Avoid all travel to North Korea due to the uncertain security situation caused by its nuclear weapons development program and highly repressive regime. There is no resident Canadian government office in the country. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance in North Korea is extremely limited. Back to top. Canadian and Swedish authorities may encounter major difficulties and delays in obtaining consular access to you if you are detained, particularly outside of Pyongyang. The provision of consular access is solely at the discretion of the North Korean government.
Knowledge of North Korean police and judicial systems is limited, which may further affect our ability to provide assistance to you. Tourist facilities are minimal and telecommunications are unreliable. Individual tourism can be arranged only through a handful of North Korean government-approved travel agencies.
Travel must be authorized in advance by the government. Travellers are closely observed, and their accommodations and telecommunications are monitored. You have no right to privacy. Your movements and communications may be under surveillance at any time. Your personal belongings may be searched, and authorities may review the contents stored on your electronic devices. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula can escalate with little notice.
They may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises and incidents such as inter-Korean border skirmishes or other incidents that one or the other side finds offensive. Due to very limited access to international media broadcasts in North Korea, you may be taken by surprise by events that could affect your security.
The crime rate is low. Petty crime occurs, especially at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
