Is it possible to get an academic visa to places like Cuba, North Korea, or Iran?

Question

I have no intention of going, but i always found it curious when i read say Bruce Cummings, a historian on North Korea to find out he's actually _been_ to North Korea.

Do academics or members of the Press get special privileges to go to such places? And who "flies" them over?

Answer 1

Even with extremely strained relations between countries, host countries will issue visas when it is in their best interest to do so - for example, for some twisted Machiavellian-type plot, to improve relations in a certain sector, to seek certain  concessions, or to provide a structured glimpse into their countries.  Funding for such visits can come from a variety of sources - personal, corporate, government, etc.

Answer 2

Here's a great story written by a couple American teachers who managed to get tourist visas for North Korea.  They are Americans who are living and teaching in South Korea at this time.  Here's their story....

Journey into Kimland

by Scott Fisher

http://1stopkorea.com/index.htm?nk-trip1...

It's a long story and extremely interesting.  They talk a lot about how they managed to get their visas.

Answer 3

Well it is nice to have spies in those sorts of places