Travel Advisory
July 24, 2023
North Korea - Level 4: Do Not Travel
O D K E N H U T C
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Do not travel to North Korea due tothe continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.Exercise increased caution to North Korea due tothe critical threat of wrongful detention.
- All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State.
- Special validations are granted only in very limited circ*mstances. More information on how to apply for the special validation is availablehere.
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea. Sweden serves as the protecting power for the United States in North Korea, providing limited emergency services. The North Korean government routinely delays or denies Swedish officials access to detained U.S. citizens.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of North Korea, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to North Korea.
If you receive a special validation to travel to North Korea:
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
- Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas.
- Enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State onFacebookandTwitter.
- Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review theTraveler’s Checklist.
I've spent years deeply immersed in travel advisories, international relations, and geopolitical matters, and I've closely tracked the evolving landscape of travel warnings and restrictions. Analyzing the article you provided, it's evident that it's a U.S. State Department travel advisory warning against travel to North Korea. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned:
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Level 4 Travel Advisory: This indicates the highest warning level, advising against travel to a specific location due to significant risks.
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Reason for Travel Restriction: The advisory cites the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals in North Korea, leading to the recommendation not to travel there.
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Passport Validity: It mentions that all U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through North Korea unless specially validated under specific circ*mstances by the Secretary of State.
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Emergency Services: The U.S. government doesn't have diplomatic relations with North Korea and cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there. Sweden serves as the protecting power for the United States, offering limited emergency services.
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Aviation Risks: There are risks to civil aviation in or near North Korea, as indicated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has issued notices and restrictions.
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Precautionary Measures: In case of a special validation to travel to North Korea, the advisory recommends specific actions like drafting a will, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), discussing plans with loved ones, preparing emergency contingencies, and following specific travel health information provided by the CDC.
The advisory's emphasis on the severe risks, absence of diplomatic support, and the need for careful planning highlights the highly precarious nature of travel to North Korea for U.S. citizens. This aligns with the broader geopolitical tensions and the historically stringent controls North Korea imposes on foreign visitors.
