When you are planning on travel to difficult locales, you need to work with travel agents who can plan your trip for you. A trip to a place like North Korea, Cuba, or Iran is possible, but you cannot plan these trips on your own like they are a romp at the beach. The travel agent handles every part of the trip for you to make sure you do not find yourself in trouble.
The Visas and Passports
You must have a current passport if you want to travel abroad, but you must have a valid visa when you enter the country. The United States State Department controls travel to these difficult locations, and your travel agent can work with the State Department to get your visas approved. The same is true with the government in the country where you plan to travel. Your travel agent will help you get the right forms submitted to receive a valid visa. You absolutely cannot travel without a visa, and it is unwise to travel without informing the State Department of what you are doing.
The Itinerary
Your itinerary should be tightly controlled when you visit a difficult location. You must be easy to find when you are traveling in a country like Cuba, and the U.S. officials who work in that country should know you are there, where you are, and what you are doing. This itinerary is designed for your own safety. Plus, you want to work with the local government to make sure you are only going to places you are allowed to visit. If you travel to a difficult location without a thoughtfully considered itinerary, you could be arrested or worse.
Compiling All Your Documents
Your travel agent should give you a checklist for all your documents. You need to know which documents are required when you are traveling. Your travel agent can check on your visa status, contact the State Department for you and contact the government in country where you plan to travel. Your travel agent should tell you everything you need to know before you leave.
Communication
You must go to a distant foreign land with a simple means of communication. Your travel agent can help you purchase a satellite phone or global cell phone plan that will help you communicate with people back home. If you ever find yourself in imminent danger, you need to be able to contact U.S. officials who can offer you assistance.
Your travel agent can help plan your trip to a place like North Korea, but you must follow every step the travel agent takes you through. Your valid visa, other travel documents, and phone must be in-hand before you leave for the trip.
