WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — The U.S. State Department on Thursday warned U.S. citizens against entering North Korea without first having received explicit official permission and an entry visa from Pyongyang.

The warning was issued just hours after the release of Aijalon Mahli Gomes, 30, who was arrested on January 25 after illegally entering the country. Gomes was sentenced to eight years in a labor and re-education camp in May.

The State Department said North Korea’s penalties for violating the country’s laws are much harsher than are those in the United States for similar offenses. Pyongyang imposes heavy fines and long prison sentences with hard labor on persons who enter the country without a valid passport and a North Korean visa.

“Travel by U.S. citizens to North Korea is not routine, and U.S. citizens crossing into North Korea without proper documentation, even accidentally, have been subject to arrest and long-term detention,” said the State Department.

According to the State Department, since January 2009, four U.S. citizens have been arrested for entering the country without the necessary documents.

“Even if you are a U.S. citizen entering North Korea with a valid passport and a valid visa for North Korea, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned,” the State Department added.

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