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North Korea Travel Information
 The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea or DPRK) is a highly centralized Communist state. Tourist facilities are not widely available. Tourism in North Korea is permitted only in officially organized groups authorized by the Government of North Korea. Independent tourism is not permitted.Telephone and other communications are limited.
In recent years, North Korea has experienced lower crop production, which has resulted in serious shortages of food and other supplies. A broad spectrum of countries, including the United States, has contributed to international relief efforts.
INTERIM CONSULAR PROTECTING POWER: The United States does not maintain diplomatic, consular, or trade relations with North Korea. Consequently, the U.S. Government is not in a position to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens in North Korea. Negotiations are ongoing to implement a provision of the 1994 Agreed Framework between the U.S. and North Korea for an exchange of diplomatic missions, but it is uncertain when they may be completed. On September 20, 1995, a consular protecting power arrangement was implemented, allowing for consular protection by the Swedish Embassy of U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea. In this capacity, the Swedish Embassy endeavors to provide basic consular protective services to U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea who are ill, injured, arrested or who may die.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. passports are valid for travel to North Korea. Even though DPRK embassies abroad sometimes ask American visa applicants to obtain U.S. Government permission to travel to North Korea as a way of forestalling the visa application, the U.S. Government neither requires nor issues such permission letters. However, U.S. citizens who arrive in North Korea without a U.S. passport and North Korean visa may be detained, arrested, fined or denied entry. The North Korean government does not permit foreigners to visit certain areas of North Korea.
There is no North Korean embassy or consulate in the United States. U.S. citizens and residents wishing to travel to North Korea must obtain North Korean visas in third countries. For information about entry requirements and restricted areas, travelers may consult the North Korean Mission to the United Nations in New York, which may be in a position to provide information. Address all such inquiries to the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People?s Republic of Korea to the United Nations, 820 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10017, tel: fax: (86-10) 6532-4153.
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