North Korea - Travel Warning July 16, 1993 U.S. citizens are warned against travel to North Korea, because the United States does not recognize the government of North Korea and does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korean authorities. There is no consular representation for U.S. citizens. All travel to North Korea should be avoided. Additional information can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on North Korea. No. 93-031 This extends the Travel Warning for North Korea issued November 13, 1992. North Korea - Consular Information Sheet July 9, 1993 Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to North Korea. The United States does not recognize the government of North Korea and does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korean authorities. Country Description: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is a developing Communist state under the control of the Korean Workers Party (KWP) and dominated by KWP General Secretary and President of North Korea, Kim Il Sung. Embassy Location: Because no third country represents United States interests in North Korea, the United States government is unable to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens in North Korea. U.S. citizens need a Treasury Department license to engage in any financial transactions with North Korea. Entry Requirements: Visa information is available only through a consulate in a country which maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea. U.S. passports are valid for travel to North Korea; however, a visa is required. Restricted Financial Transactions: Financial transactions by U.S. citizens in North Korea are restricted. All commercial transactions, with the exception of international trade in publications and other informational materials, require U.S. government licensing. Under the Foreign Assets Control Regulations administered by the Treasury Department, individuals may spend no more than $200 per day in North Korea to purchase items related to travel, such as hotel accommodations, meals and goods for personal consumption. International and inter-city transportation and international telecommunications are not included in the $200 limit. U.S. Customs Requirements: Visitors to North Korea may bring back into the United States as accompanied baggage merchandise valued up to $100. Informational materials are not limited. Receipts are required to document any goods purchased in North Korea and must be made available to the U.S. Customs Service upon entry into the United States. Credit Card Use: U.S. regulations prohibit use of credit and other charge cards in North Korea, even for living expenses or for the purchase of goods used by the traveler. U.S. Treasury Department Licenses: U.S. travel service providers are prohibited from arranging, promoting, or facilitating tours to North Korea unless specifically licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to provide travel services to groups or individuals involved in academic, sports, cultural, family reunion, or certain other noncommercial activities. The only transaction that a U.S. travel service provider is permitted to perform without a specific Treasury license is the booking of passage for an individual traveler to North Korea aboard a third-country "non-blocked carrier." A non-blocked carrier is any carrier other than a Libyan, Cuban, Iraqi, Yugoslav, Vietnamese, or North Korean carrier. No direct transportation services to North Korea are available from or authorized for U.S. carriers. Travelers are expected to check with the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department before signing up for a tour group destined for North Korea which is sponsored by or affiliated with a U.S. citizen. This information sheet provides only general guidance regarding applicable Treasury regulations. Individuals contemplating trade with North Korea may contact the Department of the Treasury for further information at: Licensing Division Office of Foreign Assets Control Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Treasury Annex Washington, D.C. 20220 (Tel. 202/622-2480; Fax 202/622-1657) Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who were born in North Korea or who were at one time citizens of North Korea, and the children of such persons, may be considered dual nationals by North Korean authorities and may, therefore, be subject to North Korean laws. These laws may impose special obligations upon North Korean nationals, e.g., military service, taxes. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. (Phone 202/647-3675). Travel Documents: U.S. citizens contemplating travel to North Korea should carry only U.S. passports with the proper visa affixed. Under no condition should U.S. citizens accept travel documents which identify them as citizens of North Korea. No. 93-186 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for North Korea dated November 13, 1992, provides a description of the country.