North Korea: French Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel

Event

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on July 7 that all travel to North Korea is strongly advised against. According to French officials, the updated advice is due to mounting tensions between North Korea and other members of the international community, as well as the increasing unpredictability of the Kim Jung Un administration.

Context

The United States successfully intercepted a ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean north of Kawaii on Tuesday, July 11, during a THAAD system (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) test. This demonstration confirmed US defensive capability against missile threats in North Korea, among others.

This follows North Korea’s first successful test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Tuesday, July 4. In typical heated rhetoric, North Korea said the test marked the final step in building a nuclear weapons system with a worldwide reach. Additionally, the test coincided with American Independence Day; North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called the missile a “gift” to America.

Advice

Foreigners are particularly at risk of being detained in North Korea. Three US citizens are still being held by North Korean authorities. Otto Warmbier,  a student from the University of Virginia, was arrested on January 2, 2016, in Pyongyang. He was held for six months before being released and died shortly after his return due to very harsh treatment by the North Koreans during his captivity.

As a reminder, travel within North Korea is severely restricted. Whether visiting on business or as a tourist, foreign nationals will almost always be accompanied by a guide, and tours will be restricted to sanctioned areas.