Political Turmoil
Traveling to North Korea, officially called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a risky endeavor fraught with political uncertainty. Canada seeks to have a strong relationship with its allies, such as the United States and Japan, and maintains a critical stance against the DPRK’s human rights record and nuclear ambitions. Despite the critical stance taken by the Canadian government, it is possible for Canadian citizens to travel to North Korea.
Canada recognizes the North Korean government and its leader, Kim Jong-un. As a result, it is possible for Canadian citizens to enter North Korea as part of an organized tour group. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs discourages any travel to North Korea, including joining an organized tour group, due to the ongoing state of political uncertainty. Canadian citizens have been detained in North Korea in the past, which is the primary reason the Canadian government discouraged Canadians from traveling to the region.
Difficulties of Visiting
Traveling to North Korea is not an easy feat. Tourists are required to complete a visa application and provide documents before their application is approved. The documents that are required include a valid passport, travel insurance, and a letter of invitation from North Korea. Tourists who are granted access to North Korea are subject to a strict set of rules and regulations. These rules and regulations must be followed by all tourists in order to avoid any trouble with the North Korean authorities.
In addition, visitors must report any activities and travel plans to their assigned tour guide. Tourists who fail to comply with the government requirements or engage in unauthorized or illegal activities can face repercussions from the North Korean government. Despite the limitations, tourists are allowed to bring electronic devices such as cameras and cell phones, as long as they are not used to take pictures or communicate with people outside of North Korea.
Travel Restrictions
Currently, only organized tour groups are allowed to visit North Korea. Tourists are required to stay with the group at all times and cannot engage in any activities that are not authorized by their tour guide. All of the itineraries are closely monitored and any deviation from the planned route is strictly prohibited. Tourists are also not allowed to take pictures or have any contact with North Koreans who are not part of the tour.
Additionally, the Canadian government has a list of restricted activities and locations in North Korea that are off-limits to tourists. These activities and locations include military installations, state buildings, and places deemed as politically sensitive. Tourists who violate these restrictions can face serious repercussions.
Safety Concerns
Due to the safety concerns surrounding North Korea, travelers must remain vigilant at all times. It is important for travelers to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention to themselves. Tourists must also follow the instructions and rules of the North Korean authorities and refrain from taking pictures or communicating with locals.
The Canadian government suggests that travelers to North Korea be aware of their safety and security and have appropriate travel insurance in case of any emergencies. Tourists should also have a clear exit strategy and plan in place in the event they need to leave the country quickly in an emergency.
Political Landscape
Since the death of Kim Jong-il in 2011, the political landscape in North Korea has undergone significant changes. The new leader, Kim Jong-un, has made attempts to reach out to the international community and convened a historic summit with President Trump in June 2018. Despite the historic meeting, tensions between North Korea and the US remain high and the country remains isolated from the global community.
The international community and the United Nations have imposed a series of sanctions against North Korea in response to its nuclear program and human rights abuses. As a result, travel to North Korea is limited and closely monitored by the North Korean government.
Tours To North Korea
Despite the difficulties and risks associated with visiting North Korea, there are some organized tours that are designed specifically for tourists. Most of these tours are operated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and focus on educational and cultural experiences. Tourists are usually taken to cultural sites, monuments, and museums, as well as meet with local business owners.
However, these tours are often subject to strict rules and regulations. Tourists must follow their assigned guide at all times, refrain from taking pictures, and limit contact with locals. Additionally, tourists may be subject to search and seizure at any time.
Risks & Considerations
Despite the possibility of visiting North Korea as a Canadian, it is important to consider the risks. Due to the precarious geopolitical situation, travelers should be aware of the potential for detention or arrest, especially if they are found to be in violation of North Korea’s rules and regulations. For this reason, it is essential that travelers have a back-up plan and understand the potential consequences of visiting North Korea.
In addition, Canadian citizens should also consider the risk of being separated from their tour group or detained while in North Korea. It is essential to have appropriate travel insurance that covers the risks associated with a visit to North Korea. Furthermore, it is also important to understand that North Korea is a closed society and that visitors may be subject to search and seizure at any time.
Final Thoughts
Despite the risks and considerations associated with travel to North Korea, it is possible for Canadian citizens to visit North Korea as part of a curated tour group. However, it is important to understand the risks involved and to have appropriate travel insurance. Additionally, visitors must also abide by the rules and regulations of the North Korean government and to follow the guidance of their assigned tour guide at all times.
