North Korea announced that it has put the entry of foreign tourists to the country on hold.
The announcement came just weeks after the country welcomed western tourists to its eastern city Rason for the first time since the pandemic.
It may be recalled that North Korea closed its borders against the pandemic in early 2020, gradually reopening itself to the world beginning from 2023 onwards.
The government has yet to disclose the reason behind the hold order.
Public advisories
Several travel agencies specialising in tours to North Korea have released advisories to customers and the general public via social media.
KTG Tours in China posted on its Facebook account on Wednesday, 5th March, that it had just received word regarding the suspension from its partners in the country.
Other agencies that have issued advisories include Young Pioneers and Koryo Tours.
Young Pioneers, in particular, advised those planning tours for April and May not to book flights to North Korea until further notice.
Koryo Tours was accepting foreign applications from those seeking to participate in the upcoming Pyongyang Marathon, but have put applications on hold indefinitely.