Travel Restrictions: Can I Move Between Cities?

Travel between cities is a contentious issue, with some countries imposing strict restrictions on internal movement. For instance, North Korea prohibits its citizens from travelling between cities within the country, with checkpoints and travel permits in place to monitor and control movement. In contrast, other countries, like the Philippines, have allowed travel between areas under different quarantine restrictions, such as general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), to promote tourism and economic activities. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Dakota in the United States implemented a 14-day quarantine for residents returning from states with high infection rates, but exempted essential workers and those engaging in outdoor activities from these restrictions.

Travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic

The tourism industry suffered economically due to the decrease in international travel, and some countries with large domestic markets, such as the United States, saw a faster recovery due to increased domestic travel. The pandemic also led to a decline in business travel, as virtual alternatives, such as teleconferencing and virtual events, gained preference.

Global trade was also significantly impacted by travel restrictions, particularly due to the difficulty for business partners in different countries to meet in person. The liberalisation of Soviet airspace in 1985, which reduced flight times between Europe and East Asia, resulted in a substantial increase in trade between the two regions. This highlights the importance of face-to-face communication in facilitating trade.

The effectiveness of travel restrictions in containing the spread of COVID-19 has been questioned, and researchers have concluded that they are most useful in the early and late phases of a pandemic. The restrictions have had negative economic and social impacts on the travel sector, and it is expected that many people will resume travelling once the restrictions are lifted.

Travel between cities in North Korea

North Korea is a country with very restricted freedom of movement. Travel between cities within the country is tightly controlled by the North Korean government, and all tourism is organised by state-owned tourism bureaus. Travellers must be part of an official tour group and be accompanied by a North Korean guide at all times. An international traveller cannot gain access to North Korea without going through a tour company, and even then, they may only visit certain areas.

Rules and Restrictions

Tourists are not allowed to wander around freely and must follow a strict set of rules outlined by the North Korean government. These include restrictions on the types of camera and lens size permitted, how to take pictures of the Kim statues, and the kinds of pictures that are prohibited. Tourists are expected to honour the leader and pay respect when visiting monuments of national importance. Any form of independent travel or private interaction with North Korean citizens is forbidden and may result in serious consequences.

Transportation

Most organised tours use trains to travel between cities in North Korea, with flights also available on Air Koryo, the state-run airline. Tourists are generally not allowed to drive, and there are restrictions on the use of public transport, including the rail network. Highways are relatively good, but rural and suburban roads can be in poor condition.

Border Crossings

North Korea's borders remain effectively closed to most nationalities, with tours suspended until further notice. However, in August 2024, Chinese tour operators announced the government's intent to open the country's borders for international tourism, beginning in December 2024, with the recently redeveloped city of Samjiyŏn.

Transportation costs and comfort

Transportation costs can be categorised into internal and external costs, with internal costs being borne directly by the consumer, and external costs impacting others or society as a whole. For example, vehicle ownership costs, fuel costs, and travel time costs are typically internal costs, while factors like congestion, environmental impacts, and crash risks are considered external costs.

The cost structure of transportation is complex and varies across different modes. For instance, transport by road may incur costs like fuel, tolls, and vehicle maintenance, while air travel costs might include ticket prices, baggage fees, and in-flight amenities. The choice of transport mode depends on several factors, including the nature of the goods being transported, the distance travelled, the urgency of delivery, and the level of comfort desired.

Transportation costs can also be influenced by factors such as distance, time, economies of scale, energy consumption, competition, regulation, and subsidies. For instance, landlocked countries often face higher transportation costs due to a lack of direct access to maritime transportation. Additionally, the type of infrastructure and mode of transport can impact costs, with more developed and efficient transport systems generally resulting in lower costs.

The cost of transportation can have a significant impact on households, especially those with lower incomes. In 2022, transportation was the second-largest household expenditure in the United States, after housing, with households in the lowest income quintile spending 30% of their after-tax income on transportation. Vehicle ownership further increases transportation costs, with low-income households spending a larger proportion of their income on transportation compared to higher-income households.

Overall, transportation costs and comfort are important factors that influence the affordability and mode of travel between cities. These costs vary based on a range of factors and can have a significant impact on households, particularly those with lower incomes.

Border city travel restrictions

Border cities are often subject to travel restrictions, which can vary depending on the country and the specific border region. These restrictions may be implemented to control immigration, prevent the spread of diseases, or maintain public safety and national security.

For instance, the Mexico-US border has witnessed a record influx of Chinese migrants, with US authorities encountering over 55,000 Chinese migrants in the past 18 months. This has led to increased border control measures and travel restrictions to curb illegal border crossings.

Similarly, the legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota has prompted towns along the Mississippi River, such as La Crescent, to anticipate an influx of tourists from neighboring Wisconsin. In response, these towns are considering imposing additional restrictions on cannabis businesses, such as rules on distance from public areas and hours of operation. They are also addressing concerns about increased traffic and the potential for impaired driving across state lines.

In contrast, some countries like North Korea impose strict internal travel restrictions on their citizens, prohibiting them from travelling freely between cities within the country. North Korean citizens are monitored through checkpoints outside cities and internal passports, making it challenging to move between different regions.

Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China enforced strict lockdown measures, including restrictions on inter-city travel. Chinese citizens were screened by customs officials, and in some cases, refused permission to leave the country, even with valid passports and visas.

Air travel guidelines

Purchasing Airline Tickets

• Use of Designated Payment Methods: When purchasing airline tickets, it is important to use the designated payment methods specified by the relevant travel authority. For example, in New York State, all airline tickets must be purchased using the State Travel Card or Non-Employee Travel Card (NET). Personal credit cards are typically not accepted.
• Authorised Travel Management Services Contractor: In many cases, travellers are required to book their flights through an authorised Travel Management Services Contractor. This ensures that ticketing is done in accordance with the specified policies and that travellers obtain the lowest available contract rate.
• Emergency or Special Circumstances: There may be exceptions to the general rules in cases of emergencies or special circumstances. For instance, if a non-contract fare saves over a certain amount (e.g., $200) per round-trip ticket, or if using a contract flight would incur unnecessary overnight lodging costs.
• Frequent Flyer Miles: Travellers can usually earn frequent flyer miles when travelling on contract airfares. However, the choice of airline should not be influenced by the frequent flyer program, and accrual of benefits from this program is not a valid justification for air travel outside of the contract.

Travelling by Plane

• Travel Optimisation: When travelling between cities by plane, consider factors such as time, cost, and comfort. Aim for "travel optimisation" by minimising discomfort and maximising enjoyment during your journey.
• Health and Safety Measures: Depending on the location and prevailing health concerns (e.g., COVID-19), there may be additional health and safety measures to follow when travelling by air. This could include wearing masks, presenting vaccination certificates, or adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• Documentation and Identification: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation and identification required for air travel, including passports, visas, and any other relevant permits or authorisations.
• Airport and Security Procedures: Familiarise yourself with the airport procedures, including check-in processes, security checks, and baggage regulations. Allow sufficient time to navigate through these procedures and arrive at your gate on time.

Frequently asked questions