Asia and Oceania

Perceived insults to, or jokes about, the North Korean political system and its leadership are severely frowned upon. Foreigners have very occasionally found themselves caught up in criminal cases for not paying what was deemed to be a sufficient level of respect.

Foreign mobile phones and Global Positioning Systems have to be deposited with North Korean customs on entry into the country and collected on departure. It is also not advisable to bring books or other written material in the Korean language. These and any other literature deemed subversive or pornographic by the North Korean authorities risk being confiscated from travellers on arrival.

Tipping is officially frowned upon, but is increasingly expected by some hotel staff.

You should always carry some form of identification. Hotels will want passports for registration, but these can usually be reclaimed within the hour.

It is always advisable to ask permission before taking photographs. Photographs of Korean officials or guarded or protected buildings should be avoided.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.