North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), remains one of the world’s most isolated and enigmatic nations. For many, the question of whether it’s even possible to visit, let alone fly to, North Korea is shrouded in mystery. While it is indeed possible for tourists to enter North Korea by air, the journey is far from straightforward and comes with significant restrictions and serious safety considerations. This article delves into the realities of flying to North Korea, outlining what potential travelers need to know about access, safety, and the unique experience that awaits.
Safety and Security in North Korea
North Korea is categorized as a location where you should avoid all travel. This is the highest risk level due to the very real danger of arbitrary detention and the unstable security situation stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and its highly repressive political regime. The absence of a resident Canadian government office in North Korea, with Sweden acting as Canada’s protecting power, further complicates matters. Consular assistance for foreign nationals in North Korea is severely limited.
Travel Restrictions and Border Closures
Since 2020, North Korea has enforced stringent border closures for travelers from most countries. Entering the country is exceptionally difficult, and these restrictions can change with little to no notice. For those considering travel despite these warnings, registration with both the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea in Seoul and the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang is strongly advised.
Risk of Detention and Surveillance
Detention, particularly outside of Pyongyang, is a significant risk. Consular assistance from Canadian and Swedish officials may be ineffective due to the North Korean government’s tight control over consular access. The opaque nature of North Korea’s police and judicial systems further diminishes the ability to provide assistance.
Life in North Korea is characterized by severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, electricity, and clean water. Furthermore, privacy is non-existent. Travelers should expect constant surveillance of their movements and communications. Personal belongings, including electronic devices, are subject to search and scrutiny by authorities.
Political Tensions and Security Situation
The Korean Peninsula is a region of high tension, and situations can escalate rapidly. North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and missile tests, military exercises, and border incidents contribute to an unpredictable security environment. These tensions can intensify with little warning, potentially impacting traveler safety. Access to international media within North Korea is extremely limited, meaning travelers may be unaware of events that could directly affect their security.
Crime and Petty Theft
Petty crime, including theft, is a concern, particularly at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. It is crucial to secure personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, at all times.
Restrictions on Movement and Checkpoints
Travel within North Korea is heavily restricted. Foreigners are prohibited from driving and must rely on designated tour guides or authorities for transportation. While major highways are generally in good condition, rural roads can be hazardous. Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, and travelers should expect to be asked for identification at any time. Cooperation with security forces and adherence to their instructions are essential.
Air Travel and Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
While direct flights from most international locations to North Korea are limited, flying to North Korea is indeed possible, primarily through Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ). This is the main international airport serving Pyongyang and North Korea.
Airlines that may operate flights to Pyongyang:
- Air Koryo: This is North Korea’s state-owned airline and the primary operator of international flights into Pyongyang. Air Koryo’s international routes are limited but have historically included destinations like Beijing and Vladivostok. Due to international sanctions and operational factors, flight schedules can be irregular and subject to change.
Routes to North Korea by air typically involve:
- Flights to connecting cities: Travelers usually need to fly to a city with flight connections to Pyongyang, such as Beijing (China) or possibly Vladivostok (Russia). Beijing is the most common transit point.
- Connecting flight to Pyongyang: From the connecting city, you would take a flight on Air Koryo or potentially another airline (depending on availability and political climate) to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
Important considerations for air travel to North Korea:
- Flight availability: Flights to Pyongyang are infrequent compared to typical international routes. Schedules are limited, and flights may be canceled or altered without much notice. Booking through a specialized tour operator is highly recommended as they will have the most up-to-date information on flight availability and logistics.
- Airline safety: While the original article does not assess foreign domestic airlines, it’s wise to research Air Koryo’s safety record and any applicable international safety assessments before flying.
- Airport experience: Pyongyang Sunan International Airport is a modern, albeit less busy, international airport. Upon arrival, expect strict immigration and customs procedures. You will be met by your official tour guides immediately upon arrival.
Entry and Exit Requirements for North Korea
Entry and exit regulations are determined solely by North Korea. The Canadian government cannot intervene on your behalf if you fail to meet these requirements. Information regarding entry requirements is obtained from North Korean authorities but can change at any time, so verification with North Korean representatives is essential.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Visas are mandatory for Canadians entering North Korea. These must be obtained from a North Korean mission in a third country, and only after approval from the government in Pyongyang. The visa application process is known to be lengthy and complex. Arriving in North Korea without a valid passport and visa can lead to detention, arrest, fines, or denied entry.
Passport validity: Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from North Korea. Always check with your transportation company as they may have even stricter passport validity rules.
Special permissions for journalists: Professional journalists must secure special permission to visit North Korea and cannot enter on a tourist visa, even for personal travel.
Visa types: Tourist visas, business visas, work permits, and student visas are all required depending on the purpose of your visit.
Flying into North Korea and Points of Entry
Air and train entry: Foreigners can enter North Korea by air (primarily through Pyongyang Sunan International Airport) or by train.
No entry from South Korea: It is strictly forbidden to travel between North and South Korea directly. You cannot enter North Korea from South Korea or vice versa.
Arbitrary arrest at entry: Even with all entry requirements met, there remains a risk of arbitrary arrest and detention upon arrival.
Citizenship and heritage considerations: Canadians with South Korean citizenship, family ties to North Korea, or Korean heritage should carefully consider the risks of visiting. North Korean authorities may subject dual citizens and descendants of Korean citizens to specific laws and obligations. South Koreans require approval from South Korean authorities to visit North Korea.
Unauthorized Points of Entry
Entering North Korea through unauthorized points is extremely dangerous and has resulted in detention, injury, or death for foreigners. Travelers must adhere strictly to permitted zones and official entry procedures.
Health and Safety Considerations in North Korea
Health risks in North Korea are significant, and medical facilities are severely limited. Comprehensive travel health preparations are essential.
Health Risks and Necessary Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations: Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal disease, and seasonal flu.
Recommended and required vaccines: Consult a healthcare provider or travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure for personalized advice on necessary vaccines and medications.
- Yellow Fever: While there is no yellow fever risk in North Korea and vaccination is not a country entry requirement, discuss your travel plans with a healthcare professional.
- Hepatitis A: Risk exists. Vaccination is recommended, along with practicing safe food and water precautions.
- Measles: Risk exists. Ensure you are fully protected against measles.
- Japanese Encephalitis: Risk is low for most travelers, but vaccination may be considered for those spending extended periods in rural areas or during outbreaks.
- Hepatitis B: Risk exists. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
- COVID-19: Vaccination is highly recommended. Verify North Korea’s specific COVID-19 entry/exit requirements before travel.
- Influenza: Annual flu vaccination is recommended.
- Malaria: Limited malaria transmission risk exists, but it is very low for travelers. Antimalarial medication is generally not recommended. Mosquito bite prevention is crucial.
- Rabies: Rabies is present in dogs and wildlife. Avoid contact with animals. Rabies treatment may be limited or unavailable in North Korea, necessitating potential medical evacuation. Rabies vaccination might be recommended for high-risk travelers.
- Typhoid: Risk exists from contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended, especially for those traveling to rural areas or for extended periods.
Safe Food and Water Precautions
Food and water safety is a major concern in North Korea.
- Food: Only eat food that is safely prepared – “boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it.”
- Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water.
- Swimming: Avoid swallowing water when swimming and minimize water contact with eyes, mouth, and nose, especially in freshwater.
Traveler’s diarrhea is common. Practice strict food and water safety and carry oral rehydration salts.
Medical Services and Facilities
Medical facilities in North Korea are poor, lacking essential resources like heat, medicine, and reliable power. Medical care for foreigners is expensive, requiring immediate cash payment. Pyongyang Friendship Hospital has some English-speaking staff but for any serious medical issues, evacuation is highly advisable. Medical evacuations are difficult to arrange and not guaranteed. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is absolutely essential. Quarantine may be imposed for symptoms of communicable diseases.
Laws and Cultural Norms in North Korea
Strict adherence to North Korean laws is mandatory. Ignorance of local laws is not an excuse, and any perceived infraction can have severe consequences.
Tourist Laws and Restrictions
Upon arrival, foreigners are met by guides from the host organization and must be accompanied by an official guide at all times. Strictly follow all instructions from your guides. Behavior deemed inappropriate by North Korean authorities can lead to fines, arrest, or detention. This includes seemingly innocuous actions such as unauthorized conversations with locals, currency exchange outside designated channels, or shopping in stores not meant for foreigners. Public transportation is off-limits to foreigners.
Drug Laws
Penalties for drug-related offenses, including possession, use, or trafficking, are extremely severe, potentially resulting in lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Pack your own luggage, keep it under constant supervision, and never transport items for others.
Import and Export Restrictions
Satellite phones and shortwave radios are prohibited and will be confiscated upon arrival (usually returned upon departure). It is illegal to bring North Korean currency into or out of the country. Authorities may seize materials considered pornographic, political, or intended for religious proselytizing, including materials from South Korea. Exercise extreme caution with any Korean-language materials.
Photography Restrictions
Photography is heavily restricted. It is forbidden to photograph airports, roads, bridges, seaports, rail stations, and military personnel or facilities. Taking photos outside designated tourist areas can lead to equipment confiscation or detention. Always seek permission from your tour guide before taking any photographs.
Political Sensitivity
Criticism of the state and its leadership is a serious offense and can result in imprisonment. Exercise extreme caution when discussing North Korea’s political system or the Kim ruling family (Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un).
2SLGBTQI+ Persons
The legal and social status of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in North Korea is uncertain. Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal but is not widely accepted and may face social stigma and harassment.
Money and Currency
The North Korean Won (KPW) is the official currency, but foreigners are expected to use Euros, Chinese Renminbi, or U.S. dollars. Cash is the primary form of payment. Change in foreign currency is often unavailable. Banking facilities are limited, and ATMs are non-existent. Some hotels may accept credit cards with advance notice.
Natural Disasters and Climate
Climate Change Impacts
Climate change is impacting North Korea, leading to more frequent extreme weather events that can disrupt travel plans. Monitor local media for updates.
Rainy and Typhoon Seasons
The rainy season lasts from late June to August, with July being the wettest month, bringing risks of flooding and landslides. Typhoons are common in August and September, potentially causing significant damage and disrupting essential services. If traveling during these seasons, be aware of serious safety risks, be prepared to alter travel plans at short notice, stay informed about weather forecasts, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Conclusion
While flying to North Korea is technically possible, it is crucial to understand the significant risks and restrictions involved. Travel to North Korea is strongly discouraged due to the high risk of arbitrary detention, the repressive political climate, and limited consular assistance. For those who still choose to travel, meticulous preparation, unwavering adherence to local laws and customs, and a comprehensive understanding of the potential dangers are paramount. The decision to travel remains the sole responsibility of the individual, who must also accept full responsibility for their personal safety and well-being.
