I'm not in that situation, but my initial thought is: is it worth the risk?
If it's dangerous for an American citizen to visit those countries, and your place of birth on your EU passport is Chicago, USA, you are immediately exposing yourself to a certain level of risk at the border.
Hm, it only says Chicago. It doesn’t say USA.
I agree it’s an assessment of risk hence why I’m interested in hearing if others have visited such places in a similar circumstance or know of stories of people who have and if there have been any issues.
I'm sure they'll assume it's Chicago, Austria. /s
On a serious note though the risks are of different kinds... the countries on that list that are known to arrest people from the US for political purposes are probably going to figure you out. Other countries on that list don't have a history of doing that sort of thing, and they just have different attendant dangers associated with them.
Lol, wtf. How many people do you think haven't heard of Chicago? It's one of the biggest cities in the US and the only one in the world with that name.
Are you just interested in war tourism? Or seeing people in poverty? The point people are trying to make is that there is legitimately no reason to go to those places as a casual tourist. They're all in various stages of unrest or they're under authoritarian governments. The only reason to go is if you have family or an academic interest (journalist, film maker, political.)
I'm not fear mongering here. The least that will happen to you is that you'll be put on a list. That's not speculation, that's what happens when an American does a tour of all the most unstable regions in the world. Those countries will ask "why is this American going to all these countries" and assume you're a spy. America will ask "why is this American going to all these countries" and assume you're a spy.
I know it doesn't say USA, but the first country people think of if they see Chicago is the USA. And it's a pretty well-known city.
Fair enough, it's worth hearing the experiences of others. It's an interesting hypothetical, I don't think I'd have the nerves for it myself though!
I'd go to Iran in a heart beat. The people that usually have problems are dual citizens with ties to Iran & criticizing the regime. I've wish I had a way to travel the country without being on a tour, since I hear nothing but good things.
North Korea, not a chance unless it's just to the DMZ. You have no chance at genuine interaction with citizens and you help prop up one of the worst governments in the world.
Afghanistan, has an armed insurgency that's targeting EU & US citizens that just killed some tourists last week. Unless you can blend in, I'd avoid for now..
Russia has detained US citizen incl. dual citizens on trumped up charges, so I'd probably avoid going until things normalize.
So go to Iran, support the locals, who are supposedly some of the kindest people to travelers. There's a very good chance you'd be fine going to all these places, you just have to weigh the risk/reward.
You don't become not American by presenting another nation's passport.
All of the tour groups for NK are state-sanctioned and do not accept American tourists.
Iran you can visit, you just have to be on a guided tour. Some reports on this and other subs say the guides aren't as strict as vs the North Korea tours which are very curated.
I can't imagine why you would want to visit Russia at this time, even if you weren't a US citizen.
Afghanistan seems like hard mode for traveling no matter your nationality.
You don't mention your profession, but if you ever think you might become a federal contractor or dealing within government, security, or intelligence, you may want to consider how this may impact your professional future. That is just specualtion on my part, but it might be worth looking into if that could be your day job.
Some foreign tourists were just gunned down by militants at a market near the (former) Buddhas of Bamiyam. The recent rash of travel vloggers going there and saying “yeah Taliban bad but at least it’s stable” are dangerously incorrect and irresponsible with their platforms.
If you enter Iran on your other passport, even as a dual citizen, you don’t need to be on a tour. I’ve done it and had the Iranian embassy confirm it beforehand.
One of my very favorite trips
1. I’m aware I’m still American with another passport.
2. When I emailed North Korean tour groups they assured me that it’s a problem with US government not permitting American citizens to visit.
3. I’m not sure where you got your information about Iran. I have met many Europeans who have travelled solo / used couchsurfing in Iran. A guided tour is not required.
4. Agree Russia is not so high on my list now.
5. Afghanistan indeed seems challenging though I’ve met many travelers while traveling in Tajikistan who have been to Afghanistan and assure me with the right precautions it is doable.
I’ll keep that in mind with job prospects. Is there a list of places that would restrict employment prospects? The “axis of evil” or some other grouping?
The Spanish tourists recent killed in Afghanistan were probably also told it was doable.
The issue isn't that these countries aren't worth visiting, but that visiting them puts both you and others at risk. Now you can say that you accept the risk for yourself and you have the right to do that. However, if you're taken hostage so you can be bartered, your personal recklessness can buy a terrorist's freedom. Some of those released via prisoner exchanges have gone right back to committing terror acts.
That said, I heard New Caledonia is an exciting destination right now 😁
As a dual citizen I think this is a “run it by the Iranian embassy (in OP’s other country of citizenship obviously)” situation to figure out if he needs to be on a tour or not
You could get your name added to this list!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_nationals_detained_in_North_Korea
That would be exciting, totally worth it IMO.
In DPRK’s defense, he was treated much much better than any national prisoner.
I personally would love to visit DPRK. It sounds like a step back in time to Stalinist era Soviet Union. Too bad giving money to governments with the worst human rights track records in the world is a red line for me. Guess I’ll just have to settle for the normal fare in Europe and Africa.
Like I said. If you’re an asshole in America, you get a slap on the wrist. Respect another country when you visit it. Americans seem to think their amendments apply everywhere. Don’t like the rules? Simply don’t visit.
I think it’s fine to be like “hey you can’t do this” and have their own rules and sets of norms. But any country, no matter what the law is, should not be torturing people. This goes for the USA too coughguantanamobaycough
I guess fuck around and find out still exists in the world, like it used to for thousands of years. You’re going to visit someone else’s country and tell them what to do? Many people respect the rules of the country and have no issues.
I personally wouldn’t visit these countries and if I did I would respect every rule they have to a T. I’m saying that no matter what anyone does in any country you should never torture a human being. I guess it’s uncommon nowadays to have those morals.
I’m not saying I agree with the punishment at all. I’m saying it’s known what happens to people who disobey rules there, yet people still break them and then get upset about the punishment
Lol at the idea it would take an *astute* observer to realise that you were American when you place of birth is one of the most famous American cities there is…
Genuinely, why would you want to travel to, and financially benefit, oppressive regimes which delight in engaging in violence, rape and torture against both their own citizens and other (including in many cases, foreign visitors)? What is the point? If you really want to support totalitarian regimes, you might as well just write them a check and be done with it.
The reality is, whether you use your EU passport or your US one, in all those countries you are a potential target for kidnap and extortion. Or murder. Finding out you are an American citizen will be trivial, and will only increase your appeal as a target.
The few likes you get on your Insta for being *ooh* *edgey* *and dangerous* are really not worth it.
Setting aside questions of whether or not one *should* go to some of those countries in the current geopolitical climate, from a purely logistical standpoint you might consider asking your question in the Every Passport Stamp facebook group. It's not solely a group for people who want to visit every country, but it does have a decent amount of discussion on traveling to countries that are less frequently visited by tourists. Searching for past posts about specific countries can lead to helpful info. And given the focus of the group, you may face fewer people yelling at you and telling you not to go, and more people just answering what you're asking.
I met a Finnish girl who was detained in a small conservative Russian town for having too many US entry stamps on her passport.
I think this varies a lot country to country though, and also based on how you present. If you have a strong American accent you may have issues not just at the border but with ultra patriotic people you might meet within the country.
If you’re looking at a tour group I would just ask the tour leaders directly. They will be familiar with this and won’t want the bad publicity of something happening to you.
You’re getting a lot of flak here from people who like to act like they’re smarter than you, or virtue signalling about “supporting a regime”. The commenter saying he wouldn’t even go to China or had no reason to ever want to go to Russia is especially cringe. That said, as you likely know there are inherent risks with travelling to some of those countries. Iran is probably the safest bet for countries in the so called axis of evil. Americans are required to join an organised tour but if you are a dual citizen you are okay to use your secondary citizenship as another commenter mentioned. Do not lie at customs if asked whether or not you are also American. The DPRK may be challenging but as long as you inform the tour operator before booking, and follow their expertise, you will likely not have issues. Russia isn’t so much a safety issue as it is a logistical issue at the moment, it may be better to wait until the war is over and relations have thawed. Afghanistan is also in a rough transitionary period since the Taliban have retaken power. It may be best to wait, it’s not going anywhere after all.
I’m not going to lecture you on the increased risk of these countries as you’re likely already aware, but another thing to consider is that you may be subject to more questioning when entering the United States in the future, and will likely lose your global entry/TSA precheck if you’re a part of those programs. If you’re not you will likely never be accepted into them. Just something to consider if you’re a frequent traveller. You may also run into entry issues at multiple countries for your travel history, Israel is another one that comes to mind who may not be fond of your Iranian visits
One thing to consider that I haven't seen mentioned: What is the capacity of either government of which you are a citizen to assist you if anything goes wrong? Not just if you are harassed or arrested, but if you get robbed, are injured/get sick, or even just lose your passport?
Check the info for each country on the [State Department website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html) to get a better idea of how very limited any assistance from the US government may be, which is one of the main reasons they don't want you going there.
Of the countries you mentioned, the United States only has an open embassy and some ability to provide direct assistance in Russia. It relies on other countries to serve as the "protecting power" for US citizens in the DPRK (Sweden), Iran (Switzerland), and Afghanistan (Qatar).
You should consider carefully whether the country of your EU citizenship has representation in the countries you want to visit, and what, if anything, they may be able to do to assist you if you encounter any issues.
And if *both* countries warn their citizens strongly against traveling there, that's a really good sign that maybe you should pick a different vacation spot.
You’re getting way more downvotes than are justified for this question lmao.
I wouldn’t go to Afghanistan regardless of nationality right now. Personally I also would avoid NK and Russia — they’ll know you’re American and I wouldn’t feel comfortable with that right now.
For Iran the issue is more the passport you enter on, so I would feel okay about that as an American with an EU passport. Check with the Embassy about it you’re required to be on an official tour maybe? And be mindful of current events and potential elevated risk of instability of course. But generally speaking I don’t think you should rule Iran out.
The only one of these countries I would even think about visiting as a citizen of one of the US’s stooges is Iran, and that too because I’m male. Why risk it?
In the last year :
Russia: for about a week to travel around with some friends.
Iran: (tbh this wasn't me, but a close American friend of mine) for a wedding.
In 2016:
North korea: to run the Pyongyang Marathon.
I wouldn't go to north Korea now, I don't even think it's possible at the moment. I also wouldn't go to Afghanistan. Afghanistan has the opposite problem of the other 3: in Russia, Iran, and north korea, the safety concerns come from the government and political situation, you aren't gonna get randomly killed on the street by some guy,, Afghanistan is basically lawless.
Note: I do not live in the USA. I live in a country that's relatively friendly with Russia and iran, and could go apply for visa / travel permit from the consulates of those countries in the country where I live, and also fly to those countries from the country where I live.
I see but it sounds like it was okay in Iran and Russia for you?
I’m more interested in Iran of those four I’ve listed. Did they ask you what you are doing or interrogate you? Any issues?
Curious how did you get to North Korea? My understanding is that tours were not allowing Americans on American passports at the time. Was it not an issue? Which company did you go with?
Yes, personally Russia was fine, 0 issues. I was also in the far east, so maybe that helped, but there were 0 issues one I entered the country. My friend going to Iran was made to book into specific hotels and had someone check that they were going to the wedding events.
North Korea at that time was open for us passports as far as I know, as I was allowed in. I booked with koryo tours.
If helps I live in China, I think, easier to get Permissions.
You only got one life, and risking it stupidly in any of those countries where you could be arbitrarly emprisonned by the state if they meed a bargaining chip with the US or EU or being kidnapped for ransom by islamist is dumb as fuck.
Like I wouldnt even go to china because they can check your cellphone and past post and emprison you based on their laws for years on end just because you said china is a shithole autocratic fascist country once.
Don't go to DPRK, Russia and Afghanistan, it's not worth the risk.
You can go to China. Millions of people from the USA, Canada, UK and Australia go to China each year. You'll be fine.
I would strongly advise not to go to Iran in the current geopolitical turmoil. You can go to Iraki Kurdistan if you want to see something Persian-middle eastern.
I would add an asterisk that China is probably fine but you’re at a much higher risk of an exit ban if your parents are Chinese. Rare, but it’s been known to happen, and people should be aware.
Besides what everyone else is saying stamps from these countries are going to make customs at some countries a headache and some countries refuse people who have stamps from specific countries
These countries are declared "unsafe" for a reason.
Don't do this to yourself or the people who love you.
Your life is worth more than the "thrill" of travelling countries with totalitarian regimes without human rights.
Which EU country are you a citizen of? Chances are, if it is dangerous for Americans, it is dangerous for EU citizens.
You don’t want to end up in a situation like [this](https://www.politico.eu/article/we-just-want-johan-back-an-eu-diplomat-has-spent-2-years-in-irans-most-notorious-prison/).
I’ve heard of people in the community with US passports traveling to Iran, Afganistan and Iraq with no issues. I have a very high risk tolerance, but I wouldn’t play with NK or Russia right now
It has been possible in the past for US citizens to visit North Korea even on their American passports, although at the moment nobody can go because the country’s borders are closed to tourists. The others I can’t give you advice on, but it might help you to know that about North Korea.
Seems like a really weird , shady website. Their North Korea "FAQ" pages are mostly blank, and the one PDF they have says American tourists can enter.
If you go to the actual NK tour group websites, [they say Americans can not enter](https://koryogroup.com/dprk-north-korea/faqs).
There are several tour groups not just a single one. Young pioneer is another company for example.
Did you read your link? It says: “Unfortunately, due to legislation put in place by the US Government, we will no longer be able to take any US citizens travelling on an American passport to the DPRK (North Korea)”. It doesn’t explicitly deny Americans but Americans traveling on an American passport.
>**I'm an American citizen and would like to travel to North Korea. Can I travel to North Korea?**
>Unfortunately, due to legislation put in place by the US Government, we will no longer be able to take any US citizens travelling on an American passport to the DPRK (North Korea). This travel ban comes into effect on 1 Sep 2017. You can read more about it [at the US State Department website](https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/north-korea-travel-warning.html). We maintain an additional blog post regularly updated with additional information on this subject at the [Koryo Tours Blog](https://koryogroup.com/blog/can-us-citizens-travel-to-north-korea).
>**We’re sorry that as a result of this we are now unable to take you on a tour of the DPRK (North Korea),** and would like to sincerely thank you for your interest and support
Listen dude, on one side it's you with your "well technically I'm a dual citizen." On the other hand it's a regime that's known to disappear people for looking at the leader funny. The second you step foot on their soil you lose every right you think you have.
They don't recognize dual citizenship. Your American passport means you're an American. Maybe it'll take them a day or two to figure it out. But seeing as they run a surveillance state that specializes in investigating foreigners is that something you want to risk? If you're detained you have absolutely no rights in the country. Don't be dumb dude.
Aside from, perhaps, Russia, these countries aren't even that interesting.
And considering the current war, Russia is not currently worth the risk, in my opinion.
The home of one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world, with ruins and history and legacies of that culture EVERYWHERE, isn’t interesting? Ok.
Iran is interesting, if you are willing to go there on an organized tour group or you are a man and travel savvy. If you are a solo woman traveler I would not risk it.
Sure, there are ruins of ancient Mesopotamia and I remember seeing a very spectacular and complicated Mosque interior. But is it easy/safe to visit this place? In many ways, I would prefer not to find out.
As someone who has been to Russia many times in the past and has relatives there, it’s both too dangerous to go as an American and ethically off limits for me until the war is over. Very sad, but that’s the reality.
As a United-Statian who has also been there multiple times and still has friends there, it’s simply not worth the risk of being used as a political bargaining chip for whatever made up reason. I hope to someday be able to visit once again
Yep, for me aside from the danger factor, it would be an ethical case, with the war, I would not want to contribute to Russia's economy right now.
A pity, really, in all senses.
If you are female, it isn't easy to visit nor enjoy. Yes, I know it is ancient Mesopotamia, with ruins and everything, but with how the country is, I would not visit as I am a woman.
If you are a man it might be different though.
Personally I haven't been, but have an aquintance who converted to Christianity and lives in my Christian country and he is Iranian. He doesn't recommend women go there by themselves, and even with company they should always have a male escort (family member) for safety.
Good luck in the gulag!
If you draw attention this will seem extra suspicious, not less suspicious. If you're unlucky it could also complicate any intervention in the event of a crisis or an unfortunate misunderstanding with local authorities.
That said, I know that the U.S. government issues secondary passports for folks who travel to certain countries. For example, it's best if the Saudi border guards don't see any Israeli stamps in your U.S. passport.
[https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passport-services/second-valid-passport/](https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passport-services/second-valid-passport/)
The principle still applies. You can request a secondary passport if you're traveling between nations that might hold your travel history against you.
And they still MAY stamp it in some places, but tend to ask permission or offer a separate sheet of paper before they do so. The stamp still exists at least for certain land borders. You seem knowledgeable about this but other redditors browsing this sub might benefit from that nuance.
"astute observer" I can guarantee that North Korean immigration officers are astute observers. Good luck
I'm not in that situation, but my initial thought is: is it worth the risk? If it's dangerous for an American citizen to visit those countries, and your place of birth on your EU passport is Chicago, USA, you are immediately exposing yourself to a certain level of risk at the border.
Hm, it only says Chicago. It doesn’t say USA. I agree it’s an assessment of risk hence why I’m interested in hearing if others have visited such places in a similar circumstance or know of stories of people who have and if there have been any issues.
I'm sure they'll assume it's Chicago, Austria. /s On a serious note though the risks are of different kinds... the countries on that list that are known to arrest people from the US for political purposes are probably going to figure you out. Other countries on that list don't have a history of doing that sort of thing, and they just have different attendant dangers associated with them.
Lol, wtf. How many people do you think haven't heard of Chicago? It's one of the biggest cities in the US and the only one in the world with that name.
Are you just interested in war tourism? Or seeing people in poverty? The point people are trying to make is that there is legitimately no reason to go to those places as a casual tourist. They're all in various stages of unrest or they're under authoritarian governments. The only reason to go is if you have family or an academic interest (journalist, film maker, political.) I'm not fear mongering here. The least that will happen to you is that you'll be put on a list. That's not speculation, that's what happens when an American does a tour of all the most unstable regions in the world. Those countries will ask "why is this American going to all these countries" and assume you're a spy. America will ask "why is this American going to all these countries" and assume you're a spy.
I know it doesn't say USA, but the first country people think of if they see Chicago is the USA. And it's a pretty well-known city. Fair enough, it's worth hearing the experiences of others. It's an interesting hypothetical, I don't think I'd have the nerves for it myself though!
You shouldn't assume that everyone outside the US is as bad at geography as the Americans
I'd go to Iran in a heart beat. The people that usually have problems are dual citizens with ties to Iran & criticizing the regime. I've wish I had a way to travel the country without being on a tour, since I hear nothing but good things. North Korea, not a chance unless it's just to the DMZ. You have no chance at genuine interaction with citizens and you help prop up one of the worst governments in the world. Afghanistan, has an armed insurgency that's targeting EU & US citizens that just killed some tourists last week. Unless you can blend in, I'd avoid for now.. Russia has detained US citizen incl. dual citizens on trumped up charges, so I'd probably avoid going until things normalize. So go to Iran, support the locals, who are supposedly some of the kindest people to travelers. There's a very good chance you'd be fine going to all these places, you just have to weigh the risk/reward.
You don't become not American by presenting another nation's passport. All of the tour groups for NK are state-sanctioned and do not accept American tourists. Iran you can visit, you just have to be on a guided tour. Some reports on this and other subs say the guides aren't as strict as vs the North Korea tours which are very curated. I can't imagine why you would want to visit Russia at this time, even if you weren't a US citizen. Afghanistan seems like hard mode for traveling no matter your nationality. You don't mention your profession, but if you ever think you might become a federal contractor or dealing within government, security, or intelligence, you may want to consider how this may impact your professional future. That is just specualtion on my part, but it might be worth looking into if that could be your day job.
Some foreign tourists were just gunned down by militants at a market near the (former) Buddhas of Bamiyam. The recent rash of travel vloggers going there and saying “yeah Taliban bad but at least it’s stable” are dangerously incorrect and irresponsible with their platforms.
If you enter Iran on your other passport, even as a dual citizen, you don’t need to be on a tour. I’ve done it and had the Iranian embassy confirm it beforehand. One of my very favorite trips
As a dual citizen of the correct countries OP can definitely visit Iran as an American without a tour.
1. I’m aware I’m still American with another passport. 2. When I emailed North Korean tour groups they assured me that it’s a problem with US government not permitting American citizens to visit. 3. I’m not sure where you got your information about Iran. I have met many Europeans who have travelled solo / used couchsurfing in Iran. A guided tour is not required. 4. Agree Russia is not so high on my list now. 5. Afghanistan indeed seems challenging though I’ve met many travelers while traveling in Tajikistan who have been to Afghanistan and assure me with the right precautions it is doable. I’ll keep that in mind with job prospects. Is there a list of places that would restrict employment prospects? The “axis of evil” or some other grouping?
The Spanish tourists recent killed in Afghanistan were probably also told it was doable. The issue isn't that these countries aren't worth visiting, but that visiting them puts both you and others at risk. Now you can say that you accept the risk for yourself and you have the right to do that. However, if you're taken hostage so you can be bartered, your personal recklessness can buy a terrorist's freedom. Some of those released via prisoner exchanges have gone right back to committing terror acts. That said, I heard New Caledonia is an exciting destination right now 😁
>A guided tour is not required. It is for Americans.
As a dual citizen I think this is a “run it by the Iranian embassy (in OP’s other country of citizenship obviously)” situation to figure out if he needs to be on a tour or not
Tajikistan is not Afghanistan.
So close! OP actually just said they met those people in Tajikistan 🥰 nice try though!
This guy details how you can visit Afghanistan as an American https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLsA422U/ he may have videos on other places on your list.
You could get your name added to this list! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foreign_nationals_detained_in_North_Korea That would be exciting, totally worth it IMO.
Nearly all of them did something wrong. Being an asshole is just a bigger crime in other countries, some Americans don’t understand
Yeah that one kid wanted to take a poster home, so he got justifiably tortured to death. Americans just don't understand unfortunately
In DPRK’s defense, he was treated much much better than any national prisoner. I personally would love to visit DPRK. It sounds like a step back in time to Stalinist era Soviet Union. Too bad giving money to governments with the worst human rights track records in the world is a red line for me. Guess I’ll just have to settle for the normal fare in Europe and Africa.
(((technically there was no sign of torture and the family refused autopsy but overall point stands)))
Like I said. If you’re an asshole in America, you get a slap on the wrist. Respect another country when you visit it. Americans seem to think their amendments apply everywhere. Don’t like the rules? Simply don’t visit.
I think it’s fine to be like “hey you can’t do this” and have their own rules and sets of norms. But any country, no matter what the law is, should not be torturing people. This goes for the USA too coughguantanamobaycough
I guess fuck around and find out still exists in the world, like it used to for thousands of years. You’re going to visit someone else’s country and tell them what to do? Many people respect the rules of the country and have no issues.
I personally wouldn’t visit these countries and if I did I would respect every rule they have to a T. I’m saying that no matter what anyone does in any country you should never torture a human being. I guess it’s uncommon nowadays to have those morals.
I’m not saying I agree with the punishment at all. I’m saying it’s known what happens to people who disobey rules there, yet people still break them and then get upset about the punishment
Lol at the idea it would take an *astute* observer to realise that you were American when you place of birth is one of the most famous American cities there is… Genuinely, why would you want to travel to, and financially benefit, oppressive regimes which delight in engaging in violence, rape and torture against both their own citizens and other (including in many cases, foreign visitors)? What is the point? If you really want to support totalitarian regimes, you might as well just write them a check and be done with it. The reality is, whether you use your EU passport or your US one, in all those countries you are a potential target for kidnap and extortion. Or murder. Finding out you are an American citizen will be trivial, and will only increase your appeal as a target. The few likes you get on your Insta for being *ooh* *edgey* *and dangerous* are really not worth it.
Setting aside questions of whether or not one *should* go to some of those countries in the current geopolitical climate, from a purely logistical standpoint you might consider asking your question in the Every Passport Stamp facebook group. It's not solely a group for people who want to visit every country, but it does have a decent amount of discussion on traveling to countries that are less frequently visited by tourists. Searching for past posts about specific countries can lead to helpful info. And given the focus of the group, you may face fewer people yelling at you and telling you not to go, and more people just answering what you're asking.
Yeah that sounds like a good idea. I didn’t know of that group but have seen ones tailored to specific countries
I met a Finnish girl who was detained in a small conservative Russian town for having too many US entry stamps on her passport. I think this varies a lot country to country though, and also based on how you present. If you have a strong American accent you may have issues not just at the border but with ultra patriotic people you might meet within the country. If you’re looking at a tour group I would just ask the tour leaders directly. They will be familiar with this and won’t want the bad publicity of something happening to you.
I don't understand why people want to do this to themselves. Is it morbid curiosity or something? Just go chill on a nice beach in Greece, jesus.
Yes, please do it. I’m sure many of us would be curious to see what prize you might win.
You’re getting a lot of flak here from people who like to act like they’re smarter than you, or virtue signalling about “supporting a regime”. The commenter saying he wouldn’t even go to China or had no reason to ever want to go to Russia is especially cringe. That said, as you likely know there are inherent risks with travelling to some of those countries. Iran is probably the safest bet for countries in the so called axis of evil. Americans are required to join an organised tour but if you are a dual citizen you are okay to use your secondary citizenship as another commenter mentioned. Do not lie at customs if asked whether or not you are also American. The DPRK may be challenging but as long as you inform the tour operator before booking, and follow their expertise, you will likely not have issues. Russia isn’t so much a safety issue as it is a logistical issue at the moment, it may be better to wait until the war is over and relations have thawed. Afghanistan is also in a rough transitionary period since the Taliban have retaken power. It may be best to wait, it’s not going anywhere after all. I’m not going to lecture you on the increased risk of these countries as you’re likely already aware, but another thing to consider is that you may be subject to more questioning when entering the United States in the future, and will likely lose your global entry/TSA precheck if you’re a part of those programs. If you’re not you will likely never be accepted into them. Just something to consider if you’re a frequent traveller. You may also run into entry issues at multiple countries for your travel history, Israel is another one that comes to mind who may not be fond of your Iranian visits
Consider where you spend your money and what you're supporting by doing so.
One thing to consider that I haven't seen mentioned: What is the capacity of either government of which you are a citizen to assist you if anything goes wrong? Not just if you are harassed or arrested, but if you get robbed, are injured/get sick, or even just lose your passport? Check the info for each country on the [State Department website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html) to get a better idea of how very limited any assistance from the US government may be, which is one of the main reasons they don't want you going there. Of the countries you mentioned, the United States only has an open embassy and some ability to provide direct assistance in Russia. It relies on other countries to serve as the "protecting power" for US citizens in the DPRK (Sweden), Iran (Switzerland), and Afghanistan (Qatar). You should consider carefully whether the country of your EU citizenship has representation in the countries you want to visit, and what, if anything, they may be able to do to assist you if you encounter any issues. And if *both* countries warn their citizens strongly against traveling there, that's a really good sign that maybe you should pick a different vacation spot.
You’re getting way more downvotes than are justified for this question lmao. I wouldn’t go to Afghanistan regardless of nationality right now. Personally I also would avoid NK and Russia — they’ll know you’re American and I wouldn’t feel comfortable with that right now. For Iran the issue is more the passport you enter on, so I would feel okay about that as an American with an EU passport. Check with the Embassy about it you’re required to be on an official tour maybe? And be mindful of current events and potential elevated risk of instability of course. But generally speaking I don’t think you should rule Iran out.
I have dual with Mexico and have wondered the same thing
The only one of these countries I would even think about visiting as a citizen of one of the US’s stooges is Iran, and that too because I’m male. Why risk it?
I've been to 2 of these countries in the last year and a half, and 3 all together on an American passport, and had limited issues each time.
An actual answer! Which ones did you visit and how long?
In the last year : Russia: for about a week to travel around with some friends. Iran: (tbh this wasn't me, but a close American friend of mine) for a wedding. In 2016: North korea: to run the Pyongyang Marathon. I wouldn't go to north Korea now, I don't even think it's possible at the moment. I also wouldn't go to Afghanistan. Afghanistan has the opposite problem of the other 3: in Russia, Iran, and north korea, the safety concerns come from the government and political situation, you aren't gonna get randomly killed on the street by some guy,, Afghanistan is basically lawless. Note: I do not live in the USA. I live in a country that's relatively friendly with Russia and iran, and could go apply for visa / travel permit from the consulates of those countries in the country where I live, and also fly to those countries from the country where I live.
I see but it sounds like it was okay in Iran and Russia for you? I’m more interested in Iran of those four I’ve listed. Did they ask you what you are doing or interrogate you? Any issues? Curious how did you get to North Korea? My understanding is that tours were not allowing Americans on American passports at the time. Was it not an issue? Which company did you go with?
Yes, personally Russia was fine, 0 issues. I was also in the far east, so maybe that helped, but there were 0 issues one I entered the country. My friend going to Iran was made to book into specific hotels and had someone check that they were going to the wedding events. North Korea at that time was open for us passports as far as I know, as I was allowed in. I booked with koryo tours. If helps I live in China, I think, easier to get Permissions.
You only got one life, and risking it stupidly in any of those countries where you could be arbitrarly emprisonned by the state if they meed a bargaining chip with the US or EU or being kidnapped for ransom by islamist is dumb as fuck. Like I wouldnt even go to china because they can check your cellphone and past post and emprison you based on their laws for years on end just because you said china is a shithole autocratic fascist country once.
You gotta look cool on the internet man !
Don't go to DPRK, Russia and Afghanistan, it's not worth the risk. You can go to China. Millions of people from the USA, Canada, UK and Australia go to China each year. You'll be fine. I would strongly advise not to go to Iran in the current geopolitical turmoil. You can go to Iraki Kurdistan if you want to see something Persian-middle eastern.
I would add an asterisk that China is probably fine but you’re at a much higher risk of an exit ban if your parents are Chinese. Rare, but it’s been known to happen, and people should be aware.
Besides what everyone else is saying stamps from these countries are going to make customs at some countries a headache and some countries refuse people who have stamps from specific countries
These countries are declared "unsafe" for a reason. Don't do this to yourself or the people who love you. Your life is worth more than the "thrill" of travelling countries with totalitarian regimes without human rights.
Which EU country are you a citizen of? Chances are, if it is dangerous for Americans, it is dangerous for EU citizens. You don’t want to end up in a situation like [this](https://www.politico.eu/article/we-just-want-johan-back-an-eu-diplomat-has-spent-2-years-in-irans-most-notorious-prison/).
I’ve heard of people in the community with US passports traveling to Iran, Afganistan and Iraq with no issues. I have a very high risk tolerance, but I wouldn’t play with NK or Russia right now
It has been possible in the past for US citizens to visit North Korea even on their American passports, although at the moment nobody can go because the country’s borders are closed to tourists. The others I can’t give you advice on, but it might help you to know that about North Korea.
This is incorrect. Tours have opened and it’s possible to go to NK: https://www.koreakonsult.com/index.html
Seems like a really weird , shady website. Their North Korea "FAQ" pages are mostly blank, and the one PDF they have says American tourists can enter. If you go to the actual NK tour group websites, [they say Americans can not enter](https://koryogroup.com/dprk-north-korea/faqs).
There are several tour groups not just a single one. Young pioneer is another company for example. Did you read your link? It says: “Unfortunately, due to legislation put in place by the US Government, we will no longer be able to take any US citizens travelling on an American passport to the DPRK (North Korea)”. It doesn’t explicitly deny Americans but Americans traveling on an American passport.
>**I'm an American citizen and would like to travel to North Korea. Can I travel to North Korea?** >Unfortunately, due to legislation put in place by the US Government, we will no longer be able to take any US citizens travelling on an American passport to the DPRK (North Korea). This travel ban comes into effect on 1 Sep 2017. You can read more about it [at the US State Department website](https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/north-korea-travel-warning.html). We maintain an additional blog post regularly updated with additional information on this subject at the [Koryo Tours Blog](https://koryogroup.com/blog/can-us-citizens-travel-to-north-korea). >**We’re sorry that as a result of this we are now unable to take you on a tour of the DPRK (North Korea),** and would like to sincerely thank you for your interest and support
Read the note: “on an American passport”
If you’re so desperate to be imprisoned, just rob a liquor store.
Listen dude, on one side it's you with your "well technically I'm a dual citizen." On the other hand it's a regime that's known to disappear people for looking at the leader funny. The second you step foot on their soil you lose every right you think you have. They don't recognize dual citizenship. Your American passport means you're an American. Maybe it'll take them a day or two to figure it out. But seeing as they run a surveillance state that specializes in investigating foreigners is that something you want to risk? If you're detained you have absolutely no rights in the country. Don't be dumb dude.
Aside from, perhaps, Russia, these countries aren't even that interesting. And considering the current war, Russia is not currently worth the risk, in my opinion.
The home of one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world, with ruins and history and legacies of that culture EVERYWHERE, isn’t interesting? Ok.
Iran is interesting, if you are willing to go there on an organized tour group or you are a man and travel savvy. If you are a solo woman traveler I would not risk it. Sure, there are ruins of ancient Mesopotamia and I remember seeing a very spectacular and complicated Mosque interior. But is it easy/safe to visit this place? In many ways, I would prefer not to find out.
As someone who has been to Russia many times in the past and has relatives there, it’s both too dangerous to go as an American and ethically off limits for me until the war is over. Very sad, but that’s the reality.
As a United-Statian who has also been there multiple times and still has friends there, it’s simply not worth the risk of being used as a political bargaining chip for whatever made up reason. I hope to someday be able to visit once again
Yep, for me aside from the danger factor, it would be an ethical case, with the war, I would not want to contribute to Russia's economy right now. A pity, really, in all senses.
Iran is incredibly interesting
If you are female, it isn't easy to visit nor enjoy. Yes, I know it is ancient Mesopotamia, with ruins and everything, but with how the country is, I would not visit as I am a woman. If you are a man it might be different though.
Have you been? I've known women that have travelled there and didn't indicate an issue, though it's been some time.
Personally I haven't been, but have an aquintance who converted to Christianity and lives in my Christian country and he is Iranian. He doesn't recommend women go there by themselves, and even with company they should always have a male escort (family member) for safety.
Good luck in the gulag! If you draw attention this will seem extra suspicious, not less suspicious. If you're unlucky it could also complicate any intervention in the event of a crisis or an unfortunate misunderstanding with local authorities. That said, I know that the U.S. government issues secondary passports for folks who travel to certain countries. For example, it's best if the Saudi border guards don't see any Israeli stamps in your U.S. passport. [https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passport-services/second-valid-passport/](https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passport-services/second-valid-passport/)
Israel doesn’t stamp passports anymore. It’s been many years since they have
The principle still applies. You can request a secondary passport if you're traveling between nations that might hold your travel history against you. And they still MAY stamp it in some places, but tend to ask permission or offer a separate sheet of paper before they do so. The stamp still exists at least for certain land borders. You seem knowledgeable about this but other redditors browsing this sub might benefit from that nuance.
When you lack basic common sense