North Korea has announced a temporary ban on tourism, citing the threat of Ebola virus, multiple tourism agencies announced Thursday evening Korean time.

Three tour companies contacted by NK News – Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours and Juche Tours – confirmed they were notified by North Korean authorities that, starting from Friday, no foreign groups will be allowed to enter the country.

“We have been told by our Korean partners that the relevant DPRK authorities have decided to close the country to tourists due to the Ebola threat. This is to apply from tomorrow, 24th October until further notice,” said David Thompson