North Korea

• RegionEast Asia
• Population25,382,000
• CapitalPyongyang
• LanguagesKorean
• CurrencyNorth Korean won (KPW)

Summary

Travelling is a great way to meet people and experience new cultures. Caution is advised, however, since travellers may be exposed to poor sanitary conditions and diseases that are uncommon in Canada.

Several measures can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting an infection. This document provides travellers with precautions that should be taken, by destination, to stay safe and healthy while travelling.

Before you leave

Below is a list of immunizations (vaccines) and screenings recommended or required by local health authorities for Canadians travelling to this destination. Note that these are general recommendations. For a personalized protection program adapted to your travelling and health needs, visit a Travel Health Clinic. If you need several vaccines, plan ahead and give yourself several weeks to complete the immunization schedule.

General vaccination and immunization

Vaccines, including diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles are part of Canada's routine immunization schedule. Check to make sure that you have been vaccinated and that you have received the required booster doses. Special recommendations may apply to poliomyelitis, refer to the specialized agencies.

COVID-19

When planning a trip, it is recommended that you consult official notices from the Canadian government and your travel destination. You may need to comply with entry requirements at your destination and upon your return to Canada. In addition, complete vaccination is recommended for most travellers. A vaccination certificate may be required.

Hepatitis A

Vaccination is recommended for most travellers.

Hepatitis B

Vaccination is recommended for most travellers.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis may be present in this country. Vaccination should be considered if visits to high-risk areas are planned (e.g., rural areas or areas affected by an outbreak), or if making long-term or multiple trips to regions permanently rife with this infection. The use of personal protective methods against mosquito bites is recommended.

Malaria

Malaria is present in certain regions of the country. Consequently, prophylaxis is recommended in these regions. Drugs of choice are: atovaquone proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, and primaquine. Also, mosquito protection may lower the risk of contracting mosquito-borne infections such as malaria.

Rabies

Vaccination is recommended for certain groups of travellers only. This includes people who will work there as veterinarians, wildlife workers or spelunkers, as well as adventure travellers. Vaccination is also recommended for children in special circumstances.

Typhoid fever

Most travellers should consider vaccination. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, especially through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Yellow fever

A vaccination certificate may be required for certain travellers.

During your trip

Once there, stay alert as you could be exposed to other diseases for which no vaccines or preventive treatments are available.

Assistance abroad

It is recommended that travellers purchase a travel insurance policy that includes a 24-hour emergency assistance service to help them access care and coordinate payment. Be sure to have your insurance company’s phone number with you at all times.

It is also recommended that you sign up for the “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service. This is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website at: travel.gc.ca/travellingegistration.

The Canadian Government has several offices abroad that can provide you with various services when faced with a medical emergency, including:

• Providing you with names of doctors and health care facilities.
• Visiting you in the hospital and providing translation/interpretation services.
• Arranging for a medical evacuation if you require treatment that is not available in the area (note: costs for this service will not be covered by the government but are usually covered by your travel insurance).

If you need any help while travelling, contact:

Emergency services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular services

Make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. Several countries also require travelers’ passports to be valid up to six months beyond the expected return date.