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North Korea Travel Health Guide

Moderate risk

North Korea carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of North Korea. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

Overall risk

Moderate risk

Malaria

Present

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Make sure all routine vaccines are current before travel, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.

Recommended

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to North Korea age 1 and older. Special dosing may be needed for infants, older adults, or those with health conditions.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to North Korea regardless of age.

Recommended

Measles

Measles vaccine (MMR) is essential for all travelers due to rising cases worldwide. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.

Recommended

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to North Korea, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with local contacts.

Recommended

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term travelers (1+ months) or those doing outdoor activities in rural areas. Not needed for short urban trips.

Situational

Rabies

Consider rabies vaccination before travel if you'll be around animals or in remote areas, as rabid dogs are common and treatment may not be available.

Situational

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for North Korea unless you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk.

Situational

Disease risks

Malaria risk

Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.

Malaria risk exists in southern provinces of North Korea. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed if traveling to these areas.

Emergency numbers

Police

119

Medical / Ambulance

119

Fire

119

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Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.