A small group of foreign tourists has visited North Korea in the past week, making them the first international travelers to enter the country in five years except for a group of Russian tourists who went to the North last year.

International tourists have been allowed into North Korea for the first time in over five years after the country closed its borders in January 2020

North Korea welcomed international travelers for the first time in years, according to a report. A group of people from the United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy crossed into North Korea on a five-day trip from Feb. 20 to 24, according to a tourist company.

In February 2024, North Korea accepted about 100 Russian tourists, the first foreign nationals to visit the country for sightseeing. That surprised many observers, who thought the first post-pandemic tourists would come from China, North Korea’s biggest trading partner and major ally.

After the pandemic began, North Korea quickly banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely curtailed border traffic in one of the world’s most draconian COVID-19 restrictions. But since 2022, North Korea has been slowly easing curbs and reopening its borders.

North Korea is ready to open its door to international tourism in order to revive its struggling economy.As reported by NBC, a small group of foreign tourists has visited North Korea between February 20 to February 24,

Pack your bags!North Korea has welcomed international travellers for the first time in five years, except for a Russia