News Digest

North Korea shuts borders to tourist groups over rising Ebola fears

North Korea is planning to stop foreign tourist groups from entering the country because of concerns over Ebola. The ban, which starts on Friday, does not apply to individuals travelling on their own from nations not affected by the deadly virus. Koryo Tours, a travel group based in China that specialises in North Korean tours, said that so far affects around 150 people in three of its groups. North Korea’s national carrier Air Koryo and other travel agents specialising in tours to the reclusive state confirmed the news.

We have received news from our partners in Pyongyang that the country is not accepting any international tourists from tomorrow, Friday 24 October, effectively closing its borders due to the threat of the spread of the ebola virus.

Koryo Tours spokesman

The ban does not appear to affect diplomatic groups as a Japanese delegation led by the North Korean foreign minister and accompanying media will be in Pyongyang on Monday. And individuals travelling to North Korea on business will still be able to enter. Authorities would also be introducing tougher quarantine measures at North Korean ports, airports and at the border, South Korea’s Yonhap News reported. No Ebola cases have been reported in North Korea, but it has shut its borders in the past over health concerns. In 2003, North Korea was closed due to the threat of the respiratory disease SARS despite no reported cases.

It is presently unknown how long this closure will be in effect for but we are hopeful that our planned tours in November and December will take place… Any tourists whose tour is cancelled due to this development will be offered a full refund.

Koryo Tours spokesman