North Korea bans foreigners from its annual marathon, citing Ebola concerns

North Korea has officially banned visitors from one of its most popular events for tourists.

Travel agencies told The Associated Press Monday that foreigners will be barred from running in Pyongyang's annual Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon. The ban comes amid fears of the Ebola virus, though no cases of Ebola have been reported in North Korea or its surrounding area.

AP notes that North Korea has "some of the strictest Ebola regulations in the world." In October, North Korea suspended visas for nonessential travel for all foreigners.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up