Nordkorea

Översikt

North Korea’s security environment is dominated by two key issues;, the regional security issues surrounding the North’s nuclear ambitions and trans-national organised criminal activity with respect to trafficking and production of narcotics and counterfeit currency. The North is still technically at war with South Korea as the two sides have never signed formal agreements concluding the Korean War (1950-1953). The De-Militarised Zone (DMZ) is one of the most heavily fortified land borders in the world. Legacy issues still impact geopolitical relations with the US and Japan, stemming from Japan’s colonisation of the Korean Peninsula during the early 20th century. Pyongyang's defiance in the international arena is clearly demonstrated through numerous nuclear and ballistic missile tests since mid-2000's. Despite this, two rounds of nuclear talks between leader Kim Jong-un and former US President Donald J. Trump have resulted in a slight decrease in tension in the Korean Peninsular since 2018. 

Given the iron-grip rule of the regime, it is difficult to assess the depth of which organised criminal activity is embedded in the political and economic environment, though it poses a threat to potential foreign direct investment. Tight state controls also make it unlikely that the North faces any particular threats from terrorism or insurgency threat groups, while petty crime is reported to be extremely low.

Flooding with devastated effects to the country's fragile infrastructure could also break out periodically. The most recent one occurred in June 2020 that left casualties and damage particularly in North Hwanghae province.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for North Korea. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Malaria risk is present in the southern part of North Korea. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in North Korea.

Given the lack of resources and electricity and the outdated skills among staff, medical facilities are generally poor. Hospitals in Pyongyang can perform basic medical tests but equipment is outdated. The Friendship Hospital in Pyongyang has reasonable facilities and can perform emergency surgery, but the quality of care is not comparable to that of major hospitals elsewhere in Asia.

It is not recommended for persons with medical problems to travel to North Korea. Surgery should be avoided and people requiring regular medication are encouraged to bring with them sufficient supply since most drugs are impossible to obtain locally. However the medications may not be brought into North Korea without written authorization from the North Korean government. Also due to the poor medical facilities children and pregnant women should avoid travelling to North Korea. All travellers need to make sure they have medical insurance that covers them for medical expenses in case of possible evacuation to Beijing.

Pass

Travel to North Korea is permitted only through officially recognised travel companies as independent travel is not allowed.

Travellers must have a valid passport for travel to North Korea or risk being detained, arrested, fined or denied entry.

Beginning 1 September 2017, US citizens will also be barred from travelling into North Korea. Unless a special request is being made, the passports of US citizens will not be valid in the country starting from said date.

Visum

Travellers must obtain a North Korean visa; information on how to obtain one is available from the closest North Korean or Chinese embassies to your country of residence.

If travellers wish to obtain their North Korean visa in Beijing, they must arrive at least one day prior to departure for North Korea.

Almost all entrants to North Korea will go via Beijing, so a double entry visa for China may be required depending on duration of stay.

This is also a good idea in case of an emergency evacuation. Additionally it is likely you will need to obtain your visa from the North Korean embassy in Beijing.

Travellers can obtain a visa at the North Korean Consulate in Beijing:

Ritan Bei Lu
Jianguomenwai
Beijing 100600

Upon entering North Korea, travellers will need to register with the authorities within 24 hours of arrival. This process will be carried out by the staff at the hotel you are staying. Travellers’ passport may be taken for the duration of the trip.