North Korea has closed the border city of Rason to tours, less than three weeks after opening it to non-Russian visitors for the first time in five years, according to travel industry insiders.

“Rason is closed for everyone,” said Rayco Vega of KTG, a Spain-based tour company, after the firm received word from its North Korean partners. “(We) don’t know why or until when.”

Two other Western tour operators, Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours (YPT), made similar announcements on Wednesday about trips to Rason being halted until further notice.

Both companies said they are seeking further information from their