CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Korea, North (DPRK)

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (editorial change).

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise extreme caution when deciding whether to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). There are serious shortages of food, electricity, and clean water. Current conditions in the DPRK - including the ongoing international denuclearization process, occasional border skirmishes with the South Korean armed forces, and a highly repressive regime - hold the potential for political and military instability.

North Korea conducted a presumed underground nuclear test on May 25, 2009, and has also recently tested a number of short-range missiles, resulting in increased tensions in the Korean peninsula. Further tests cannot be ruled out. Canadians should be vigilant, monitor ongoing developments via local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Although Canada established diplomatic relations with the DPRK in February 2001, Canada has not established a diplomatic mission in the DPRK. All Canadians travelling to the DPRK should register with the Embassy of Canada in Seoul, South Korea, and with the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang (see below). Travellers should be aware that Canadian or Swedish authorities may encounter major difficulties and delays in obtaining consular access to detained Canadian citizens, particularly outside of the capital of Pyongyang. Knowledge of the DPRK police and judicial systems is limited and this may affect our ability to provide assistance to Canadian citizens.

Communication systems in the DPRK are extremely rudimentary and unreliable (see Section 3 below). Travellers should be aware that all communications may be monitored by local authorities.

Travel outside of Pyongyang is extremely difficult due to poor road conditions (see Section 9 below). Over-land travel is severely limited by DPRK authorities and the process for obtaining visas (even for accredited diplomats) can be extremely slow and arduous.

Involvement in politics and unsanctioned religious activity is not tolerated and can result in detention. Travellers should ensure they are not seen to be critical of the country's political or ideological system, including former and current leaders and governments. Written material of any kind in the Korean language should not be brought into the DPRK.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

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

Tourist facilities are minimal and telecommunications are unreliable. Individual tourism can only be arranged through a handful of DPRK 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.

Foreigners have been detained for entering the country through un-authorised points of entry. Travellers should ensure that they stay within permitted zones and strictly follow DPRK procedures and protocols. It is not possible to enter North Korea from South Korea.

Persons with Korean citizenship or family ties with the DPRK should carefully consider their decision to visit. Authorities periodically subject dual nationals and children of former Koreans to certain laws and obligations. Canadians who also have Korean citizenship must obtain approval for travel to DPRK from South Korea authorities. For more information, South Korean–Canadians should consult with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Seoul, South Korea.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the
Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the DPRK. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Visas are issued from a DPRK mission in a third country after approval from the government in Pyongyang.

As most travellers must pass through China on their way to and from the DPRK, a single- or double-entry Chinese visa may also be required, depending on the length and number of stays in China. Visas are issued from a Chinese mission in a third country.

Independent tourism is not permitted in the DPRK. Tourism is only allowed for groups organized by DPRK officials, or by government approved travel agencies. As most travellers must pass through China on their way to and from the DPRK, a single- or double-entry Chinese visa may also be required, depending on the length and number of stays in China. Visas are issued from a Chinese mission in a third country.

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

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.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in the DPRK. Canadians in the DPRK can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang at the following address:

Korea, North (DPRK) - PYONGYANG, Swedish Embassy
Address: Munsudong, Daehak Street, Taedonggang District, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of North Korea
Tel.: 850 (2) 381-7908, 381-7904, or 381-7485
Fax: 850 (2) 381-7663
E-Mail: ambassaden.pyongyang@foreign.ministry.se
Internet: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/4189/l/en/pd/4189/e/3647

The Embassy of Canada in Seoul, South Korea, is responsible for providing consular services in the DPRK, but is limited in its ability to do so. The address is as follows:

Korea, South - SEOUL, Embassy of Canada
Address: 16-1 Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (100-120), Republic of Korea
Postal Address: P.O. Box 6299, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 100-662
Tel.: 82-2-3783-6000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-2326-6831; 008-800-2326-6831; 002-800-2326-6831
Fax: 82-2-3783-6112
E-Mail: seoul@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.korea.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Seoul and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases the chance of illness. Medical facilities are primitive. Hospitals often lack heat and medicine and suffer from frequent power outages. Immediate payment in cash is expected for treatment. A hospital staffed by English-speaking professionals is available to foreigners in the Munsudong district of Pyongyang. Medical evacuations are very difficult to arrange and are not guaranteed. Canadians with unstable medical conditions should take this into account prior to travel. Travellers showing symptoms of serious communicable diseases may be subject to strict quarantine conditions. Facilities for dental treatment are also poor.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Travellers should ensure that they are not seen to be critical of the country's political system, current and former leaders Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung or members of their family.

Importation of audio equipment, including shortwave radios and communications devices such as cellular telephones and computers, is prohibited. Such items are confiscated upon entry and usually returned upon departure. Authorities may seize books, magazines, video and audio tapes, and documents that they deem to be pornographic, political, or intended for religious proselytizing.

Written material of any kind in the Korean language should not be brought into the DPRK. Involvement in politics and unsanctioned religious activity can result in detention.

Photography of airports, roads, and bridges is prohibited and may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Travellers must seek permission from their tour guide before taking photographs.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Foreigners can enter the DPRK either by air or train. It is not possible to enter the DPRK from South Korea. The lone exception is the Kumgang-san (Diamond Mountain) Tourist Region on North Korea’s east coast, which is accessible from South Korea by chartered bus. Tourists are restricted to the special tourist zone and onward travel is not permitted. Visits to Kumgang-san must be booked through Hyundai Asan.

Direct travel to South Korea is not permitted.

Almost all travel to DPRK is routed through Beijing. There are bi-weekly flights to Pyongyang from Beijing and Shenyang. Train service from Beijing to Pyongyang is available and is scheduled to take 24 hours however, travellers should expect lengthy delays.

Travel within the DPRK is severely restricted. All visitors must be accompanied by an official guide at all time. Instructions provided by the guide must be adhered to. Tourists are not permitted to drive and International Driving Permits are not recognized. Foreigners residing in the country must obtain a licence by passing a local driving test. Transportation is usually provided by local tour representatives or authorities. Traffic is usually minimal, and major highways are in good condition. However, rural roads can be hazardous. Police checkpoints, usually located at the entry of all towns, may require that travellers provide documentation before onward travel is permitted.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

---

The currency is the DPRK won. Foreigners are not permitted to use won. Cash is the most recognized form of payment, and euros are the most widely accepted currency. Banking facilities are limited. Travellers cheques are not accepted. There are no automated banking machines. Some credit cards are accepted in some hotels. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The typhoon season extends from July to August. Flash floods may affect the condition of roads. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP