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Noord-Korea: wat je moet weten voor vertrek

Het belangrijkste

  • 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.

Inreis en visa

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.

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

Aan de grens kan worden gevraagd naar

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

Douane

  • 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.

Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗, gov.uk ↗

Geld

Vooral contant geld. Kaarten worden zelden geaccepteerd.

Apple Pay — werkt niet · Google Pay — werkt niet

Geldautomaten: 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.

Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Regels en verboden

Verboden

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

Wetten die reizigers onbewust overtreden

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

Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗

Cultuur en kleding

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

Kleding: 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.

Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗

Klimaat

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

Per maand
  • januari: Jan: severe winter cold
  • februari: Feb: severe winter cold
  • maart: Mar: check route-specific forecast
  • april: Apr: check route-specific forecast
  • mei: May: check route-specific forecast
  • juni: Jun: rainy season can begin late in month
  • juli: Jul: rainy season; flooding risk
  • augustus: Aug: heavy rain and typhoon risk
  • september: Sep: typhoon risk
  • oktober: Oct: check route-specific forecast
  • november: Nov: check route-specific forecast
  • december: Dec: severe winter cold

Beste seizoen: Check whether travel is permitted before considering seasonal conditions.

Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Wat mee te nemen

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

Niet meenemen / invoer verboden

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

Praktisch

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

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

Verkeer: rechts rijden

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

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

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

Gecontroleerd op 30 oktober 2026 · Bronnen: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗, cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗

Inreisregels veranderen. Controleer vóór de reis de website van de ambassade of immigratiedienst van het land.