Travel Vaccines and Advice 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!