North Korea has opened its doors to tourists but says Brits aren’t welcome | World | News

North Korea has opened its doors to tourists for the first time in four years, but Britons aren’t able to go.

A recent group who visited the country were the first tourists to enter since the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Independent the tourists took off from Russia’s Vladivostok airport on Friday for the trip which included a stop in the country’s capital Pyongyang.

The Telegraph reported that the trip was run by a company which sold places for around £593 per person and that a Telegram post about North Korea described it as “one of the most interesting and mysterious countries in the world”.

While tours around North Korea have restarted, its border remains closed to Britons.

In its travel advice for the country, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said: “North Korea’s borders are currently closed, but few British people visit when they are open. Those that do, are usually part of an organised tour.

“If you decide to visit North Korea, follow the advice of your tour group and the local authorities. Failure to do so could put your personal safety at risk.

“The North Korean authorities have reportedly detained some foreign nationals and denied them access to consular support.”

The FCDO added: “While daily life in the capital city Pyongyang may appear calm, the security situation can change quickly with no advance warning about possible actions by the authorities.

“This poses significant risks to British visitors and residents. Follow the political and security situation very closely and stay in touch with your host organisation or tour operator.”

The return of tourists to North Korea comes days after the country tested a series of cruise missiles in their latest weapons display.

The demonstration was reported after South Korea detected the country launching multiple missiles into the waters on its western coast.