US Issues New Caution for Travelers to North Korea

The U.S. has revised its travel advisory for North Korea, cautioning Americans against visiting the nation under all conditions.

The updated warning highlighted an ongoing significant danger of arrests, prolonged incarceration, and the potential for unjust detainment, elaborating further on previous statements that underscored comparable risks.

Has reached out to the U.S. Department of State and the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang for comments through email.

Why It Matters

There is
no U.S. diplomatic presence
In Pyongyang, Sweden acts as the U.S. protecting power via its embassy in North Korea. Nevertheless, the warning advised, “The North Korean government frequently delays or denies Swedish officials access to American citizens who have been detained.”

The State Department additionally stated, “The Government of North Korea has imposed random entry and exit restrictions, deportations, detentions, and various other measures against American citizens. The U.S. government does not ensure your liberation in such situations.”

What To Know

The U.S. Department of State has consistently categorized North Korea at its highest warning level, which is designated as Tier 4: ”
Do not travel
However, previous guidance for Americans stated, ‘Be more cautious in North Korea because of the significant risk of arbitrary detention,’ as seen in an archived copy of the webpage.

By April 29, the advisory had been revised to update that line, which now reads, “Avoid traveling to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for any purpose.”

The updated guidance states that U.S. passports will not be accepted for traveling to, inside, or across North Korea, except when specifically authorized by the Secretary of State.

The Federal Aviation Administration has likewise released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) concerning the advisory. A NOTAM serves as an urgent safety communication aimed at informing pilots and other aviation operations staff about potential dangers, alterations, or limitations within the National Airspace System.

The update stated this was because of the dangers posed to civilian aircraft flying inside or near North Korea.

However, the alteration is not significant since there isn’t much travel happening regardless, according to Stephan Haggard, a global policy professor at the University of California.

He stated that the administration has not yet revealed its stance on North Korea policy.
.

Similarly, Simon Cockerell, who operates the North Korea travel firm Koryo Tours, informed
The alteration in phrasing was intended to “render it more direct, possibly aligning with the current trend of increased bluntness observed in U.S. political discourse.”

What People Are Saying

The U.S. Department of State’s travel warning

said

Do not visit North Korea because of the persistent high danger of being arrested, detained for extended periods, and wrongfully held by authorities as an American citizen. Refrain from traveling to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea under all circumstances. … Since the U.S. government lacks diplomatic ties with North Korea, it is unable to offer immediate assistance to Americans who find themselves in emergency situations within the country.

What Happens Next

The continued
implementation of the travel restriction
highlights persistent worries regarding how the country handles matters involving individuals from other nations.

Updated on May 1, 2025, at 5:40 a.m. ET: This article has been enhanced with further details and background.

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