North Korea Travel Advisory: Do Not Travel Due to Risk of Arrest
Current Situation
The US Department of State has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for North Korea. This is due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and detention for US citizens.
Recent Arrests
In April 2017, Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student, was arrested and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in North Korea. He was released in June 2018 in a vegetative state and died shortly after his return to the United States. In September 2018, Kim Hak-song, a Korean-American missionary, was arrested and sentenced to 10 years of hard labor for espionage. He was released in June 2019.
Reasons for the Advisory
The US Department of State has determined that the risk of arrest and detention for US citizens in North Korea is unacceptable. This is due to the following factors: * North Korea's political and legal system is opaque and unpredictable. * US citizens are often detained for relatively minor offenses, such as making critical comments about the government or taking photographs of sensitive areas. * US citizens who are detained in North Korea may be subjected to torture, mistreatment, and severe interrogations.
Recommendations
US citizens are urged to avoid travel to North Korea. If you must travel to North Korea, be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions. These precautions include: * Registering with the US Embassy in Pyongyang. * Carrying a valid passport and visa. * Staying in designated tourist areas. * Avoiding any contact with North Korean officials or military personnel. * Being respectful of North Korean culture and customs.
Further Information
For more information on travel to North Korea, please visit the US Department of State's website.
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