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North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, north korea - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to North Korea due to  the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.  Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to  the 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 circumstances. More information on how to apply for the special validation is available  here .

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 the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for 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 for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

Anthony Kuhn

Anthony Kuhn

american visit north korea

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again. Lee Su-Kil/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again.

SEOUL — The Biden administration has to decide by the end of the month whether to renew a ban on U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea, and Americans with relatives in North Korea are eagerly awaiting the decision.

They include Kate Shim, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea in the 1970s. After the Korean War, her uncle was missing and her family believed he was in North Korea.

Shim says her great-grandmother told her father: "You need to find your brother because I know he's alive."

Shim's brother managed to track down their missing uncle in North Korea in the 1980s, finally reuniting him with his mother after more than 30 years.

In 1989, Shim started visiting relatives in North Korea, too.

"They were alive, and I was so happy to see my cousins," says Shim, 62. "We didn't care about, like, what politics, what kind of government we are under. We're just happy to see them."

In the 1940s and 50s, the division of Korea into two countries and the Korean War left as many as 10 million Koreans separated from their families. U.S. officials estimated in 2001 that the figure included 100,000 Korean Americans, but the number has dwindled as their communities age.

For many of the remaining members of that divided generation, time is running out to reunite with their relatives separated by geography and clashing governments.

Travel was banned after Otto Warmbier

american visit north korea

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma. Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP hide caption

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma.

The U.S. has barred the use of an American passport to enter North Korea since 2017, making limited, one-time exceptions for some citizens such as aid workers and journalists.

101 Ways To Thwart A Reporter In Pyongyang

101 Ways To Thwart A Reporter In Pyongyang

The Trump administration enacted the ban following the June 2017 death of American college student Otto Warmbier after his release from detention in Pyongyang.

Otto Warmbier's Parents Sue North Korea, Alleging Torture Of Their Son

The Two-Way

Otto warmbier's parents sue north korea, alleging torture of their son.

North Korean authorities arrested Warmbier in January 2016 and sentenced him to 15 years of hard labor for taking a propaganda poster in a hotel in Pyongyang. After being in custody for more than a year, the 22-year-old was flown home in a coma and died shortly after. North Korea has denied accusations of torture.

Last year, when Biden was a candidate, he said in an op-ed that as president he would work "to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades."

The administration has not commented on what it will do about the travel policy.

In a statement to NPR, the State Department said it renewed the restriction in September 2020 "due to continuing concerns over the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention in North Korea." The ban will expire on Sept. 1 unless the secretary of state extends or revokes it.

(The government's travel advisory also says not to visit North Korea now because of COVID-19 .)

Detention risk or dialogue opportunity

Some experts on North Korea believe the threat of detention remains, and so should the restriction.

North Korea Says Detained American Had Intended To 'Subvert The Country'

North Korea Says Detained American Had Intended To 'Subvert The Country'

"At this moment, there's no reason to get rid of the travel ban," argues Anthony Ruggiero, a former National Security Council director for North Korea. He says Pyongyang has not abandoned its practice of detaining Americans as it hopes to secure political leverage over Washington.

american visit north korea

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009. Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images hide caption

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009.

Some previous detentions have required former presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton , to travel to North Korea to secure their release and bring them home.

The ban should only be lifted "when North Korea is more of a normal country, that doesn't kidnap people," says Ruggiero, now a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a research group in Washington that has advocated for a hard line against North Korea.

Ruggiero doesn't think allowing people-to-people exchanges will help persuade the government of Kim Jong Un to give up its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Other observers argue that reopening travel could be a start.

"The U.S. is saying we want the North Koreans to come to the table," notes Daniel Jasper, the Asia public education and advocacy coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee, a Philadelphia-based peace advocacy group. "In order to do that," he says, "we have to get back to baseline level of engagement, or North Koreans will continue to understand that to mean that the U.S. is not really sincere in their attempts to engage."

Jasper attended a meeting recently where several civic groups tried to persuade administration officials to lift the ban.

The White House has said it's taking a " calibrated practical approach " toward potential diplomacy with North Korea. This week, Biden's envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, said he discussed with South Korean officials possible ways to address humanitarian cooperation with North Korea.

Meanwhile, advocates and lawmakers have pushed for help reuniting divided Korean families. A bill is now before the Senate that would require U.S. officials to consult with Korean Americans on progress on these efforts.

american visit north korea

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea. Lee Su-Kil/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea.

Opening up helps to seek closure

Although official visitor figures for North Korea are hard to find, one tour operator estimated as many as 1,000 Americans went annually, according to news reports before the ban took effect.

One of the lucky ones who made it was Choon Lim. He was born in Nampo, North Korea, and fled to South Korea during the war. He later settled in Chicago.

In 1998, he visited North Korea hoping to find his father, but discovered he had died six years before.

When it came time for Lim to pour an offering of liquor before his father's ashes, he froze for an instant, that felt like an eternity.

"All those 47 years, what I have experienced, how I lived, how we lived in the South, all those things came down through my head. And I collapsed. I couldn't do it," remembers Lim, who is 75.

Lim later returned to North Korea several times with other Korean American families.

"I worked for helping separated family members visiting North Korea," he says, "because every one of the separated families should have the same kind of a closure that I had."

Waiting for a peaceful resolution

Ed Kang is also in favor of ending the travel ban. Born in 1934, he grew up in a Christian family in Pyongyang. He fled to avoid persecution under the communist regime, walking with his father the roughly 120 miles to Seoul in the winter of 1950.

"Many times, I was almost killed, but I survived," Kang recalls. "I saw the hand of God, protecting me and guiding me." Kang became a Presbyterian minister in the U.S., and returned to North Korea several times to visit his mother and younger brother, after being separated for more than 30 years.

He says the travel ban is causing unnecessary suffering, and removing it would be "making a contribution to a kind of peaceful resolution between the U.S. and North Korea."

Even if the ban is lifted, though, North Korea remains closed to the outside world, due to the pandemic. It has stopped answering hotline connecting it with South Korea, and says it is "not even considering " negotiations with the U.S.

Se Eun Gong contributed to this story from Seoul and Michele Kelemen from Washington, D.C.

  • North Korea diplomacy
  • otto warmbier
  • korean american
  • North Korea

Biden administration extends Trump-era ban on US passport use for North Korea travel

american visit north korea

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration has extended for one year a Trump-era ban  on the use of U.S. passports for travel to North Korea.

The ban had first been imposed by former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in 2017 after the death of American student Otto Warmbier , who suffered grievous injuries while in North Korean custody. It has been extended annually ever since.

The State Department announced the extension of the ban until Aug. 31, 2022, in a Federal Register notice to be published on Thursday. Humanitarian groups have expressed concern about the impact the initial ban and its extensions have had on providing relief to isolated North Korea, which is one of the world’s neediest countries .

►State TV: North Koreans concerned over Kim Jong Un's 'emaciated looks'

►'Tense' food situation: Kim Jong Un warns of possible food shortages, extended COVID-19 restrictions

The ban makes it illegal to use a U.S. passport for travel to, from or through North Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or the DPRK, unless the document has been specially validated. Such validations are granted by the State Department only in the case of compelling national interest.

“The Department of State has determined there continues to be serious risk to U.S. citizens and nationals of arrest and long-term detention constituting imminent danger to their physical safety,” the department said in the notice. “Accordingly, all U.S. passports shall remain invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the secretary of state."

►No-show: Even in absence, North Korea's presence felt at Tokyo Games

Warmbier was part of a group tour of North Korea and was leaving the country in January 2016 when he was arrested for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. He was later convicted of subversion and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. In June 2017, North Korean authorities reported to U.S. officials that Warmbier had suffered extensive injuries while in custody, and President Donald Trump's administration sent a delegation to repatriate him.

Comatose, Warmbier died in a Cincinnati hospital six days after his return to the U.S. Shortly thereafter, Tillerson imposed the ban on the use of U.S. passports for travel to North Korea.

american visit north korea

Americans Can't Visit North Korea. Some Who Have Family There Hope Biden Changes That

North Korean Kang Ho-Rye (second from left), 89, hugs her South Korean relative at a resort at Mount Kumgang, North Korea, in August 2018. Almost 100 South Koreans crossed the armed border to the North to meet their separated families. The U.S. bars citizens from entering North Korea, but some Korean Americans hope the Biden administration will lift the ban and let them visit again.

Updated August 27, 2021 at 1:04 PM ET

SEOUL — The Biden administration has to decide by the end of the month whether to renew a ban on U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea, and Americans with relatives in North Korea are eagerly awaiting the decision.

They include Kate Shim, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea in the 1970s. After the Korean War, her uncle was missing and her family believed he was in North Korea.

Shim says her great-grandmother told her father: "You need to find your brother because I know he's alive."

Shim's brother managed to track down their missing uncle in North Korea in the 1980s, finally reuniting him with his mother after more than 30 years.

In 1989, Shim started visiting relatives in North Korea, too.

"They were alive, and I was so happy to see my cousins," says Shim, 62. "We didn't care about, like, what politics, what kind of government we are under. We're just happy to see them."

In the 1940s and 50s, the division of Korea into two countries and the Korean War left as many as 10 million Koreans separated from their families. U.S. officials estimated in 2001 that the figure included 100,000 Korean Americans, but the number has dwindled as their communities age.

For many of the remaining members of that divided generation, time is running out to reunite with their relatives separated by geography and clashing governments.

Travel was banned after Otto Warmbier

In this Feb. 29, 2016, photo, American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea. Warmbier died in June 2017 days after being released from detention in North Korea in a coma.

The U.S. has barred the use of an American passport to enter North Korea since 2017, making limited, one-time exceptions for some citizens such as aid workers and journalists.

The Trump administration enacted the ban following the June 2017 death of American college student Otto Warmbier after his release from detention in Pyongyang.

North Korean authorities arrested Warmbier in January 2016 and sentenced him to 15 years of hard labor for taking a propaganda poster in a hotel in Pyongyang. After being in custody for more than a year, the 22-year-old was flown home in a coma and died shortly after. North Korea has denied accusations of torture.

Last year, when Biden was a candidate, he said in an op-ed that as president he would work "to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades."

The administration has not commented on what it will do about the travel policy.

In a statement to NPR, the State Department said it renewed the restriction in September 2020 "due to continuing concerns over the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention in North Korea." The ban will expire on Sept. 1 unless the secretary of state extends or revokes it.

(The government's travel advisory also says not to visit North Korea now because of COVID-19 .)

Detention risk or dialogue opportunity

Some experts on North Korea believe the threat of detention remains, and so should the restriction.

"At this moment, there's no reason to get rid of the travel ban," argues Anthony Ruggiero, a former National Security Council director for North Korea. He says Pyongyang has not abandoned its practice of detaining Americans as it hopes to secure political leverage over Washington.

Former President Bill Clinton claps as former Vice President Al Gore hugs Laura Ling and Euna Lee smiles with joy. Clinton and the two California journalists whose freedom he helped secure from prison in North Korea arrived at what's now called Hollywood Burbank Airport on Aug. 5, 2009.

Some previous detentions have required former presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton , to travel to North Korea to secure their release and bring them home.

The ban should only be lifted "when North Korea is more of a normal country, that doesn't kidnap people," says Ruggiero, now a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a research group in Washington that has advocated for a hard line against North Korea.

Ruggiero doesn't think allowing people-to-people exchanges will help persuade the government of Kim Jong Un to give up its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

Other observers argue that reopening travel could be a start.

"The U.S. is saying we want the North Koreans to come to the table," notes Daniel Jasper, the Asia public education and advocacy coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee, a Philadelphia-based peace advocacy group. "In order to do that," he says, "we have to get back to baseline level of engagement, or North Koreans will continue to understand that to mean that the U.S. is not really sincere in their attempts to engage."

Jasper attended a meeting recently where several civic groups tried to persuade administration officials to lift the ban.

The White House has said it's taking a " calibrated practical approach " toward potential diplomacy with North Korea. This week, Biden's envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, said he discussed with South Korean officials possible ways to address humanitarian cooperation with North Korea.

Meanwhile, advocates and lawmakers have pushed for help reuniting divided Korean families. A bill is now before the Senate that would require U.S. officials to consult with Korean Americans on progress on these efforts.

North Koreans on a bus hold hands of their South Korean relatives to bid farewell after the separated family reunion meeting at the Mount Kumgang resort on Aug. 26, 2018, in Mount Kumgang, North Korea.

Opening up helps to seek closure

Although official visitor figures for North Korea are hard to find, one tour operator estimated as many as 1,000 Americans went annually, according to news reports before the ban took effect.

One of the lucky ones who made it was Choon Lim. He was born in Nampo, North Korea, and fled to South Korea during the war. He later settled in Chicago.

In 1998, he visited North Korea hoping to find his father, but discovered he had died six years before.

When it came time for Lim to pour an offering of liquor before his father's ashes, he froze for an instant, that felt like an eternity.

"All those 47 years, what I have experienced, how I lived, how we lived in the South, all those things came down through my head. And I collapsed. I couldn't do it," remembers Lim, who is 75.

Lim later returned to North Korea several times with other Korean American families.

"I worked for helping separated family members visiting North Korea," he says, "because every one of the separated families should have the same kind of a closure that I had."

Waiting for a peaceful resolution

Ed Kang is also in favor of ending the travel ban. Born in 1934, he grew up in a Christian family in Pyongyang. He fled to avoid persecution under the communist regime, walking with his father the roughly 120 miles to Seoul in the winter of 1950.

"Many times, I was almost killed, but I survived," Kang recalls. "I saw the hand of God, protecting me and guiding me." Kang became a Presbyterian minister in the U.S., and returned to North Korea several times to visit his mother and younger brother, after being separated for more than 30 years.

He says the travel ban is causing unnecessary suffering, and removing it would be "making a contribution to a kind of peaceful resolution between the U.S. and North Korea."

Even if the ban is lifted, though, North Korea remains closed to the outside world, due to the pandemic. It has stopped answering hotline connecting it with South Korea, and says it is "not even considering " negotiations with the U.S.

Se Eun Gong contributed to this story from Seoul and Michele Kelemen from Washington, D.C.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

american visit north korea

tourist taking selfie in Pyongyang

  • PHOTOGRAPHY

These Are the Last Americans to Visit North Korea

Before the United States banned travelers from visiting the closed nation, a small group rushed to get there for one last tour.

For all of its restrictive laws, its harsh ruler, and its reputation as the Hermit Kingdom, North Korea has long been open to visitors. For years, Chinese tour companies have brought foreigners into the country—including roughly 1,000 Americans per year—for a curated tour of daily North Korean life. Americans have been able to spend time at North Korean amusement parks, schools, and subway stations. Almost all left without incident.

a A traffic policeman in Kaesong, North Korea.

But that changed after the June 19 death of Otto Warmbier, the American student detained in Pyongyang for stealing a poster from a hotel. Citing Warmbier’s inhumane treatment––and amid the country’s deteriorating relationship with Washington over the regime’s nuclear weapons ambitions––the U.S. State Department restricted all U.S. passports from being used to travel to North Korea. (The regime called the ban a “vile measure.”)

Before the new travel ban took effect on September 1, photojournalist David Guttenfelder joined a group of six American tourists eager to see inside the world’s most secretive nation. For almost 20 years, Guttenfelder has been one of the few western journalists allowed inside North Korea, making nearly 50 trips, some while on assignment for National Geographic, to document its political and military situation.

All of the travelers said they were motivated by intense curiosity. Brad Yoon, an Uber driver from California, had never traveled abroad before; he told his parents he was going to China so they wouldn’t worry. Amy Kang, a Korean-American, went with her husband in hopes of learning about her heritage. “It was completely different from anything I was expecting,” Kang said. After all the horror stories she had heard about the repressive regime and the widespread lack of freedoms, she was surprised to find in Pyongyang an element of normality: people who had jobs, families, and who could name their favorite American movies.

Of course, being a tourist meant staying in a bubble of predictability and calm. There were no sudden movements, no surprises.

roadside stand in North Korea

There were planned visits to a grocery store, a bowling alley, a brewery, and a circus. No one mentioned the country’s nuclear threats, or Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un’s war of words with U.S. President Donald Trump. When the North Korean military launched a missile over Japan in late August that drew international rebuke, Guttenfelder learned of it on Twitter via his cell phone’s limited wireless coverage. No one else around him, including his handlers, had any idea.

One could, however, sense the tension of potential military conflict. Guttenfelder, who has visited North Korea during four presidential administrations, observed that in the Trump era, the people seemed to be tense, but not as tense as he'd seen in the past. On the roads there were more propaganda billboards than usual bashing the United States. At a children's play place in the airport, an old piece of art showing children building missiles out of blocks seemed to fit the current tensions.

The tour included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the area straddling the 38th Parallel where North and South Korean soldiers traditionally stare stone-faced at each other across a courtyard bisecting North and South.

The threat of war at any moment has always kept the two militaries prepared to fight. But to the American tourists, the impending travel ban also brought an urgency to buy keepsakes. At various stores selling trinkets, the Americans and other foreign tourists clamored over stamps, art, ginseng products, and North Korean alcohol. One especially popular souvenir: anti-American propaganda posters.

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The Last Americans to Visit North Korea

Before the united states banned travellers from visiting the closed nation, a small group rushed to get there for one last tour..

american visit north korea

For all of its restrictive laws, its harsh ruler, and its reputation as the Hermit Kingdom, North Korea has long been open to visitors. For years, Chinese tour companies have brought foreigners into the country—including roughly 1,000 Americans per year—for a curated tour of staged visits and photo ops. Americans have been able to spend time at North Korean amusement parks, schools, and subway stations. Almost all left without incident.

A traffic policeman in Kaesong, North Korea.

But that changed after the June 19 death of Otto Warmbier, the American student detained in Pyongyang for stealing a poster from a hotel. Citing Warmbier’s inhumane treatment––and amid the country’s deteriorating relationship with Washington over the regime’s nuclear weapons ambitions––the U.S. State Department restricted all U.S. passports from being used to travel to North Korea. (The regime called the ban a “vile measure.”)

Before the new travel ban took effect on September 1, 2017, photojournalist David Guttenfelder joined a group of six American tourists eager to see inside the world’s most secretive nation. For almost 20 years, Guttenfelder has been one of the few western journalists allowed inside North Korea, making nearly 50 trips, some while on assignment for National Geographic, to document its political and military situation.

All of the travellers said they were motivated by intense curiosity. Brad Yoon, an Uber driver from California, had never travelled abroad before; he told his parents he was going to China so they wouldn’t worry. Amy Kang, a Korean-American, went with her husband in hopes of learning about her heritage. “It was completely different from anything I was expecting,” Kang said. After all the horror stories she had heard about the repressive regime and the widespread lack of freedoms, she was surprised to find in Pyongyang an element of normality: people who had jobs, families, and who could name their favourite American movies.

Of course, being a tourist meant staying in a bubble of predictability and calm. There were no sudden movements, no surprises.

There were planned visits to a grocery store, a bowling alley, a brewery, and a circus. No one mentioned the country’s nuclear threats, or Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un’s war of words with U.S. President Donald Trump. When the North Korean military launched a missile over Japan in late August that drew international rebuke, Guttenfelder learned of it on Twitter via his cell phone’s limited wireless coverage. No one else around him, including his handlers, had any idea.

One could, however, sense the tension of potential military conflict. Guttenfelder, who has visited North Korea during four presidential administrations, observed that in the Trump era, the people seemed to be tense, but not as tense as he'd seen in the past. On the roads there were more propaganda billboards than usual bashing the United States. At a children's play place in the airport, an old piece of art showing children building missiles out of blocks seemed to fit the current tensions.

american visit north korea

The tour included a visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the area straddling the 38th Parallel where North and South Korean soldiers traditionally stare stone-faced at each other across a courtyard bisecting North and South.

The threat of war at any moment has always kept the two militaries prepared to fight. But to the American tourists, the impending travel ban also brought an urgency to buy keepsakes. At various stores selling trinkets, the Americans and other foreign tourists clamoured over stamps, art, ginseng products, and North Korean alcohol. One especially popular souvenir: anti-American propaganda posters.  

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Can Americans travel to North Korea in 2024?

Since September 1 st 2017 the US State Department introduced travel restrictions to North Korea for all American tourists. This restriction is valid for one year, but has been renewed each year on the 31 st of August unless otherwise revoked by the US Secretary of State. Can Americans travel to North Korea? The US State Department Travel restriction prohibits the use of a US passport for travel to, in, and through the DPRK. Four categories of US visitors are allowed to apply for an exemption to the rule. Journalists, Red Cross officials, humanitarian workers and those working “in the national interest”.

Can dual national Americans travel to North Korea?

By the letter of the law, dual-nationals can use their non-US passport to travel to North Korea as a tourist and indeed have been reported as doing so. We obviously do not offer, nor imply offering legal advice, but as per the wording of the US, US passports have been invalidated for travel to the DPRK , rather than a blanket ban for citizens.

It should though be noted that there is no US embassy in North Korea should dual nationals run into problems. Technically in this case they would be assisted by the country of their passport.

Can Americans visit North Korea as a tourist? Even for one day?

As the law stands there is no material difference between going for a day or going for a month. In the meantime, we’d suggest our  North Korea Borderlands Tour  – you will never set foot on North Korean soil, but you will see and experience North Korean border life. We also have our South Korean Borderlands Tour where you catch glimpses of the North Korean landscape and have an up and close encounter with the South Korean military.

If I find a travel company willing to take me to North Korea on my US passport, can I go?

Technically, yes. The North Koreans did not block Americans from entering North Korea on US passports. This was a US government decision. That said, YPT is not willing to assist a US passport traveller in committing a crime against their country, and we strongly recommend that you respect your government’s laws.

Keep in mind people have not only been arrested, but have lost their passport for doing this.

An example of the North Korean visa

Is the North Korea US travel ban the same as Cuba travel ban?

Americans were previously banned from spending any money in Cuba, which constituted a de facto ban on visiting. Passports were never confiscated as a result of visiting Cuba; the worst that could happen was a fine. Granted, this fine could be pretty high.

Have any Americans traveled to North Korea since the ban?

Previously some Americans involved in the humanitarian sector were allowed to stay in the DPRK and there have also been some rumoured high level meetings between closed doors. In this respects it is not a blanket ban, with people able to apply for an exemption in order to travel to North Korea.

Famously of course Donald Trump briefly stepped into the DPRK at the DMZ, while Travis King also went slightly further from the same exit point. In fairness neither had their passports with them at the time.

Will Americans be allowed to travel to North Korea again?

If dialogue and diplomatic relations continue to improve between North Korea and the US, there is a chance for this travel restriction to be lifted which then we will make announcements on our website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . Trump 2024? Stranger things have happened.

Read more about travelling safely within North Korea and how to get a North Korean visa

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Rowan Beard

Rowan’s a YPT co-founder with over 100 visits to North Korea (DPRK) and visited 100+ countries. You’ll most likely catch him leading group tours in Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East.

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Korean War continues with US renewal of travel ban to North

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american visit north korea

On August 22, the US State Department renewed its ban on the use of American passports for travel to North Korea. This travel ban prohibits as many as 100,000 Korean-Americans living in the United States from visiting their relatives in North Korea. 

The ban was first set in place by the Donald Trump administration in 2017, and in spite of Korean-American activists’ repeated calls to lift the draconian prohibition, it has been renewed annually since.

During his presidential campaign in 2020, Joe Biden promised to “reunite Korean-Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades,” but has extended the travel ban each year he has been in office. This current ban will remain in place until August 31, 2024, at which point it will either be lifted or extended again.

Families separated by the travel ban

Kate Youngjoo Shim, an activist with the women’s organization Korea Peace Now! , is one of the many Korean-Americans the travel ban impacts. Born in Korea, Shim moved to the US at the age of 15. Both sides of her family are originally from North Korea, and the ban now prevents her from visiting cousins and other close relatives there.

Shim pointed out the hypocrisy of the US government lecturing North Korea on human rights while keeping so many Korean family members separated.

“The biggest human-rights violation to me is not letting people see their family,” she said. “The US government is always trying to say things about [North Korea’s] human-rights conditions, but if you’re not letting people meet their mothers, their children, their immediate families … there’s no excuse.”

Things were not always this way. Shim’s grandmother was separated from her oldest son, Shim’s uncle, during the Korean War. After decades of trying to track him down while living in South Korea, her grandmother moved to the US at the age of 65 in the 1980s in the hopes that it would improve her chances of finding and reuniting with him. 

The task had proved difficult for her in South Korea because of the political situation between the North and South at that time. Even after decades of not knowing where he was and against all odds, Shim’s grandmother remained hopeful that she and her long-lost son would meet again. After moving to the US, she even started working at a factory so that she could afford to bring him back gifts once he was found.

Eventually, Shim’s family were able to track down her lost uncle in North Korea, and her grandmother was finally reunited with her son after 37 years. While there, Shim’s grandmother also met her brother after decades of separation. She would return to North Korea again to attend her grandson’s wedding.

Shim’s grandmother died more than 10 years ago. If she were alive today, she would no longer be able to visit her own child or other family members because of the travel ban.

The ban is a cruel expression of US imperialist policy, and as the generation of Korean War survivors are now aging well into their 80s, lifting it is a matter of urgency now more than ever.

“My grandmother was one of the lucky ones,” Shim said. “There are so many unlucky people who cannot even see their family members. Or maybe a mother has her children there. Now it’s been 70 years [since the signing of the Armistice Agreement], so people are dying.”

Trips to North Korea were ‘life-changing’

And it’s not only Korean-Americans barred from visiting family members in North Korea; the travel ban prohibits any US passport holder from traveling there, in effect preventing any kind of  cultural exchange  between American citizens and Koreans in the North. These exchanges are essential to challenging the US propaganda campaign that dehumanizes North Koreans in order to justify sanctions.

Gloria La Riva, an organizer with the  ANSWER  (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition, called her travels to the North in 1989 and 2015 “life-changing experiences.”

“I saw people and a country that is the opposite of the hysterical, demonizing images we see in the West,” La Riva recalled. “I met people who were thoughtful and kind to visitors. That is what struck me most of all. When we boarded a full train, people immediately offered us their seats, smiling – the best language of all.”

“That is the real reason the US government bans its citizens from visiting North Korea,” she continued. “It is the same reason the US travel ban to Cuba has existed for more than 60 years. The US fears that we will see the Korean people as our friends, not our enemy. The travel ban is a denial of our right to see North Korea for ourselves.”

End the Korean War

The crimes that Washington has inflicted on Korea cannot be overstated. It was the US that divided Korea along the 38th Parallel in 1945 and separated millions of families, occupied the South, and dropped more than  600,000 tons  of bombs over the peninsula during the Korean War. 

So extensive was the bombing campaign that US pilots even  ran out of targets  and would drop bombs into the sea to land safely. Over the course of the war, the  US military leveled  “nearly 90% of major cities and villages in North Korea,” killing a staggering 20% of its population.

On top of the murderous carpet-bombing campaign, the entire Korean War itself was punctuated by US-backed atrocities: the murder of more than  100,000 people  during the Bodo League massacre in 1950, which was committed by the government forces of US-installed president of South Korea, Syngman Rhee; the Sinchon massacre in which the US military and South Korean anti-communist forces killed  more than 30,000 civilians ; the No Gun Ri massacre where US military forces opened fire on civilian refugees, killing around  300 people . 

Taken altogether, US involvement in the Korean War was nothing short of genocidal.

While the  signing  of the 1953 Armistice Agreement brought an end to the fighting, it did not bring an end to the conflict. The US refuses to sign a  peace treaty , and it, along with the South, remains suspended in an official state of war with the North. 

And even after the signing of the armistice, the US government maintains a heavy military presence in Korea and continues to  ratchet up tensions  between the North and the South. 

South Korea remains under occupation: It’s home to the largest US overseas base, and a total of  28,500 US military personnel  are stationed in the country. 

South Korea also hosts the annual  Ulchi Freedom Shield  joint military exercises with the US. These annual drills simulate the invasion of North Korea and include live-fire practice attacks from the air, land, sea and space. The war games present a dress rehearsal for regime change in North Korea. 

And especially  since 2006 , the US government, along with the United Nations Security Council, have relied on a brutal sanctions regime to punish North Korea for defying US imperialism. These  sanctions have caused  food insecurity, malnutrition, and medical supply shortages in the country, leading to enormous suffering and thousands of preventable deaths.

The travel ban for the US, then, is another weapon of war, part of its broader strategy to isolate North Korea and inflame tensions between the two halves of the peninsula.

And with Washington forging stronger military ties with  Australia ,  the Philippines , and other countries in the “ Indo-Pacific ,” as well as increasing its militarization of the South China Sea, the Pentagon’s ultimate goal is to secure South Korea as an ally in its road toward  major-power conflict  in Asia.

“We’re in a period of extreme tension in Korea,” explained Ju-Hyun Park, an organizer with the non-profit group  Nodutdol for Korean Community Development , which advocates for reunification of the country. 

“The US does not want to do anything to de-escalate that tension because the current situation benefits US interests,” he said. “The more conflict there is in Korea, the easier it is to corral South Korea and Japan into an alliance against not only North Korea, but ultimately against China and Russia as well.”

This path that Washington is leading North and South Korea down will only result in more war and devastation for the Korean people. The US government has never been interested in peace for the Korean Peninsula. For more than 70 years, it has done everything in its power to divide North and South, obstruct any and every path to lasting peace, and turn Koreans against each one another. 

What the US government owes to the people of Korea can never be repaid. But the path toward justice begins with lifting the travel ban to North Korea – along with signing a peace treaty to bring an official end to the Korean War.

This article was produced by Globetrotter , which provided it to Asia Times.

Amanda Yee is a writer and organizer based out of Brooklyn, New York. She is an editor of Liberation News, and her writing has appeared in Monthly Review Online, the Real News Network, and Peoples Dispatch. Follow her on Twitter @catcontentonly.

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The Latest American Travel Restrictions On North Korea: What You Need To Know

  • Last updated Aug 05, 2023
  • Difficulty Intemediate

Merve Nussman

  • Category United States

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In a world where travel has become increasingly accessible and interconnected, North Korea remains one of the most isolated and mysterious countries. With strict travel restrictions imposed by the United States government, the prospect of visiting this secretive nation seems even more enticing. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of American travel restrictions to North Korea and delve into the reasons behind this unique policy, shedding light on a travel destination that has captivated the curiosity and imagination of many adventurous souls.

What You'll Learn

What are the current travel restrictions for american citizens traveling to north korea, what steps do american citizens need to take before traveling to north korea, are there any exceptions or special permits available for american citizens traveling to north korea, what are the consequences for american citizens who violate travel restrictions and travel to north korea, are there any organizations or agencies that can help american citizens navigate travel restrictions and obtain necessary permits for travel to north korea.

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As of my knowledge cutoff date of October 2021, there are strict travel restrictions in place for American citizens traveling to North Korea. The United States Department of State strongly advises against any travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in North Korea because it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the country. As a result, the U.S. Department of State’s ability to assist U.S. citizens who are detained in North Korea is extremely limited.

In the past, there have been several cases of American citizens being arrested and detained in North Korea for actions that would not be considered criminal in the United States. This has included individuals being detained for seemingly minor infractions such as taking unauthorized photographs or engaging in unauthorized political activities.

The North Korean government uses the detention of U.S. citizens as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States. Therefore, American citizens traveling to North Korea are at a heightened risk of being arrested and detained as a means of putting pressure on the U.S. government.

In addition to the risks of arrest and detention, travel to North Korea is also subject to extensive government-imposed restrictions and regulations. All U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea must obtain a special validation from the U.S. Department of State. This validation is granted in extremely limited circumstances for compelling humanitarian reasons or if the travel is determined to be in the national interest of the United States.

Furthermore, North Korea has strict limitations on the activities that foreigners can engage in while in the country. There are many areas that are off-limits to foreigners, and visitors are closely monitored by North Korean authorities. This means that American citizens traveling to North Korea may have limited freedom of movement and may only be able to visit certain approved locations.

Given these travel restrictions and the potential risks involved, it is strongly advised that American citizens do not travel to North Korea. The U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens in North Korea make arrangements to depart the country immediately and avoid all travel to North Korea until further notice.

It is important for American citizens to stay informed about the current travel restrictions and advisories from the U.S. Department of State. This information can be found on the Department of State’s website or obtained through other official channels. It is also recommended that American citizens traveling abroad enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and notifications from the U.S. government.

In conclusion, there are strict travel restrictions in place for American citizens traveling to North Korea. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises against all travel to the country due to the serious risks involved, including the risk of arrest and long-term detention. American citizens in North Korea should make arrangements to depart the country immediately, and all other American citizens should avoid travel to North Korea until further notice.

Understanding the Temporary Green Card Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

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North Korea is a highly secretive and isolated country, and traveling there as an American citizen requires careful planning and preparation. The North Korean government strictly controls all aspects of travel within the country, and visitors are subject to a number of restrictions and regulations. Before traveling to North Korea, American citizens need to take several important steps to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

First and foremost, American citizens must obtain a valid passport before traveling to North Korea. The passport should have at least six months of validity remaining beyond the date of entry into the country. It is recommended to apply for a passport well in advance, as processing times can vary.

Once in possession of a valid passport, American citizens must apply for a North Korean visa. The visa application process is managed by the North Korean government and can be time-consuming. It is advisable to contact the North Korean Embassy or consulate in the United States for precise instructions on how to apply for a visa.

Additionally, American citizens must also obtain a special travel permit called a "Tourist Card" in order to enter North Korea. The Tourist Card allows visitors to stay in the country for a specified period of time, typically up to 30 days. The card can be obtained through a travel agency or tour operator authorized to organize trips to North Korea.

It is important to note that American citizens are generally not allowed to travel to North Korea without being part of an organized tour group. The North Korean government requires all visitors to be accompanied by an official tour guide at all times. Independent travel within the country is not permitted.

Before embarking on the journey to North Korea, American citizens should carefully research and choose a reputable and authorized tour operator. These tour operators will assist with the visa application process, arrange the necessary travel permits, and provide guidance and support throughout the trip.

In addition to the logistical preparations, American citizens should also familiarize themselves with the local laws and customs of North Korea. The country has strict rules and regulations, and visitors must adhere to them without exception. It is important to respect local customs, traditions, and authorities while in the country.

Furthermore, American citizens should also assess the potential risks associated with traveling to North Korea. The U.S. Department of State provides up-to-date travel advisories and warnings for all countries, including North Korea. It is advisable to check these advisories regularly and follow any recommendations or restrictions issued by the U.S. government.

Lastly, American citizens should also consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation. It is important to review the policy carefully and ensure that it provides sufficient coverage for travel to North Korea.

In conclusion, traveling to North Korea as an American citizen requires careful planning and preparation. Obtaining a valid passport, applying for a North Korean visa, and acquiring a Tourist Card are essential steps. Additionally, choosing a reputable tour operator, familiarizing oneself with local laws and customs, assessing potential risks, and purchasing travel insurance are all important considerations. By taking these steps, American citizens can help ensure a safe and well-prepared journey to North Korea.

Understanding the Air Travel Liquid Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Traveling to North Korea as an American citizen is heavily restricted. Due to ongoing political tensions and concerns over the safety of its citizens, the United States has extremely limited travel options for its citizens to visit North Korea. However, there are a few exceptions and special permits available for certain categories of travelers.

One exception is for individuals traveling for official government purposes or with special authorization. This includes government officials, diplomats, and journalists who may be granted permission to enter North Korea. However, even these individuals must obtain special permits and undergo significant scrutiny before being allowed entry.

Another exception is for humanitarian workers and those participating in humanitarian efforts. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply for special permits on behalf of their staff who are involved in humanitarian work in North Korea. These permits are usually granted on a case-by-case basis and require thorough vetting and approval from both the United States and North Korean authorities.

In rare cases, it is possible for American citizens to obtain special permits for educational or cultural exchanges. These programs often require extensive planning and coordination with both the United States and North Korean governments. They may also involve partnering with approved tour operators or organizations who specialize in these types of exchanges.

It is important to note that even with these exceptions and special permits, traveling to North Korea as an American citizen comes with significant risks and responsibilities. The United States Department of State strongly advises against all travel to North Korea and has issued a travel advisory warning American citizens of the dangers and limited consular services available in the country.

American citizens who do decide to travel to North Korea despite the restrictions must register with the U.S. Department of State and obtain a special passport validation from the department. This validation serves as a declaration of their awareness of the risks involved and their willingness to assume full responsibility for their actions while in North Korea.

It is also worth noting that even with proper permits and validation, the North Korean government retains the right to deny entry or restrict the movements and activities of American citizens within the country. Therefore, it is vital for American citizens to fully understand the risks and realities of traveling to North Korea before making any plans or attempting to obtain special permits.

In conclusion, while exceptions and special permits do exist for American citizens traveling to North Korea, the overall restrictions and risks associated with travel to the country remain significant. The United States government strongly advises against travel to North Korea and emphasizes the limited consular services available to American citizens in the event of an emergency. Any individual considering travel to North Korea should thoroughly research the current regulations and consult with the appropriate authorities before proceeding.

Understanding the Current Travel Restrictions from the US to France: What You Need to Know

North Korea is a highly secretive and authoritarian country that imposes strict travel restrictions on foreigners, including American citizens. The US Department of State strongly advises against traveling to North Korea due to the serious risks involved. However, some American citizens still choose to travel to North Korea in search of adventure or for other reasons. Unfortunately, there can be severe consequences for those who choose to ignore the travel warnings and violate the restrictions imposed by the US government.

One of the main risks of traveling to North Korea for American citizens is the lack of consular assistance. The US government has limited ability to provide consular services to its citizens in North Korea as there is no US embassy or consulate in the country. In case of emergency or if an American citizen is detained by the North Korean authorities, the US government may not be able to provide adequate assistance or intervene diplomatically.

Moreover, the North Korean government has a reputation for harsh treatment of foreigners, especially those perceived as violating their laws or regulations. American citizens who disregard the travel restrictions and enter North Korea can face arrest, detention, or even imprisonment for seemingly minor infractions. North Korea has a strict legal system and its judicial proceedings often lack transparency and due process, making it extremely difficult for the US government to intervene on behalf of its citizens.

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of American citizens being detained or imprisoned in North Korea. One such case is that of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who was arrested in North Korea in 2016 for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor but was released in a comatose state and died shortly after being returned to the United States.

Apart from the immediate risks of arrest and detention, traveling to North Korea despite the travel restrictions can also have long-term consequences for American citizens. The Department of State has warned that individuals who violate the travel restrictions may have their passports revoked or be denied future entry to the United States. This means that such individuals may face difficulties in traveling internationally or encounter legal ramifications upon their return to the US.

In conclusion, American citizens who choose to violate travel restrictions and travel to North Korea face serious risks and consequences. These risks include the lack of consular assistance, potential arrest and imprisonment, and long-term repercussions such as passport revocation or denial of entry to the United States. It is important for American citizens to understand and respect the travel restrictions imposed by the US government and to prioritize their own safety and well-being when considering travel to North Korea.

Navigating Slovenia Travel Restrictions Amidst the Global Pandemic

In recent years, North Korea has become increasingly isolated from the international community. The country's strict travel restrictions and visa requirements have made it challenging for American citizens to visit or have any contact with the reclusive nation. However, there are a few organizations and agencies that can assist Americans in navigating these travel restrictions and obtaining the necessary permits to travel to North Korea.

One such organization is the Korean American National Coordinating Council (KANCC). KANCC is a non-profit organization that aims to promote understanding, dialogue, and engagement with North Korea. They offer assistance to American citizens who are interested in traveling to North Korea by providing information on the visa application process, organizing group trips, and facilitating communication with the North Korean authorities.

Another organization that can help American citizens with travel to North Korea is the National Committee on North Korea (NCNK). NCNK is a non-governmental organization based in the United States that focuses on facilitating engagement and dialogue with North Korea. They offer resources and assistance to individuals and organizations interested in travel to North Korea, including information on visa requirements and guidance on the application process.

The U.S. Department of State also provides some resources for American citizens interested in traveling to North Korea. The State Department's website contains information on travel restrictions, travel warnings, and the process of obtaining a visa for North Korea. However, it is important to note that the U.S. government strongly advises against travel to North Korea due to safety concerns and the risk of arbitrary detention.

Additionally, there are a few tour operators that specialize in travel to North Korea and can assist American citizens in navigating the travel restrictions. These tour operators work closely with the North Korean authorities to ensure that all necessary permits and visas are obtained and that the travel experience is safe and enjoyable. Some of the well-known tour operators include Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours.

It is important to note that despite the assistance available from these organizations and agencies, travel to North Korea for American citizens is still subject to strict restrictions and regulations. The North Korean government controls all aspects of travel within the country, and visitors must adhere to their rules and regulations at all times. It is essential to thoroughly research and understand the risks and requirements before considering travel to North Korea.

In conclusion, while traveling to North Korea can be challenging for American citizens due to the country's strict travel restrictions, there are organizations and agencies that can assist with the visa application process and provide guidance on navigating the travel regulations. However, it is crucial to remember that the U.S. government strongly advises against travel to North Korea due to safety concerns. Before considering travel to North Korea, it is essential to carefully assess the risks and thoroughly research the requirements and restrictions in place.

Understanding the Department of Homeland Security Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are travel restrictions for Americans visiting North Korea. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises against travel to North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.

No, Americans are generally not allowed to enter North Korea for tourism purposes. There are only certain exceptions made for humanitarian workers or journalists with special permissions.

If an American is caught violating the travel restrictions and entering North Korea without proper authorization, they can face severe penalties, including arrest, detention, and even prosecution by the North Korean authorities.

There are very limited exceptions to the travel restrictions for Americans. In some cases, the U.S. Department of State may issue special validations for certain individuals to travel to North Korea for humanitarian or journalistic reasons. However, these exceptions are rare and require strict approval processes.

Technically, it is possible for Americans to travel to North Korea through third-party countries, but this does not exempt them from the travel restrictions implemented by the U.S. government. Even if an American enters North Korea through a third-party country, they are still subject to the same risks and legal consequences.

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Are Americans allowed to travel to North Korea?

  • Kevin Quinitchett
  • Published : 11:35 ET, Jul 19 2023
  • Updated : 11:49 ET, Jul 19 2023

POLITICAL differences are present between the United States and North Korea.

The American government highly advises its citizens not to travel to the communist latter.

The US government warns American citizens to "exercise increased caution" when attempting to travel to North Korea

Although it is possible for Americans to travel to North Korea , the US government strongly recommends not doing so.

On October 5, 2022, the US reissued a Level 4 travel advisory to warn its citizens against visiting North Korea.

US passports are considered invalid when attempting to visit North Korea.

In order to travel to the latter, an American citizen's passport must be specially validated by the US government.

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When the individual is specially granted a passport to go to North Korea, it is valid for one round trip.

"Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals," warns the American government.

"Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention.

"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.

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"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."

Which Americans have been detained in North Korea?

The North Korean detainment of US soldier Travis King and college student Otto Warmbier serve as cautionary tales against traveling to the communist nation.

On June 19, 2017, Warmbier died from a lack of oxygen to the brain after the North Korean government returned him to the US from his imprisonment.

If an American citizen is imprisoned in North Korea, the US government has limited options

Other American citizens who have been imprisoned by the North Korean government include:

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  • Kim Hak-song
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In most of the cases mentioned above, the citizen was detained by North Korea and sentenced to several years of hard labor.

What is the history between the US and North Korea?

Relations between the US and North Korea have been tense since the Korean War.

During the war, North and South Korea fought one another until the Korean Armistice Agreement was reached on July 27, 1953.

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The North was supported by fellow Communist countries China and the Soviet Union .

Meanwhile, the South found allies in the US and the United Kingdom .

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Opinion: I’m banned from visiting my family in North Korea. When will the U.S. change this policy?

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My grandfather rarely spoke, except through his saxophone. He was a man of few words but a lot of heart. I can’t pinpoint when exactly I learned that he was born in what is now called North Korea, but I do remember thinking, “I’m too old to be learning this for the first time.” Like thousands of Korean Americans, my family is still divided by the ongoing war in Korea and the current U.S. travel ban to North Korea.

On Tuesday, the State Department announced that the Biden administration will extend the travel ban to North Korea for another year. This draconian ban was initially instituted in 2017 under former President Trump and prevents thousands of Korean Americans from reuniting with family in North Korea. Americans can still use their U.S. passports to visit some countries with travel restrictions, such as Cuba and Iran . But no U.S. passport is valid for travel to North Korea . Instead, U.S. citizens must apply for a totally separate “special validation passport .” The State Department has unfettered discretion as to whether it grants this passport, and does so only in exceedingly exceptional circumstances.

Before 2017, thousands of U.S. citizens traveled to North Korea , many of them Korean Americans seeking to reunite with family from whom they became separated during the Korean War. The State Department made this decision despite the repeated urging of activists to lift this inhumane ban.

People watch a TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage, at a train station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Wednesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to bolster his nuclear arsenal "at the fastest possible pace" and threatened to use them against rivals. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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My paternal grandfather fled North Korea during the war and lived the rest of his life separated from his siblings and family members. Decades after this separation, he participated in an effort coordinated by a nongovernmental organization to reunite split Korean families when travel to North Korea was still permitted prior to 2017. In North Korea, he was shown a faded photograph of his elementary Sunday school class to verify that he was, in fact, related to family members with whom he sought to reunite. My grandfather failed to recognize his younger self in this photograph but recognized his teacher. This happenstance recognition permitted him to meet his sister, from whom he had been separated for nearly 50 years. He was able to meet her children for the first time and learned that his younger brother had passed away.

Our family has otherwise remained divided.

For years, I hesitated to look at photographs of our relatives in North Korea because I was afraid of what I’d feel. To even dream about the possibility of lifting this travel ban felt frightening because fighting for change would open me up to heartbreak. I have been tempted to settle into pessimism and dismiss attempts for change as naive. An elder Korean peace activist described this tendency as “so Korean”: to break my own heart before anyone else could break it for me. She counseled me instead to engage in peace advocacy and learn from intergenerational Koreans from across the diaspora who have kept the fight aflame for decades .

If it weren’t for the wise council of elders who map movements in lifetimes, this week’s announcement would have been another reason for pessimism. However, we must remember that we in the U.S. — especially Korean Americans ( gyopo ) — have an important role to play. In the days before his election, President Biden pledged “to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades .” But his administration has yet to make good on that promise. Biden instead escalates militarization and hurtles us closer to nuclear conflict, sending nuclear-capable submarines to Korea for the first time in 42 years . He also recently convened a trilateral summit with South Korea and Japan , further entrenching an escalatory militarized approach illustrated by this week’s large-scale “Ulchi Freedom Shield” war drills which involved the participation of 12 countries total .

Activists have been fighting against this alarming militarization and forever war-making, including through a congressional bill, the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act . This bill calls for urgent diplomacy in pursuit of a peace agreement to formally end the Korean War and urges the State Department to review and revise its travel restrictions. While the majority of the U.S. public supports the peace process in Korea, it is up to constituents to ensure our elected officials reflect this. Currently, 34 members of Congress are co-sponsors of the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, and through our advocacy , we can grow this number.

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On the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement last month, scholars and activists gathered to call for a peace agreement to formally end the Korean War . Among them, Dr. Kee Park, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, decried the current sanctions imposed on North Korea by the U.S., U.N. and others as deadly and “immoral.” Park has traveled to North Korea over 20 times, and said Korean Americans must act as a bridge from our community to the general U.S. public .

While the two Korean governments have facilitated a handful of brief “reunions” between residents of South and North Korea, Korean Americans have been left out of this process entirely. This U.S.-imposed travel ban is unjust and inhumane. For Korean Americans, we cannot heal this intergenerational pain until this travel ban is lifted. We must strategize, organize and educate our communities to ensure that this draconian ban is not renewed again.

Cathi Choi is the director of policy and organizing for Women Cross DMZ and co-coordinator of Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network. She is based in Los Angeles. @CathiSChoi

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North Korea resumes missile tests, raising tensions with its rivals after their military drills’ end

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Monday morning, its neighbors said, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea’s missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Monday morning, its neighbors said, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a parliamentary session of House of Councilors in Tokyo, Monday, March 18, 2024. Kishida told a parliamentary session that North Korea fired “a number of” ballistic missiles into the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. (Kyodo News via AP)

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Monday morning, its neighbors said, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul pose for a photo as they meet at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, walks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul at the third Summit for Democracy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Monday morning, its neighbors said, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal.

The launches — North Korea’s first known missile testing activities in about a month — came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Seoul for a democracy summit . Outside experts earlier predicted North Korea would extend its run of missile tests and intensify its warlike rhetoric ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in future diplomacy.

Japan’s Defense Ministry said North Korea fired three missiles, two together at 7:44 a.m. and the other about 37 minutes later. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a parliamentary session that the North Korean missiles landed in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, all outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone, and that no damage or injuries have been reported.

Kishida denounced North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile tests as acts “that threaten the peace and safety of Japan, the region and the international society.” He said Japan strongly protested against North Korea over its testing activities, saying they violated U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban the North from engaging in any ballistic activities.

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during their meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the city of Blagoveshchensk in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, Sept. 13, 2023. Kim used a Russian luxury limousine gifted by Putin recently, Kim’s sister said Saturday, March 16, 2024, praising the car’s “special function” and the two countries' deepening bilateral ties. (Vladimir Smirnov/Sputnik Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

South Korea’s military said it also detected “several” suspected short-range ballistic launches by North Korea on Monday morning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff called the launches “clear provocation” that threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula. It said South Korea will maintain readiness to repel any provocation by North Korea, based on its solid military alliance with the United States.

According to Japanese and South Korean assessments, the North Korean missiles fired from its capital region traveled a distance of 300-350 kilometers (about 185-220 miles) and reached a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers (about 30 miles).Observers say the missiles’ fight distances indicate they are weapons targeting major facilities in South Korea, such as its military headquarters in the central region.

The U.S. State Department condemned the launches, saying they pose a threat to the North’s neighbors and undermine regional security. A State Department statement said the U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan remain “ironclad.”

The U.S. stations a total of 80,000 troops in South Korea and Japan, the backbone of its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the South Korea-U.S. military drills that ended Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided a series of military training exercises involving tanks , artillery guns and paratroopers and called for greater war fighting capabilities. The 11-day South Korean-U.S. drills involved a computer-simulated command post training and 48 kinds of field exercises, twice the number conducted last year.

The North didn’t perform any missile tests during its rivals’ training, however. Its missile tests are considered much bigger provocations as North Korea has been pushing hard to mount nuclear warheads on its missiles targeting the U.S. mainland and its allies. Many experts say North Korea already has nuclear-armed missiles capable of reaching all of South Korea and Japan, but it has yet to have functioning long-range missiles that can strike the U.S. mainland.

Before Monday’s launches, North Korea last carried out missile tests in mid-February by firing cruise missiles into the sea.

Animosities on the Korean Peninsula remain high in the wake of North Korea’s barrage of missile tests since 2022. Many of the tests involved nuclear-capable missiles designed to attack South Korea and the mainland U.S. The U.S. and South Korean forces have responded by expanding their training exercises and trilateral drills involving Japan.

Experts say North Korea likely believes a bigger weapons arsenal would increase its leverage in future diplomacy with the United States. They say North Korea would want to win extensive sanctions relief while maintaining its nuclear weapons.

Worries about North Korean military moves have deepened since Kim vowed in a speech in January to rewrite the constitution to eliminate the country’s long-standing goal of seeking peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula and to cement South Korea as its “invariable principal enemy.” He said the new charter must specify North Korea would annex and subjugate the South if another war broke out.

Observers say North Korea may launch limited provocations along its tense border with South Korea. But they say the prospects for a full-scale attack by North Korea are dim as it would know its military is outmatched by the U.S. and South Korean forces.

Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo. Associated Press writer Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

american visit north korea

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North Korea resumes missile tests days after U.S., South Korea conclude military drills

March 17, 2024 / 10:19 PM EDT / AP

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Monday morning, its neighbors said, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal.

The launches were North Korea's first known missile testing activities in about a month. Outside experts earlier predicted North Korea would extend its run of missile tests and intensify its warlike rhetoric ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in future diplomacy.

Japan's Defense Ministry said North Korea fired three missiles, two together at 7:44 a.m. and the other about 37 minutes later. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a parliamentary session that the North Korean missiles landed in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, all outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone, and that no damage or injuries have been reported.

Kishida denounced North Korea's repeated ballistic missile tests as acts "that threaten the peace and safety of Japan, the region and the international society." He said Japan strongly protested against North Korea over its testing activities, saying they violated U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban the North from engaging in any ballistic activities.

South Korea's military said it also detected "several" suspected short-range ballistic launches by North Korea on Monday morning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff called the launches "clear provocation" that threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula. It said South Korea will maintain readiness to repel any provocation by North Korea, based on its solid military alliance with the United States.

According to Japan and South Korean assessments, the North Korean missiles fired from its capital region traveled a distance of 300-350 kilometers (about 185-220 miles) at the maximum speed of 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) per hour.

The U.S. State Department condemned the launches, saying they pose a threat to the North's neighbors and undermine regional security. A State Department statement said the U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan remains "ironclad."

The U.S. stations a total of 80,000 troops in South Korea and Japan, the backbone of its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the South Korea-U.S. military drills that ended Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided a series of military training exercises involving tanks , artillery guns and paratroopers and called for greater war fighting capabilities. The 11-day South Korean-U.S. drills involved a computer-simulated command post training and 48 kinds of field exercises, twice the number conducted last year.

The North didn't perform any missile tests during its rivals' training, however. Its missile tests are considered much bigger provocations as North Korea has been pushing hard to mount nuclear warheads on its missiles targeting the U.S. mainland and its allies. Many experts say North Korea already has nuclear-armed missiles capable of reaching all of South Korea and Japan, but it has yet to have functioning long-range missiles that can strike the U.S. mainland.

Before Monday's launches, North Korea last carried out missile tests in mid-February by firing cruise missiles into the sea.

Animosities on the Korean Peninsula remain high in the wake of North Korea's barrage of missile tests since 2022. Many of the tests involved nuclear-capable missiles designed to attack South Korea and the mainland U.S. The U.S. and South Korean forces have responded by expanding their training exercises and trilateral drills involving Japan.

Experts say North Korea likely believes a bigger weapons arsenal would increase its leverage in future diplomacy with the United States. They say North Korea would want to win extensive sanctions relief while maintaining its nuclear weapons.

Worries about North Korean military moves have deepened since Kim vowed in a speech in January to rewrite the constitution to eliminate the country's long-standing goal of seeking peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula and to cement South Korea as its "invariable principal enemy." He said the new charter must specify North Korea would annex and subjugate the South if another war broke out.

Observers say North Korea may launch limited provocations along its tense border with South Korea. But they say the prospects for a full-scale attack by North Korea are dim as it would know its military is outmatched by the U.S. and South Korean forces.

  • Fumio Kishida
  • South Korea
  • North Korea

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american visit north korea

N. Korean delegation's visit to China, Vietnam, Laos

This photo, released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, shows a North Korean delegation, led by Kim Song-nam (R), director in charge of international affairs at the Workers' Party, departing Pyongyang on March 21, 2024, for visits to China, Vietnam and Laos. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

N. Korean delegation's visit to China, Vietnam, Laos

North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul

Launches come days after South Korea and the US wrapped up military drills Pyongyang sees as an invasion rehearsal.

people watch a tv with a rocket launching and red news chyron

North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters as United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepared to open a democracy summit in neighbouring South Korea, officials have said.

“North Korea fired an unspecified ballistic missile toward the East Sea,” the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Monday, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

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Japan’s Coast Guard, which confirmed the launches, said the objects appeared to have already fallen.

The launches come days after the US and South Korea wrapped up 11 days of so-called Freedom Shield joint military drills.

North Korea has long condemned joint US-South Korea military drills, calling them rehearsals for an invasion.

Pyongyang earlier this month warned that Seoul and Washington would pay a “dear price” for this year’s Freedom Shield drills, which involved twice as many troops as last year.

About 27,000 US soldiers are stationed in South Korea, where the drills took place.

soldiers stand in lines

North Korea’s test on Monday was the latest in a series of weapons demonstrations this year, including a missile tipped with a manoeuvrable hypersonic warhead on January 14.

Democracy Summit

Shortly after the missile launches, Blinken and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol took to the stage at the opening of the Summit for Democracy, which is this year being hosted by South Korea.

a man in a suit speaks in a dark room with a screen showing him on the wall

Both Blinken and Yoon spoke about how technology could be used to encourage democracy, but also to undermine it.

Blinken’s comments came after the US House of Representatives last week passed a bill that could see the popular social media app TikTok, which is owned by Chinese developer ByteDance, banned.

The democracy summit, an initiative of US President Joe Biden, has attracted criticism in past years due to its selective invitation list, with countries including Thailand and Turkey reportedly excluded.

North Korea's Kim 'drives' new tank during mock battle

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guides a military demonstration involving tank units

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Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Sandra Maler, Ed Davies and Lincoln Feast.

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american visit north korea

Thomson Reuters

Seoul-based reporter covering the Koreas with a focus on South Korean politics, North Korea's missile tests and the K-pop industry. Before joining Reuters, he worked at The Korea Herald.

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IMAGES

  1. President Trump becomes first U.S. president to visit North Korea

    american visit north korea

  2. How Trump made history as first sitting US president to visit North Korea

    american visit north korea

  3. After meeting with Kim, Trump says US and North Korea to hold nuclear

    american visit north korea

  4. President Visits North Korea

    american visit north korea

  5. Trump Steps Into North Korea and Agrees With Kim Jong-un to Resume

    american visit north korea

  6. Trump sends Kim photos from DMZ visit; nuclear talks stalled

    american visit north korea

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  17. Korean War continues with US renewal of travel ban to North

    On August 22, the US State Department renewed its ban on the use of American passports for travel to North Korea. This travel ban prohibits as many as 100,000 Korean-Americans living in the United States from visiting their relatives in North Korea.. The ban was first set in place by the Donald Trump administration in 2017, and in spite of Korean-American activists' repeated calls to lift ...

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  19. Biden and South Korea's Yoon announce agreement to deter North Korea

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  23. North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile as Blinken Visits Seoul

    North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles in a defiant show of force that coincided with a visit to Seoul by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a Summit for Democracy.. North Korea fired ...

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    5. South Korea, a major U.S. ally, has issued an ominous warning to North Korea's growing provocative moves on the Korean Peninsula. "Our military will maintain an ironclad readiness posture and ...

  25. North Korea resume missile test days after South Korea, US end military

    SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Monday morning, its neighbors said, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. The launches — North Korea's first known missile testing activities in about a month ...

  26. North Korea resumes missile tests days after U.S., South Korea conclude

    North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters, days after the end of the South Korean-U.S. military drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal.

  27. N. Korean delegation's visit to China, Vietnam, Laos

    N. Korean delegation's visit to China, Vietnam, Laos This photo, released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, shows a North Korean delegation, led by Kim Song-nam (R), director ...

  28. North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul

    North Korea has long condemned joint US-South Korea military drills, calling them rehearsals for an invasion. Pyongyang earlier this month warned that Seoul and Washington would pay a "dear ...

  29. North Korea's Kim 'drives' new tank during mock battle

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guided a military demonstration involving a new battle tank, state media KCNA reported on Thursday, in the latest show of force by the isolated state as South Korea ...

  30. Kyiv, Ukraine: Thousands shelter from missile barrage, hours after Jake

    Ukraine's capital came under heavy missile attack in the early hours of Thursday for the first time in six weeks just hours after a visit to the city by US national security adviser Jake ...