Travel Vaccines and Advice for North Korea

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for North Korea. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for North Korea: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.

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.

A visa is required for all travel to North Korea. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Travellers must register with local authorities if staying for 24 hours or more.

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 GOV.UK

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.

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 forged goods is widespread. But, selling or buying these goods is often illegal.

Many actions that would be permissible in the UK 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 whilst in the country. Avoid any acts that could be considered illegal or even questionable.

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 elabourate 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 alight at certain stops. But, for those who want to know more about the metro, there is a museum dedicated to its construction and history.

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 assurance, bring a hard copy of your policy as well.
• Small Extras – Things like extra batteries, tissues, torches, 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.

If you are in North Korea and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Pyongyang
Munsu-Dong Compound,
Pyongyang,
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Pyongyang
North Korea
Telephone: 00 (850) 2 381 7982
Emergency Phone: 00 (850) 191 250 7980 (from outside DPRK)
Fax: (+850) 2 381 7985
Email: Pyongyang.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

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