03 Jan 2022 | 09:27 AM UTC
North Korea: Officials continue to enforce COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 3 /update 25
COVID-19 restrictions remain in effect in North Korea as of Jan. 3. Entry ban, quarantine requirements ongoing.
Event
North Korea continues to enforce restrictions due to COVID-19 concerns as of Jan. 3. Officials restrict nonessential gatherings nationwide, with reports indicating that groups are limited to three people unless from the same household. Violators could face fines or imprisonment. Authorities also restrict where foreign nationals can visit in Pyongyang, though the government has eased measures, permitting foreigners to enter more locations. Protective face coverings and social distancing remain mandatory in public spaces.
The government limits nonessential inter-regional and inter-district travel. Temperature checks occur at transport hubs, shopping centers, and other public locations. Residents exhibiting elevated temperatures for more than three days must self-quarantine. South Korean intelligence and witness accounts suggest that North Korean authorities have periodically locked down counties and cities with suspected COVID-19 activity; measures include stay-at-home orders, as well as exit and entry controls. Significant transport and business disruptions are likely in any areas under tighter restrictions. Reports indicate a daily curfew 18:00-07:00 is also active in regions bordering China.
Authorities have increased border security and banned residents from unauthorized travel to land and maritime border areas. Officials have reportedly ordered security personnel to plant landmines along sections of the Chinese border and shoot people attempting to enter the country on sight. Despite tight border controls, the government has allowed trade with China to resume. Officials are reportedly operating decontamination zones at some border crossings; authorities previously quarantined imports for 10 days after arrival. The government could suspend trade at short notice due to COVID-19 concerns.
Travel Restrictions
A ban on most foreign nationals remains in place, though inbound diplomatic travel is allowed. Officials conduct increased health screenings and have imposed quarantine periods on permitted foreign nationals of up to 30 days.
Context
North Korean state media have yet to confirm any COVID-19 activity in the country. WHO representatives continue to report that there have been no positive test results, though the organization also relies on North Korean reporting for data. Some experts have questioned North Korea's claims due to China's initial delay in reporting COVID-19 activity and the frequency of cross-border travel. North Korean authorities imposed strict inbound travel restrictions and quarantine measures during an Ebola outbreak in parts of West Africa in 2014 and during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in East Asia.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Defer nonessential travel to North Korea due to quarantine measures; delay travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. Make allowances for likely shipping delays and supply chain disruptions. Contact travel providers for reservation status if scheduled to visit North Korea in the coming months.
