September 26, 2023
Border Controls

North Korea unlikely to follow China and reopen borders to tourism, experts say

Travel industry insiders say Pyongyang still fears COVID and may seal borders to visitors for at least another year

China’s decision to fully reopen its borders and begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in years is unlikely to convince North Korea to follow suit, travel companies specializing in DPRK tourism told NK News on Wednesday.

Most visitors to North Korea must first transit through China, as most airlines do not service the DPRK or are allowed to fly into the country.