Risk / Health Info for North Korea

In addition to your regular shots, if you must go to North Korea you will also need to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Malaria is also present in North Korea.

North Korea has very poor medical facilities, which often lack heat and power. Immediate cash is required. Avoid surgery. Evacuation is very difficult to arrange and not guaranteed. You may be quarantined if you show signs of some communicable diseases. Your Canadian health plan will not cover you outside of Canada so your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Altitude in North Korea

Parts of North Korea are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Malaria in North Korea

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of North Korea at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.