North Korea Travel Safety Guide

Do not treat this as normal tourism. FCDO advises against all but essential travel because the security situation can change quickly and restrictions on foreigners are severe.

Travel for visitors is tightly controlled. A guide will almost always accompany you and decide where you can go.

Healthcare, communications, and consular help are all difficult compared with normal destinations. Travel here without a strong contingency mindset is reckless.

Photography is heavily sensitive. Ask your guide before taking photos and avoid photographing officials, military personnel, or guarded buildings.

Straying into restricted areas can have severe consequences. Remain only in permitted places and move away immediately if instructed by officials.

Foreign nationals are not usually allowed to use public transport unless accompanied by a local guide.

Travel outside Pyongyang usually requires permission, and military checkpoints with ID checks are normal.

Pyongyang is not representative of the rest of the country. Movement, information access, and behavior are far more controlled than most travellers imagine.