Tips and recommendations for healthy travel to top destinations
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Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations
Because of its controlling government, North Korea is one of the most mysterious, secretive countries in the world.
Many people visit North Korea for the novelty of being a tourist in a country that is so misunderstood.
Despite its reputation, North Korea has dozens of museums and monuments with fascinating history and gorgeous landscapes.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for North Korea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for North Korea: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza.
Malaria is present in some parts of North Korea. An antimalarial prescription may be recommended based on destination and itinerary.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Yes, to enter North Korea you need a visa. You can apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy or the North Korean Mission to the UN. You will also need a Chinese visa that allows multiple entries and exits. The only way to travel into North Korea is through China. As a tourist, the only way to enter North Korea is with a government-sanctioned tour group.
To travel to North Korea, you will need to apply for a special validation passport. These passports are difficult to get and are only granted under specific circumstances. If you obtain one, it must have six months validity in order for you to travel with it.
For more information, see our North Korea visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
North Korea has a continental climate, meaning it has warm summers and cold, dry winters. In summer, the country is affected by warm currents from tropical regions. These currents bring heavy rainfalls and warmer temperatures. In the winter, winds from Siberia cause weather that gets very cold and has very little moisture.
Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is located inland. The average temperatures in summer are in the 80’s. But, they can reach up to the 90’s, and tend to go along with high humidity. In the winter, temperatures can drop below zero, but are more likely to stay in the teens.
North Korea does not release statistics or information on crime within the country. Not much about the prevalence of crime is known. Petty theft and pickpocketing have been reported by travelers at the airport in Pyongyang. The sale of counterfeit goods is widespread. But, selling or buying these goods is often illegal.
Many actions that would be permissible in the U.S. are illegal in North Korea. While in North Korea, you are subject to local law. Even breaking the law out of ignorance can hold severe penalties. This includes detention in the country. Criticism of the North Korean government and its leaders, past or present, in any form is against the law. Assume that your actions will be monitored while in the country. Avoid any acts that could be considered illegal or even questionable.
While public transportation is not ideal most countries, the Pyongyang Metro has a positive reputation. Built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the metro has an old-fashioned, classical look. Inside the trains, walls have wood panels. The stations have high, arched ceilings along with elaborate chandeliers and marble pillars.
Not only is the metro a worthy sight on its own, but it can help bring you across the city to see the best above-ground sights.
Like all other travel in North Korea, the metro is heavily supervised. Tourists are only allowed to disembark at certain stops. But, for those who want to know more about the metro, there is a museum dedicated to its construction and history.
Don’t forget these needed items on your trip:
Because the United States does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, there is no U.S. Embassy in the country. All U.S. citizens visiting North Korea should contact the Swedish Embassy for help with any problems, including a lost or stolen passport.
Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang Munsu-Dong District Pyongyang Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Telephone: +(850)(2) 3817-485
The U.S. Department of State operates an emergency contact line, which may be used if necessary. From outside the U.S. the number is 1-202-501-4444, while from inside the U.S. the number is 1-888-407-4747.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
