North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea or the DPRK) is a highly regimented, repressive Communist state located on the Korean Peninsula between northeast China and the Republic of Korea (South Korea or the ROK), sharing land borders with China, Russia, and South Korea.  The border between North and South Korea is closed.  The United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea.  The Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang acts as the United States’ protecting power and provides basic consular services to U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea.  For additional information, please refer to the section on “Special Circumstances” below.  Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on North Korea for additional information on North Korea.