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Before you go to North Korea: what to know

Must know

  • General entry remains restricted; limited tourism is not a general reopening. Confirm authorisation before booking.
  • The UK advises against all but essential travel; arbitrary detention and limited consular access are serious risks.
  • Expect guided travel and cash payments; international cards and mobile payments cannot be relied on.

Entry and visas

Entry is restricted and requires advance authorisation. British tourists need a visa and normally travel on an organised tour. Chinese ordinary-passport holders also need a visa or authorised sightseeing document in advance. Confirm current nationality, route and entry restrictions with the relevant embassy and authorised operator.

Passport validity: UK guidance: valid for the stay; confirm stricter nationality and transit requirements with the embassy.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Follow your authorised guide and the approved itinerary.
  • Register any foreign mobile phone at the border.

Customs

  • Declare foreign currency. Importing or exporting North Korean won is illegal.
  • Religious, political or other media considered subversive may be confiscated and lead to detention.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗, gov.uk ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — does not work · Google Pay — does not work

ATMs: There are no ATMs. Do not plan on obtaining cash after arrival.

  • Foreign visitors normally pay in euros, US dollars or Chinese yuan rather than won.
  • Bring enough permitted cash and confirm currency and denominations with your operator.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Political criticism and unsanctioned religious activity can lead to detention.
  • Do not photograph officials, guarded buildings or restricted sites without permission.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Movement is severely restricted; travel outside Pyongyang requires permission.
  • Your guide determines the permitted itinerary.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Promoting other religions or beliefs can incur severe penalties.

Clothing: Ask your authorised operator about dress requirements for each visit.

Etiquette

  • Treat images of current and former leaders with care.
  • Ask your guide before taking photographs.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Cold winters and summer rains. Flooding is a major risk in July–August; typhoons can affect travel in August–September.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: severe winter cold
  • February: Feb: severe winter cold
  • March: Mar: check route-specific forecast
  • April: Apr: check route-specific forecast
  • May: May: check route-specific forecast
  • June: Jun: rainy season can begin late in month
  • July: Jul: rainy season; flooding risk
  • August: Aug: heavy rain and typhoon risk
  • September: Sep: typhoon risk
  • October: Oct: check route-specific forecast
  • November: Nov: check route-specific forecast
  • December: Dec: severe winter cold

Best season: Check whether travel is permitted before considering seasonal conditions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Approved travel documents and operator contacts
  • Permitted cash arranged before departure
  • Prescription medicines in original packaging

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Religious or political material not cleared with your operator
  • GPS equipment without checking customs restrictions

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and appliance voltage with your authorised operator.

Water: Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid ice.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: International SIM cards do not connect to local networks. Confirm any permitted communications arrangements before departure.

Health: Health facilities are poor; serious illness or injury may require difficult evacuation.

Insurance: Confirm evacuation arrangements and cover despite government travel warnings.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗, cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.