As we have previously reported back in May 2023, North Korea is still closed to tourism and there is no confirmed date for when the country might open. However, there has been one change that has yet to be reported that may well change that situation. North Korean flights to resume, what is the evidence? […]

Listen to YPT’s Justin talk about Mundari Cow Blowing and Urine Showers in South Sudan on this episode of the Pioneer Podcast.

According to multiple media sources a US solider has crossed the demilitarized zone that separates the Republic of Korea (South Korea) from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). The incident which echoes the defection of a number of US servicemen who “crossed the line” in the 1960’s has thus captured the world imagination. […]

As of the 1st of May 2023, Young Pioneer Tours turns 15 years old and has the time flown by! It really does feel like yesterday that the company led it’s first tour. Allow us to give you a brief insight as to how we first started as a travel company, to where we are […]

Following on from December, January and March updates we can confirm that North Korea in indeed closed to tourism and is most likely to remain so. In what is fast becoming like seeing a Yeti, companies, NGOs and everyone with more than a passing interest in the country is suddenly an expert on when it […]

We are issuing a Republic of Sudan update with regards to the recent events that have befallen the country. What is happening in Sudan? Essentially one militia group, namely the Rapid Support Services (RSF) are in open conflict with the Sudanese military, the current rulers of the country. The militant group had been negotiating an […]

Young Pioneer Tours are happy to announce that we will be continuing to support grass roots football in Cambodia through our sponsorship of Next Step FC for the 2025-26 Cambodian Premier League 2 season. To read about the Cambodian Premier League click here Who are Next Step FC? Next Step FC were founded as a […]

Can Americans travel to Syria now? We are pleased to announce that after improved diplomatic relations, they now can, with us already having taken guests. To read if Americans can go to North Korea click here. Previous policy on American travel to Syria Prior to the pandemic we had in the past applied for many […]

Around a month ago Iraqi Kurdistan launched a new e-visa schemes, to replace physical visas and visas on arrival. We were a little sceptical at first, but not only does the system seem to work, but we and our associates have gotten around to testing it out. What was the previous visa regime? Previously Kurdistan […]

After three years of being closed to tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic, China has announced that they will be issuing all kinds of visa, as well as honouring previous visas from Wednesday 15 March 2023. But, as with all things China there are rules, caveats and exceptions. To read about China’s initial reopening click […]