North Korea Safety Guide

Health, security, and travel safety information

Exercise Extreme Caution

North Korea (DPRK) presents a unique travel environment that differs significantly from most destinations. All tourists must travel as part of organized tours with government-approved guides, and independent travel is not permitted. From a personal safety perspective, violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and visitors are generally physically safe during their stay. However, travelers face significant risks related to arbitrary detention and strict enforcement of local laws that may seem unusual to foreigners. The primary safety concern is not physical harm but rather the risk of arrest and detention for actions that would be considered normal in other countries. Photography restrictions, political sensitivities, and strict behavioral codes must be followed meticulously. Several foreign nationals have been detained for extended periods for violating local laws, sometimes for actions that were unintentional or would be considered minor offenses elsewhere. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation options are restricted. Communication with the outside world is severely limited, and your home country's embassy may have no presence in Pyongyang or limited ability to provide consular assistance. Travelers should understand that visiting North Korea carries inherent risks that cannot be fully mitigated even with careful preparation.

While violent crime is rare, travelers face serious risks of arbitrary detention and must strictly adhere to all local laws and customs, with limited consular assistance available.

Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers before your trip.

Police

119

Police response for tourists will typically be coordinated through your tour guide; direct contact with authorities should go through your guide first

Ambulance

119

Medical emergencies should be reported immediately to your tour guide who will coordinate response; medical facilities are extremely limited

Fire

119

Fire emergencies use the same number; coordinate through your tour guide

Tour Guide

Provided at arrival

Your tour guide is your primary point of contact for ALL emergencies and issues; you will be accompanied by guides at all times

Healthcare

What to know about medical care in North Korea.

Healthcare System

North Korea's healthcare system is state-run with limited resources and infrastructure. Medical facilities available to tourists are far below international standards, with shortages of medicines, equipment, and supplies. The Pyongyang Friendship Hospital is designated for foreigners but still lacks modern equipment and medications.

Hospitals

The Pyongyang Friendship Hospital is the primary facility for foreigners. Other hospitals exist but are not accessible to tourists. Even basic medical care may be inadequate, and sterile conditions cannot be guaranteed.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies have very limited supplies. Common Western medications are generally unavailable. Bring all necessary medications in original packaging with prescriptions, including extras in case of travel delays.

Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is essential. Verify that your policy covers North Korea, as many exclude it. Medical evacuation to China or another country may be the only option for serious conditions, but arranging this is complex and expensive.

Healthcare Tips

Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and all medications you might need for your entire trip plus extra
Carry copies of prescriptions and medical documentation in English
Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers North Korea and includes medical evacuation (minimum $100,000 coverage recommended)
Bring any medical equipment you require (glasses, contact lenses, etc.) as replacements are impossible to obtain
Consider postponing travel if you have any serious medical conditions
Dental care is extremely limited; address any dental issues before traveling

Common Risks

Be aware of these potential issues.

Arbitrary Detention

High Risk

Foreign nationals have been detained for actions considered normal elsewhere, including taking unauthorized photographs, religious activities, possessing banned materials, or making political statements. Detention can last months or years.

Follow ALL instructions from guides precisely, never deviate from the group, ask permission before photographing anything, avoid political discussions, and do not bring any religious materials, foreign media, or materials critical of the DPRK.

Photography Violations

High Risk

Photographing military personnel, construction sites, poverty, certain monuments, or unauthorized areas can result in detention. Cameras and phones may be searched at any time.

Always ask your guide before taking any photograph. Delete any questionable photos immediately if requested. Avoid photographing anything that could be interpreted as showing the country in a negative light.

Petty Theft

Low Risk

Petty crime against tourists is very rare due to strict social controls and the supervised nature of all tourism.

While theft is uncommon, still keep valuables secure in your hotel room safe if available.

Traffic Accidents

Medium Risk

Road conditions are poor, vehicles may be poorly maintained, and driving standards differ from Western norms. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited.

You will travel in tour vehicles; ensure seatbelts are worn when available. Be extremely cautious when crossing streets.

Food and Waterborne Illness

Medium Risk

Sanitation standards may be inconsistent, and water quality is unreliable outside designated tourist facilities.

Drink only bottled water, avoid raw vegetables and fruits unless peeled, ensure food is thoroughly cooked, and bring anti-diarrheal medication.

Scams to Avoid

Watch out for these common tourist scams.

Unauthorized Purchases

Tourists may be offered items or services outside official channels. Accepting these could be interpreted as illegal trading or currency violations.

Only make purchases through official tourist shops and facilities. Decline any offers from individuals not part of your official tour.

Currency Exchange Violations

Unofficial currency exchange or using foreign currency outside designated areas can result in serious legal consequences.

Only exchange money at official locations. Use only approved currencies (usually USD, EUR, or CNY) in tourist facilities. Keep all exchange receipts.

Souvenir Restrictions

Some items purchased legally inside the country may be illegal to export, leading to problems at departure.

Confirm with your guide that any souvenirs are permitted for export before purchasing. Be particularly cautious with anything depicting leaders or having political significance.

Safety Tips

Practical advice to stay safe.

Legal Compliance

Never criticize the government, leaders, or political system in any way, even in private conversations
Do not bring any religious materials, foreign media, or materials that could be considered propaganda
Follow all instructions from guides immediately and without question
Never attempt to interact with locals without your guide's permission and presence
Do not leave your hotel or designated areas without your guide
Bow respectfully at statues and monuments of leaders when instructed
Never touch, fold, or damage any images of leaders
Assume all hotel rooms and conversations are monitored

Photography

Always ask permission before taking any photograph
Never photograph military personnel, vehicles, or installations
Avoid photographing poverty, construction, or anything that shows the country in a negative light
Do not photograph from buses unless explicitly permitted
Be prepared to delete photos if requested by guides or officials
Ensure leader statues and monuments are fully in frame, never cropped

Communication

International phone calls are extremely expensive and monitored; only available from specific hotels
Internet access is not available to tourists
Bring unlocked phones as local SIM cards are not available to tourists
Inform family/friends you will be unreachable during your visit
All communications should assume monitoring

Money and Valuables

Bring sufficient cash (USD, EUR, or CNY) as credit cards and ATMs are not available
Keep money in small denominations
Declare all currency upon entry and keep declaration forms
Store valuables in hotel safes when available
Keep receipts for all official purchases

Health Precautions

Bring all medications needed for your entire trip plus extras
Pack a comprehensive first aid kit
Drink only bottled water
Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently
Consider hepatitis A and B vaccinations before travel
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Bring oral rehydration salts for potential stomach issues

Information for Specific Travelers

Safety considerations for different traveler groups.

Women Travelers

Women travelers are generally physically safe in North Korea in terms of violent crime or harassment, which is extremely rare. The supervised nature of tourism provides a level of security. However, all travelers regardless of gender face the same risks regarding detention and legal issues. Women should follow the same strict behavioral guidelines as all tourists.

Dress conservatively at all times - avoid revealing clothing, short skirts, or low-cut tops
You will always be accompanied by guides, providing a level of supervision and security
Harassment from locals is very rare due to strict social controls
Follow all instructions from guides regarding appropriate behavior at monuments and public spaces
Bring adequate feminine hygiene products as these are not readily available
Solo women travelers will be part of tour groups and supervised like all other tourists

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in North Korea, but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The government does not officially acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ+ people in the country.

Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity to guides or officials
Avoid any discussion of LGBTQ+ topics as this could be considered 'Western propaganda'
Do not bring any LGBTQ+ related materials, including books, magazines, or clothing with pride symbols
Maintain the same level of discretion as all travelers regarding personal matters
Be aware that same-sex couples may face additional scrutiny if their relationship is apparent
Consider the significant risks before traveling as an openly LGBTQ+ person

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for North Korea. Medical facilities are inadequate for serious conditions, and evacuation to China or another country may be necessary. Many standard policies exclude North Korea, so specific coverage must be confirmed. The cost of medical evacuation alone can exceed $100,000. Additionally, insurance may be needed for trip cancellation as tours can be cancelled by authorities without notice.

Emergency medical coverage (minimum $50,000, preferably $100,000+) Medical evacuation and repatriation (minimum $100,000) Trip cancellation and interruption (tours can be cancelled by authorities) Emergency dental coverage Coverage for pre-existing conditions if applicable 24/7 emergency assistance services Coverage for personal liability Lost or stolen belongings (though theft is rare)

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