American travelers are warned by the State Department against signing up for tour groups bound for North Korea without first checking with the U.S. Treasury Department. The warning, which points out that financial transactions by Americans in North Korea are restricted by the U.S. government, follows the signing last month of a non-aggression pact by North and South Korea. The agreement was the first step toward a full peace treaty since the Korean armistice was signed 38 years ago.
American passports are valid for travel to North Korea, a travel advisory from the department said, but U.S. regulations prohibit the use of credit and other charges there, even for traveling expenses. Visitors also need a North Korean visa. The advisory pointed out that U.S. companies are prohibited from arranging tours to North Korea unless specifically licensed by the Treasury Department for groups involved in academic, sports, cultural or family reunions.
People contemplating travel to North Korea are advised to contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220; 202-535-9449.
The State Department also has warned that non-essential travel to Cambodia be deferred because of recent violent anti-government demonstrations that have resulted in several deaths.
