Travel within the DPRK is severely restricted. Tourists are not permitted to drive. Foreigners residing in the country must obtain a licence by passing a local driving test. Transportation is usually provided by local tour representatives or authorities. DPRK officials accompany travellers at all times. Their instructions should be obeyed.  Traffic is usually minimal, and major highways are in good condition. However, rural roads can be hazardous.

BACK TO TOP

5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The typhoon season extends from July to early fall. Flash floods may affect the condition of roads. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.The DPRK does not recognize dual nationality, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services to individuals who are citizens of both Canada and the DPRK. Dual citizens may also be subject to national laws and obligations, such as taxes. Canadians should always present themselves as Canadian and use their Canadian passport at all times. For more information, see our publication Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know.

Travellers should ensure that they are not seen to be critical of the country's political system, current and former leaders Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung or members of their family.

Importation of audio equipment, including shortwave radios and communications devices such as cellular telephones and computers, is prohibited. Such items are confiscated upon entry and usually returned upon departure. Authorities may seize books, magazines, video and audio tapes, and documents that they deem to be pornographic, political, or intended for religious proselytizing. Written material of any kind in the Korean language should not be brought into the DPRK. Involvement in politics and unsanctioned religious activity can result in detention. Photography of airports, roads, and bridges is prohibited and may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Travellers must seek permission from their tour guide before taking photographs.

BACK TO TOP

7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in the DPRK. Canadians in the DPRK can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang at the following address:

Democratic People's Republic of Korea - PYONGYANG, Swedish Embassy
Address: Munsudong, Daehak Street, Taedonggang District, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Tel.: 850 (2) 381-7908, 381-7904, or 381-7485
Fax: 850 (2) 381-7663
E-mail: ambassaden.pyongyang@foreign.ministry.se
Internet: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/4189/l/en/pd/4189/e/3647

The Embassy of Canada in Seoul, South Korea, is responsible for providing consular services in the DPRK, but is limited in its ability to do so. The address is as follows:

Republic of Korea - SEOUL, Embassy of Canada
Address: 9th and 10th Floors, Kolon Building, 45 Mugyo-Dong, Chung-Ku, Seoul 100-170, Republic of Korea
Postal Address: P.O. Box 6299, 100-662 Seoul, Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea
Tel.: 82 (2) 3455-6000
Fax: 82 (2) 3455-6123
E-mail: seoul@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.korea.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Seoul and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on December 12, 2005. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the DPRK. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Visas are issued from a DPRK mission in a third country after approval from the government in Pyongyang.

As most travellers must pass through China on their way to and from the DPRK, a single- or double-entry Chinese visa may also be required, depending on the length and number of stays in China. Visas are issued from a Chinese mission in a third country.

Canadians arriving without a valid Canadian passport and visa may be detained, arrested, fined, or denied entry. Foreigners must register through their host organization within 24 hours of arrival.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

______________________________________________

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

9. MONEY

The currency is the DPRK won. Foreigners are not permitted to use won. Cash is the most recognized form of payment, and euros are the most widely accepted currency. Banking facilities are limited. Travellers cheques are not accepted. There are no ATMs. Some credit cards are accepted in some hotels. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) (capital: Pyongyang) is located in eastern Asia, between China and South Korea. The official language is Korean. Tourist facilities are minimal. There are serious shortages of food, electricity, and clean water.

Although Canada established diplomatic relations with the DPRK in February 2001, neither country has a diplomatic mission in the other.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases the chance of illness. Medical facilities are primitive. Hospitals often lack heat and medicine and suffer from frequent power outages. Immediate payment in cash is expected for treatment. A hospital staffed by English-speaking professionals is available to foreigners in the Munsudong district of Pyongyang. Medical evacuations are very difficult to arrange and are not guaranteed. Canadians with unstable medical conditions should take this into account prior to travel. Travellers showing symptoms of serious communicable diseases may be subject to strict quarantine conditions.

BACK TO TOP

13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

BACK TO TOP

15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

BACK TO TOP

16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

BACK TO TOP

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

BACK TO TOP

18. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP