Safety and Security Considerations for U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders in North Korea

1. What are the safety and security considerations for U.S. citizens and green card holders when travelling in North Korea?

The U.S. Department of State strongly advises against U.S. citizens and green card holders traveling to North Korea due to the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. nationals. It is illegal for U.S. citizens to travel to North Korea without a valid travel permit issued by the Department of State, and all travelers must have a valid visa, which are difficult to obtain. U.S. citizens should be aware that North Korea has a militarized security environment and has been known to detain travelers for activities considered innocuous by most standards in order to use them as leverage in diplomatic negotiations with other countries. Other safety and security considerations when travelling in North Korea include:

– Do not photograph military or government installations or personnel, as this is strictly prohibited.
– Exercise caution when engaging in activities that could be seen as political activity, such as pro-democracy advocacy or distributing religious material.
– Respect local laws and customs, including dress codes, which vary throughout the country.
– Exercise caution when interacting with local people, especially if you are a female traveler, as you could be subject to harassment or worse.
– Be aware that Westerners are often subject to surveillance by North Korean security forces and that any illegal activities will be met with severe penalties, including imprisonment or death.
– Familiarize yourself with local emergency services, such as the police station and hospital.
– Have an emergency plan in place in case you need to leave the country quickly due to an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance.

2. What are the local laws that U.S. citizens and green card holders should be aware of while in North Korea?

U.S. citizens and green card holders should be aware of the following local laws when visiting North Korea:

1. All visits to North Korea must be organized through a tour operator and approved by the North Korean government.

2. Every visitor must have a valid passport and visa.

3. It is illegal to take photographs or videos of military, security, or government buildings or personnel without permission.

4. It is illegal to enter or cross any borders without permission from the government.

5. All visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the government regarding activities, sightseeing, and interactions with locals.

6. It is illegal to possess or distribute any foreign publications or media that has not been approved by the government.

7. It is illegal to leave the country with foreign currency without proper documentation from the North Korean government.

8. All activities must be reported to the government, including communication with local citizens.

9. Respect for the North Korean leader is mandatory at all times.

3. Are there any potential areas of North Korea that are considered high-risk areas for safety and security risks?

Yes, there are several areas of North Korea that are considered high-risk for safety and security risks. These include the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, the border area with China, and the western coast of the country. Additionally, many other regions of the country can be dangerous due to landmines, militarized areas, and political instability.

4. What are the recommended security precautions for U.S. citizens and green card holders visiting North Korea?

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens and green card holders not to travel to North Korea due to the risk of arrest and long-term detention, the unpredictable political environment, and serious risks to personal safety.

If you do decide to travel despite this advice, there are some recommended security precautions, including:
• Obtain a valid North Korean visa before traveling.
• Stay in contact with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul or the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai regarding your whereabouts at all times.
• Avoid taking photos or videos of military installations, personnel, or equipment.
• Respect North Korean laws at all times, including laws regarding currency exchange and behavior deemed disrespectful to the government or its leaders.
• Refrain from engaging in any activities that could be perceived as criticism of the government and its leaders.
• Refrain from any type of political or religious activities.
• Do not attempt to bring any type of communication device into the country, as these are subject to confiscation on arrival.

5. Are there any specific safety and security measures taken by the government of North Korea to protect U.S. citizens and green card holders?

No, there are not. The U.S. State Department warns that “U.S. citizens should not travel to North Korea, as they may be subject to arbitrary arrest and detention.” The U.S. government has no diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, and therefore does not have any means of providing protection or assistance to U.S. citizens in North Korea.

6. Are there any specific risks for women U.S. citizens and green card holders while visiting North Korea?

Yes, there are risks for women U.S. citizens and green card holders while visiting North Korea. These risks include: confinement, interrogation, harassment, and even arrest. Women may also be subjected to gender-specific forms of surveillance or control, such as being asked to provide additional information about their activities or checked more closely while going through customs or immigration. Women may also face greater obstacles when navigating the North Korean bureaucracy than men due to social and cultural norms. Additionally, women may be more at risk of sexual violence, especially if they are unaccompanied or unfamiliar with the language and customs of the country.

7. How would a U.S. citizen or green card holder go about obtaining medical assistance in an emergency in North Korea?

Due to a lack of economic resources and a strict political climate in North Korea, it would be extremely difficult for a U.S. citizen or green card holder to obtain medical assistance in an emergency. There is limited access to medical facilities, and the quality of care is poor. It is highly unlikely that a foreign individual would be able to access any medical care in North Korea in an emergency situation.

8. Are there any areas of North Korea that are off-limits to U.S. citizens and green card holders?

Yes. U.S. citizens and green card holders are generally prohibited from traveling to North Korea. The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for North Korea, advising U.S. citizens and green card holders to avoid all travel to the country.

9. What is the protocol for reporting a criminal incident involving a U.S. citizen or green card holder in North Korea?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive protocol for reporting a criminal incident involving a U.S. citizen or green card holder in North Korea. In most cases, the U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens and green card holders who have been victims of a crime in North Korea should immediately contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to file a report and seek assistance. It is also recommended that victims contact their local law enforcement agency in their home country to report the incident as well.

10. Does the government of North Korea provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and green card holders if detained in a foreign county?

No, the government of North Korea does not provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and green card holders if detained in a foreign country. The U.S. State Department advises that U.S. citizens and green card holders in need of assistance should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or local police for assistance.

11. Does the government of North Korea allow U.S. citizens and green card holders to carry firearms while visiting the country?

No, the government of North Korea does not allow U.S. citizens or green card holders to carry firearms while visiting the country.

12. What are the restrictions on taking photographs in public places in North Korea for U.S. citizens and green card holders?

U.S. citizens and green card holders are not allowed to take photographs in public places in North Korea. This includes taking photographs of citizens, infrastructure, military/government installations, and government buildings. Anyone found taking photographs or engaging in other activities without authorization in North Korea may be subject to arrest, detention or expulsion.

13. Does the government of North Korea provide any resources or support to U.S. citizens and green card holders facing local legal issues in the country?

No, the government of North Korea does not provide any resources or support to U.S. citizens and green card holders facing local legal issues in the country. The U.S. State Department strongly warns American citizens against traveling to North Korea due to a number of concerns, including the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention. As such, the U.S. government does not have any diplomatic or consular presence in North Korea, so Americans in the country are on their own when it comes to dealing with any legal issues they may encounter.

14. Are there any restrictions on internet use for U.S. citizens and green card holders in North Korea?

Yes, there are very strict restrictions on internet use for U.S. citizens and green card holders in North Korea. Internet access is heavily restricted and monitored by the government, and most websites, including social media and international news sites, are blocked. Only a small number of websites are allowed, and these are usually limited to government-run sites. It is illegal to access any other websites or to download any files from the internet, and those caught doing so could face punishment.

15 .Are there any regulations for U.S

. citizens wishing to work in Mexico?

Yes, there are several regulations for U.S. citizens wishing to work in Mexico. U.S. citizens must obtain a visa before entering Mexico and obtain a work permit in order to legally work in Mexico. Additionally, some U.S. citizens may need to obtain a special permit from the Mexican government in order to perform certain activities that are limited to Mexican nationals.