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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Travel page with travel advisory

North Korea

2 September 2019

Use our advice together with your own research from reputable sources to plan your trip.

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

2 September 2019

The situation in North Korea remains unpredictable. Singaporeans should avoid all non-essential travel to North Korea. Singaporeans who visit North Korea should be aware of the risks of inadvertently violating the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions and Singapore's corresponding laws, which remain in place.

For more information on the relevant UNSC sanctions and Singapore's laws, please refer to the following websites:

Singaporeans should also note that Singapore has no diplomatic representation in North Korea, which constrains our ability to extend Consular assistance to Singaporeans who travel there. Singaporeans in need of advice or urgent consular assistance may contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hours)
Tel: (65) 6379 8800
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

Entry and Exit

Singaporeans require a visa and authorisation from the North Korean government to travel to North Korea. Tourists can normally only visit North Korea as part of an organised tour.

Safety and Security

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains uncertain. Those who intend to travel to North Korea are advised to monitor developments in the country closely.

Movement within the country is highly restricted. Tourists will not be allowed to travel freely and will be accompanied by guides at all times.

Local Laws

Visitors should not insult or make disrespectful remarks about North Korea or its political leadership. North Korea is a closed society and travellers are advised to be sensitive to the local norms and practices. Avoid bringing any literature written in the Korean language. Any material that is deemed to be pornographic or political may be seized. Always seek permission from the authorities or tour guides before taking photographs.

Drug offences carry heavy penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices may be confiscated upon entry and normally returned upon departure. Cameras may be inspected.

General Travel Advice

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.

Travelling to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea?

eRegister your trip to allow us to contact you and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest) occur.

Local Emergency Contacts

Emergency number: 119

MFA HQ Contact Details

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Tel: (65) 6379 8000
Email: mfa@mfa.gov.sg

Disclaimer

The information on these Travel Information pages is presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for the purpose of providing information for the benefit and convenience of the public. Every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information. However, the MFA cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. The MFA recommends that you exercise your own skill and care with respect to your use of this information, and that you carefully evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the material on the Travel Information pages or on any linked site. The Government of the Republic of Singapore does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on these Travel Information pages or any linked site. Please refer to our Terms of Use for more details.

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