US issues North Korea travel warning

The US State Department has strongly recommended against all travel by US citizens to North Korea. The department’s travel warning replaced the last one issued six months ago in November. The warning noted that North Korean authorities have arrested both US citizens who have entered legally on valid visas, as well as those who have accidentally crossed into the North’s territory. It added group tours will not keep US citizens any safer from being arrested or detained, according to Korea’s (KBS WORLD) website. The department said the North’s government has also detained, arrested and imposed heavy fines on people who have violated its laws. It warned that travelers may be subject to punishment based on activities that would not be considered criminal outside of North Korea. It pointed out that sentences for crimes in the North can include years of detention in hard labor camps or even death. It added the US does not have consular relations inside the North and has no way to provide normal services to its citizens visiting the country. While the Embassy of Sweden provided consular services to US citizens, it is limited and provided to those who are ill, injured, arrested or have died there. US citizens planning to travel to North Korea are strongly encouraged to contact the US Embassy in Beijing, China.