Modern tourist facilities are not widely available. Tourism in North Korea is currently permitted only in officially organized groups authorized by North Korea. Independent tourism is not permitted.
Telephone communication is limited.
In recent years, North Korea has experienced lower crop production and severe weather conditions which have resulted in serious shortages of food and other supplies. A broad spectrum of countries, including the United States, has contributed to international relief efforts in this regard. Consequently, the U.S. government is not in a position to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens in North Korea. Negotiations are on-going to implement a provision of the 1994 Agreed Framework between the U.S. and North Korea for an exchange of diplomatic missions, but it is uncertain when they may be completed. In this capacity, the Swedish Embassy provides basic consular protective services in cases of U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea who are ill, injured, arrested or who die.