nuclear weapons development program and highly…
Ireland
Ireland
Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Level 3
Avoid non-essential travel to North Korea.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Level 3
The level of tension on the Korean Peninsula remains high. While daily life in the capital city, Pyongyang, may appear calm, the security situation in North Korea can change quickly with no advance…
New Zealand
New Zealand
Do Not Travel
Level 4
There is a serious risk of arrest and detention for New Zealanders in North Korea. Independent tourism is not allowed in North Korea. Foreigners are closely monitored and expected to be accompanied…
Netherlands
Netherlands
Do Not Travel
Level 4
Do not travel to North Korea.
France
France
Do Not Travel
Level 4
Do not travel to North Korea.
Germany
Germany
Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Level 3
Avoid non-essential travel to North Korea.
Poland
Poland
Do Not Travel
Level 4
Do not travel to North Korea.
Taiwan
Taiwan
Do Not Travel
Level 4
Leave North Korea as soon as possible.
Japan
Japan
No advisory published
No rating

For informational purposes only — always verify with official government sources before travel.

United StatesUnited States passportVisa required
CanadaCanada passportVisa required
IrelandIreland passportVisa required
United KingdomUnited Kingdom passportVisa required
New ZealandNew Zealand passportVisa required
NetherlandsNetherlands passportVisa required
FranceFrance passportVisa required
GermanyGermany passportVisa required
PolandPoland passportVisa required
TaiwanTaiwan passportVisa required
South KoreaSouth Korea passportVisa required
JapanJapan passportVisa required

Where the governments disagree on North Korea

Opinion on North Korea is divided, though not dramatically: ratings run from level 3 to level 4. Seven of the ten take the stricter view, and the remaining three see no cause for it. A one-level split of this kind usually reflects differing thresholds between governments rather than a dispute about the facts.

Currency varies between sources. New Zealand's is the oldest assessment of North Korea on file, last revised in November 2024, while the rest have been reviewed more recently.

Seven of the ten governments currently advise against all travel, and that has consequences beyond the wording: most policies void cover for travel taken against your own government's advice, and consular assistance may be limited or unavailable on the ground.

Derived from 10 government assessments for North Korea, most recently reviewed in October 2026.

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Top Destinations

Pyongyang
One of the most isolated capitals on Earth, with monumental architecture and the Juche Tower. Visits are only possible on guided group tours with strict itineraries.
Nampo
A west-coast port city with the massive West Sea Barrage dam and seafood restaurants. The city is one of the few accessible to foreign visitors outside Pyongyang.
Hamhung
North Korea's second-largest city and a center of chemical industry on the east coast. The Grand Theatre and surrounding beach areas are shown to rare visitors.
Chongjin
A northeastern industrial city rarely visited by outsiders, near the scenic Chilbosan Mountains. The steel works and port dominate this austere coastal settlement.
Kaesong
A historic former Goryeo dynasty capital near the DMZ with the Koryo Museum and royal tombs. The city's proximity to South Korea makes it the most visited outside Pyongyang.