Travel Vaccines and Advice for North Korea
Because of its controlling government, North Korea is one of the most mysterious, secretive countries in the world.
Many people visit North Korea for the novelty of being a tourist in a country that is so misunderstood.
Despite its reputation, North Korea has dozens of museums and monuments with fascinating history and gorgeous landscapes.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for North Korea?
Do I Need a Visa for North Korea?
What is the Climate Like in North Korea?
How Safe is North Korea?
A Ride on the Pyongyang Metro
What Should I Pack for North Korea?
Canadian Embassy in North Korea
Do I Need Vaccines for North Korea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for North Korea. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for North Korea: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for North Korea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for North Korea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria is present in some parts of North Korea. An antimalarial prescription may be recommended based on destination and itinerary.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa for North Korea?
Yes, to enter North Korea you need a visa. You can apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy or the North Korean Mission to the UN. You will also need a Chinese visa that allows multiple entries and exits. The only way to travel into North Korea is through China. As a tourist, the only way to enter North Korea is with a government-sanctioned tour group.
North Korea Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to North Korea? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of North Korea and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in North Korea?
North Korea has a continental climate, meaning it has warm summers and cold, dry winters. In summer, the country is affected by warm currents from tropical regions. These currents bring heavy rainfalls and warmer temperatures. In the winter, winds from Siberia cause weather that gets very cold and has very little moisture.
Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is located inland. The average temperatures in summer are in high 20’s. But, they can reach up to the low 30’s, and tend to go along with high humidity. In the winter, temperatures can drop below zero, but are more likely to stay in the teens.
How Safe is North Korea?
North Korea does not release statistics or information on crime within the country. Not much about the prevalence of crime is known. Petty theft and pick-pocketing have been reported by travellers at the airport in Pyongyang. The sale of counterfeit goods is widespread. But, selling or buying these goods is often illegal.
Many actions that would be permissible in the U.S. are illegal in North Korea. While in North Korea, you are subject to local law. Even breaking the law out of ignorance can hold severe penalties. This includes detention in the country. Criticism of the North Korean government and its leaders, past or present, in any form is against the law. Assume that your actions will be monitored while in the country. Avoid any acts that could be considered illegal or even questionable.
A Ride on the Pyongyang Metro
While public transportation is not ideal most countries, the Pyongyang Metro has a positive reputation. Built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the metro has an old-fashioned, classical look. Inside the trains, walls have wood panels. The stations have high, arched ceilings along with elaborate chandeliers and marble pillars.
Not only is the metro a worthy sight on its own, but it can help bring you across the city to see the best above-ground sights.
Like all other travel in North Korea, the metro is heavily supervised. Tourists are only allowed to disembark at certain stops. But, for those who want to know more about the metro, there is a museum dedicated to its construction and history.
What Should I Pack for North Korea?
Don’t forget these needed items on your trip:
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing – The right clothing you’ll need changes with the season. Bring plenty of warm clothes, layers, hats, and gloves in winter, but be ready for the heat and plenty of rain in summer. In spring and autumn, bring enough layers to be ready for anything unpredictable.
- Documents – Bring all your needed travel documents. This includes hard copies confirming your hotel stays, tour reservations, and flight and travel plans. If you have insurance, bring a hard copy of your policy as well.
- Small Extras – Things like extra batteries, tissues, flashlights, and other small conveniences may be useful. Stores are generally not as well stocked in North Korea.
- Snacks – If you have any dietary requirements, bringing a stash of snacks may be a good idea. Restaurant menus are likely to be limited and they may not be able to accommodate requests.
Canadian Embassy in North Korea
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in North Korea. Consular services are provided by the Embassy of Sweden to North Korea.
Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang
Munsu-dong, Taehak Street,
Taedonggang District,
Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Telephone: +46 8 405 10 00
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for North Korea
“My and I went for travel advice to Passport Health, Our entire experience has been great and exceptional right from first call to book an appointment. Everyone has been pleasant and always willing to help. We consulted with a nurse, he was not only very knowledgeable but also very nice. He explained in detail what vaccines we need, medications and during our travel spanning several Asian countries including North Korea. He allayed all our concerns and now we are so relieved. The best part is Passport Health is in the business of providing professional advice instead of selling what you don’t need. We highly recommend Passport Health.”
“The doctor was very courteous and thorough during the consultation. They will give you some reading materials, and go through vaccination and medication conditions in detail. Any silly medical or travel questions about North Korea were answered without judgement or haste!”
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