Travel Vaccines and Advice for North Korea
Because of its controlling government, North Korea is one of the most mysterious, secretive countries in the world.
Many people visit North Korea for the novelty of being a tourist in a country that is so misunderstood.
Despite its reputation, North Korea has dozens of museums and monuments with fascinating history and gorgeous landscapes.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for North Korea?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in North Korea
Do I Need a Visa for North Korea?
What Is the Climate Like in North Korea?
How Safe Is North Korea?
A Ride on the Pyongyang Metro
What Should I Pack for North Korea?
U.S. Embassy in North Korea
Do I Need Vaccines for North Korea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for North Korea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for North Korea: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for North Korea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for North Korea |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus causing neurological issues, can be prevented through mosquito control, protective clothing, and vaccination. Vaccination is highly recommended for individuals in endemic areas or travelers.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B prevention relies on vaccination as the most effective measure, recommended for all travelers and critical for healthcare workers. Practicing safe sex and using sterile equipment for body modifications are also key in reducing transmission risks.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can lead to severe health issues. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The MMR vaccine, a safe and effective immunization, is recommended by the CDC as the best way to prevent these diseases.
Malaria in North Korea
Malaria is present in the southern provinces of North Korea. Travelers are advised to take antimalarials to protect themselves from infection. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are recommended for travelers to the region. Malaria parasites in North Korea are resistant to chloroquine. Speak with your travel health specialist to identify which antimalarial is best for your trip and medical history.
Malaria is present in some parts of North Korea. An antimalarial prescription may be recommended based on destination and itinerary.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in North Korea
Prevent Bug Bites in North Korea
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in North Korea
Safeguard your health while abroad by consuming cooked and hot foods, opting for bottled or sealed drinks, and practicing proper hand-washing. Limit your exposure to risky local dishes. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea, maintain these precautions: eat carefully prepared foods, avoid untreated water, sanitize your hands, consider probiotics, and exercise caution with unfamiliar cuisine.
Altitude Sickness in North Korea
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), stems from inadequate oxygen at high elevations, causing symptoms like headaches and nausea. Preventing AMS involves gradual ascent, hydration, and potential medication use. Should AMS symptoms develop, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest, and medical evaluation are essential for recovery and safety.
Do I Need a Visa for North Korea?
Yes, to enter North Korea you need a visa. You can apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy or the North Korean Mission to the UN. You will also need a Chinese visa that allows multiple entries and exits. The only way to travel into North Korea is through China. As a tourist, the only way to enter North Korea is with a government-sanctioned tour group.
North Korea Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to North Korea? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of North Korea and U.S. State Department
To travel to North Korea, you will need to apply for a special validation passport. These passports are difficult to get and are only granted under specific circumstances. If you obtain one, it must have six months validity in order for you to travel with it.
What Is the Climate Like in North Korea?
North Korea has a continental climate, meaning it has warm summers and cold, dry winters. In summer, the country is affected by warm currents from tropical regions. These currents bring heavy rainfalls and warmer temperatures. In the winter, winds from Siberia cause weather that gets very cold and has very little moisture.
Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is located inland. The average temperatures in summer are in the 80’s. But, they can reach up to the 90’s, and tend to go along with high humidity. In the winter, temperatures can drop below zero, but are more likely to stay in the teens.
How Safe Is North Korea?
North Korea does not release statistics or information on crime within the country. Not much about the prevalence of crime is known. Petty theft and pick-pocketing have been reported by travelers at the airport in Pyongyang. The sale of counterfeit goods is widespread. But, selling or buying these goods is often illegal.
Many actions that would be permissible in the U.S. are illegal in North Korea. While in North Korea, you are subject to local law. Even breaking the law out of ignorance can hold severe penalties. This includes detention in the country. Criticism of the North Korean government and its leaders, past or present, in any form is against the law. Assume that your actions will be monitored while in the country. Avoid any acts that could be considered illegal or even questionable.
A Ride on the Pyongyang Metro
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
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While public transportation is not ideal most countries, the Pyongyang Metro has a positive reputation. Built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the metro has an old-fashioned, classical look. Inside the trains, walls have wood panels. The stations have high, arched ceilings along with elaborate chandeliers and marble pillars.
Not only is the metro a worthy sight on its own, but it can help bring you across the city to see the best above-ground sights.
Like all other travel in North Korea, the metro is heavily supervised. Tourists are only allowed to disembark at certain stops. But, for those who want to know more about the metro, there is a museum dedicated to its construction and history.
What Should I Pack for North Korea?
Don’t forget these needed items on your trip:
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing – The right clothing you’ll need changes with the season. Bring plenty of warm clothes, layers, hats, and gloves in winter, but be ready for the heat and plenty of rain in summer. In spring and autumn, bring enough layers to be ready for anything unpredictable.
- Documents – Bring all your needed travel documents. This includes hard copies confirming your hotel stays, tour reservations, and flight and travel plans. If you have insurance, bring a hard copy of your policy as well.
- Small Extras – Things like extra batteries, tissues, flashlights, and other small conveniences may be useful. Stores are generally not as well stocked in North Korea.
- Snacks – If you have any dietary requirements, bringing a stash of snacks may be a good idea. Restaurant menus are likely to be limited and they may not be able to accommodate requests.
U.S. Embassy in North Korea
Because the United States does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, there is no U.S. Embassy in the country. All U.S. citizens visiting North Korea should contact the Swedish Embassy for help with any problems, including a lost or stolen passport.
Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang
Munsu-Dong District
Pyongyang
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Telephone: +46 8 405 10 00 (main switchboard)
Emergency Contact at the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang: +46 8 405 50 05
The U.S. Department of State operates an emergency contact line, which may be used if necessary. From outside the U.S. the number is 1-202-501-4444, while from inside the U.S. the number is 1-888-407-4747.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for North Korea
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Good experience“
“Was a wonderful and informative experience. Felt so prepared for are trip to North Korea.”
Submitted by: Priscilla
★★★★★
“Great service!“
“I went to this clinic to learn about and get immunizations and medicine I’d need for travel to North Korea, and the service was outstanding. Very good information, very professional. Thanks!”
Submitted by: Mary
“Was a wonderful and informative experience. Felt so prepared for are trip to North Korea.”
“I went to this clinic to learn about and get immunizations and medicine I’d need for travel to North Korea, and the service was outstanding. Very good information, very professional. Thanks!”
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