Who is believed to be travelling between China and North Korea currently?

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Individuals travelling between China and North Korea are believed to include students, workers, and those with family ties.

Direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang resumed on March 30, marking the first such service since the pandemic. However, current travel into North Korea is restricted to individuals with official or special purposes. Chinese travel agencies and foreign firms have begun advertising tour packages, but it is not explicitly stated if general tourists have commenced travel beyond those with specific affiliations.
Resumption of Direct Flights and Current Travel Restrictions

China and North Korea have restarted direct flights between their capitals, Beijing and Pyongyang, on March 30. This marks a significant step in the reopening of travel between the two nations since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the resumption of flights, North Korea is currently only permitting entry for travellers who possess official designations or have other special purposes for their visit.
Pre-Pandemic Tourism Landscape

Before the widespread border closures due to COVID-19, North Korea saw a substantial number of foreign visitors. In 2019, an estimated 300,000 foreign tourists visited the country, with Chinese nationals constituting approximately 90% of this figure. Western tourists also made up a notable portion, with around 5,000 believed to visit annually. Travel restrictions from the United States were imposed following the death of American student Otto Warmbier in 2017.
Evolving Tourist Access and Operator Activity

In 2024, North Korea permitted Russian tourists to enter, and Western tour operators briefly resumed visits in February 2025 under strict controls. Despite these developments, authorities announced in July of the same year that foreigners were barred from a new beach resort. While some foreigners attended the Pyongyang Marathon in April 2025, this year's event was abruptly cancelled.
Resumption of Other Transportation Links

Beyond air travel, other transportation routes have also been reactivated. Passenger trains connecting the two capitals between China and North Korea restarted on March 13, following a six-year hiatus. Rail freight traffic had already resumed in late 2022, indicating a gradual restoration of connectivity.

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Who is believed to be travelling between China and North Korea currently?

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