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.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions and driving habits in a foreign country can differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning North Korea is provided for general reference only.  You are not allowed to drive in North Korea unless you hold a valid DPRK driver’s license.  Bicycles are unavailable for rental or purchase. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Foreigners are not allowed to use public buses or the subway. North Korea has a functioning rail transport system; however, delays occur often, sometimes for days.  On occasion, service may cease altogether before a traveler has reached his/her final destination.

AVIATION SAFETY  OVERSIGHT:  As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and North Korea, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed North Korea’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Please see the sections on “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” and “Criminal Penalties.” 

 To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: North Korea does not release crime statistics.  Petty thefts have been reported at the airport in Pyongyang.

Do not buy counterfeit and/or pirated goods, even if they are widely available.  The purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods is illegal in the United States and may be illegal in North Korea.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime while in North Korea, you should report the crime to your local host/liaison and contact the Embassy of Sweden for assistance.  Your local host/liaison should contact the local authorities on your behalf.

 Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Emergency Services:  If you require emergency medical services, you should inform your North Korean escorts and the Embassy of Sweden.  Please see the section above on " Victims of Crime."  You are encouraged to carry photocopies of your passport data and photo pages with you at all times so that you have evidence of your U.S. citizenship readily available.