North Korea Travel

North Korea: A Risky Destination for Travelers

Level 4: Do Not Travel

The United States Department of State advises against traveling to North Korea due to the ongoing, serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US citizens. The North Korean government has a history of arbitrarily detaining and imprisoning Americans for various reasons, including espionage, proselytizing, and even minor infractions of local laws.

Exercise Increased Caution

The State Department also urges travelers to exercise increased caution in North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention. In recent years, North Korea has detained several foreign nationals, including journalists, missionaries, and businesspeople, often on vague or unsubstantiated charges. These individuals have been held for extended periods of time, sometimes for months or even years, without access to legal counsel or due process.

North Korea is a closed and isolated nation with a strict and repressive government. Foreigners are closely monitored and restricted in their movements and activities. Travelers should be aware that they may be subjected to arbitrary searches, interrogations, and surveillance.

The North Korean government has also been known to use detained Americans as political pawns, seeking concessions from the United States in exchange for their release. As a result, travelers should be aware that if they are detained in North Korea, they may be held for a prolonged period of time and subjected to harsh treatment.

In light of these risks, the United States government strongly recommends that US citizens avoid traveling to North Korea.