North Korea
The FCDO advises against all travel to North Korea, except for cases that are strictly essential.
Warnings and insurance
Status as of:
31 October 2026
Updated:
10 December 2025
Latest update:
New information regarding dual nationals returning to the UK has been added to the ‘Entry requirements’ page.
Traveling against the guidance of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) may result in your travel insurance becoming invalid.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea
Tensions remain elevated across the Korean Peninsula. Although daily life in Pyongyang might seem stable, the security environment within North Korea can shift rapidly without notice due to potential government actions. This creates substantial risks for British residents and visitors. Please refer to the Safety and security section.
Border restrictions
Since the implementation of COVID-19 border measures in 2020, North Korea has maintained a closure on general entry.
The government has begun easing these pandemic-related restrictions recently. Consequently, some diplomatic missions have returned to standard operations, and limited tourism has been permitted to resume.
Nevertheless, the North Korean administration has not reopened all passenger transit routes. A significant number of embassies, including the British Embassy in Pyongyang, remain non-operational.
Support from the UK government
North Korean officials have historically detained foreign citizens for supposed violations of local regulations, often refusing them access to consular assistance from their home nations.
The small number of British citizens who travel to North Korea typically do soite FCDO warnings, you must adhere strictly to the instructions provided by your tour operator and local officials. Disregarding these instructions could jeopardize your personal safety
Assistance from the FCDO is extremely restricted, particularly given the absence of a British Embassy. Remote support may be available if you are able to
