North Korea
This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.
Read also the information on security, healthcare and other practical aspects on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.
Important health risks
Malaria
The malaria risk is moderate from March till December in the southern half of the country. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. For people with an increased risk, we sometimes recommend preventive malaria tablets, or taking an emergency treatment with you.
- Species: P. vivax 62%.
In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Other insect-borne diseases
Japanese encephalitis occurs in the entire country.
Protect yourself against insects.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit diseases.
Rabies
Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.
Altitude sickness
You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.
COVID-19
Take a look at the general preventive measures related to COVID-19.
- Carefully read the entry conditions and local measures of this country.
Other possible infections
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
Update of basic vaccinations
Polio
A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.
Other vaccinations
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you:
Yellow fever vaccination is not necessary if you are travelling from Belgium from.
Vaccination is exceptionally compulsory if you have been in certain countries in the past six days from the age of one year.
This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.