North Korea Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) maintains one of the world's most restrictive entry policies. All foreign visitors, regardless of nationality, must obtain a visa prior to arrival and must travel as part of an officially sanctioned tour organized through a state-approved travel agency. Independent travel is not permitted, and visitors must be accompanied by government-assigned guides at all times during their stay. Entry is typically through Pyongyang Sunan International Airport or by train from China via Dandong. The visa application process requires approval from North Korean authorities and must be arranged through authorized tour operators, primarily based in China. Processing times can vary significantly, typically taking 4-8 weeks. Citizens of South Korea are generally not permitted entry, and citizens of the United States face additional restrictions and requirements. All visitors should be aware that they will have extremely limited freedom of movement and communication while in the country. Prospective visitors must understand that North Korea operates under a unique political system with strict laws and regulations that differ significantly from most other countries. Photography restrictions are extensive, interactions with local citizens are controlled, and violations of local laws can result in severe consequences including detention. It is absolutely critical to consult with your government's travel advisory and embassy before attempting to visit, as many countries strongly advise against all travel to North Korea.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter North Korea with no exceptions. There is no visa-free entry or electronic visa system. All visas must be arranged through authorized tour operators before travel.

Visa-Free Entry

N/A

Not applicable - North Korea does not offer visa-free entry to any nationality

All visitors, regardless of nationality, must obtain a visa in advance through an authorized tour operator.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

Not available - North Korea does not offer electronic visa services

How to Apply: Not applicable
Cost: N/A

All visa applications must be processed through authorized tour operators, primarily based in China or other neighboring countries.

Tourist Visa (All Nationalities)

Varies based on tour itinerary, typically 3-10 days

Required for all foreign visitors. Must be arranged through government-approved tour operators. Issued as a separate paper document, not stamped in passport.

How to Apply: Apply through authorized tour operators (such as Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours, or other approved agencies) 4-8 weeks before intended travel. Tour operator handles all visa arrangements with North Korean authorities.

South Korean citizens are generally prohibited from entry. U.S. citizens face additional restrictions and require special validation from the U.S. State Department. Citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with North Korea may face additional scrutiny. Journalists and those with journalism backgrounds often face denial or require special approval.

Arrival Process

Entry into North Korea is a highly controlled process. Most visitors arrive via Pyongyang Sunan International Airport from Beijing or by train from Dandong, China. The immigration and customs process is thorough and can take several hours. Visitors must be met by their assigned tour guides and will remain under supervision throughout their stay.

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Ensure your tour operator has confirmed your visa approval. Carry printed copies of all documentation. Remove any sensitive materials from phones, cameras, and other electronic devices. Ensure you have no South Korean currency, publications, or religious materials.

Arrival and Documentation Check

Upon arrival, present your passport and visa document (issued separately). Immigration officers will review your documents and may ask questions about your visit purpose and itinerary through your guide or interpreter.

Electronic Device Inspection

All electronic devices including phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and USB drives will be thoroughly inspected. Officials may review photos, videos, documents, and browsing history. Devices may be temporarily confiscated for detailed inspection.

Customs Declaration

Complete a detailed customs declaration form listing all currency, electronics, books, medications, and other items. This form must be retained and presented upon departure. Any discrepancies between arrival and departure can result in serious consequences.

Baggage Inspection

All luggage undergoes thorough physical inspection. Books, magazines, electronic storage devices, and any materials deemed inappropriate will be confiscated. This can include religious materials, political content, South Korean media, or materials critical of North Korea.

Meeting Your Guides

After clearing immigration and customs, you will be met by your assigned government guides (typically two per group). These guides will accompany you at all times during your stay. Transportation to your hotel will be arranged by the tour operator.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Should have at least two blank pages. Note that North Korean visas are typically issued on separate paper to avoid passport stamps.

North Korean Visa

Issued as a separate document through your tour operator. Must be carried at all times during your visit along with your passport.

Tour Confirmation Documents

Printed confirmation from your authorized tour operator including full itinerary, accommodation details, and guide contact information.

Return/Onward Travel Tickets

Proof of confirmed departure from North Korea, typically arranged by your tour operator.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Some tour operators require proof of insurance.

Customs Declaration Form

Completed upon arrival and must be retained for presentation at departure. Accurately list all currency, electronics, and valuable items.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with minimal electronic content on your devices. Back up and remove any photos, documents, or browsing history that could be considered sensitive, including anything related to South Korea, criticism of North Korea, religious content, or political materials.

Declare all items accurately on your customs form and keep this document safe throughout your trip. You must present it when departing, and any missing items can result in serious problems.

Be extremely respectful and compliant with all officials. Do not argue, make jokes, or show any disrespect toward leaders, symbols, or authorities. This can result in detention or deportation.

Bring sufficient cash (Chinese Yuan or Euro) as credit cards and ATMs are not available for tourists. Declare all currency amounts accurately.

Do not bring any items that could be considered propaganda, including South Korean products, religious materials, materials critical of North Korea, or international news publications.

Expect the entry process to take 2-4 hours. Be patient and maintain a respectful demeanor throughout. Your guides will assist with any language barriers.

Photography of military personnel, infrastructure, construction sites, and poor areas is strictly prohibited. When in doubt, ask your guide before taking any photos.

Customs & Duty-Free

North Korea maintains extremely strict customs regulations. All items brought into the country are subject to thorough inspection, and many common items are prohibited or restricted. Customs officials have broad authority to confiscate materials deemed inappropriate. All items must be declared on the customs form provided at entry, which must be retained and presented upon departure.

Alcohol

Limited quantities for personal consumption (typically 1-2 bottles)

Must be declared. Excessive amounts may be confiscated. Age restriction: 18 years and above.

Tobacco

Approximately 200 cigarettes or equivalent tobacco products for personal use

Must be declared. Age restriction: 18 years and above. South Korean cigarette brands are prohibited.

Currency

All amounts must be declared. No maximum limit for bringing in foreign currency.

Detailed declaration required for amounts over equivalent of $10,000 USD. North Korean won cannot be brought in or taken out. Chinese Yuan and Euro are most commonly accepted. U.S. Dollars are generally accepted but restrictions may apply. Undeclared currency can be confiscated and result in serious penalties.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and gifts of reasonable value for personal use

All items must be declared. Commercial quantities or items for sale are prohibited. Electronics are subject to inspection and restrictions. Any gifts for local citizens must be approved by guides.

Prohibited Items

All publications, media, or materials from or about South Korea - considered highly sensitive and will result in confiscation and possible detention
Religious materials including Bibles, Qurans, religious texts, or proselytizing materials - North Korea is officially atheist and religious materials are strictly forbidden
Materials critical of North Korea, its government, or leadership - includes books, magazines, newspapers, or digital content
GPS devices and satellite phones - considered security threats
Pornographic materials - strictly prohibited under local law
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft - prohibited without special government authorization
Professional broadcasting or communication equipment - requires special permits
Binoculars and telescopic lenses above certain specifications - may be confiscated as potential surveillance equipment
South Korean currency, products with South Korean branding, or K-pop merchandise
Materials about human rights, democracy, or political reform
Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking

Restricted Items

Mobile phones - Will be inspected and may be temporarily confiscated. Local SIM cards are not available to tourists. International roaming does not work. Phones will be returned upon departure.
Laptop computers and tablets - Subject to thorough inspection of all content. May be held for detailed review or denied entry if suspicious content is found.
Cameras and video equipment - Professional equipment requires special permission. All photos and videos will be reviewed during your stay and at departure. Inappropriate images will be deleted.
Books and printed materials - All reading materials subject to inspection. Academic or historical materials may require explanation. Any political or religious content will be confiscated.
USB drives and external storage devices - Will be thoroughly scanned for prohibited content. May be confiscated if suspicious files are found.
Medications - Prescription medications allowed with doctor's prescription and proper documentation. Quantities should be reasonable for the length of stay. Some medications may be prohibited.
Foreign currency exceeding equivalent of $10,000 USD - Requires detailed declaration and explanation of purpose.

Health Requirements

North Korea requires certain health documentation for entry, though specific requirements can vary and may change without notice. Medical facilities in North Korea are extremely limited by international standards, and medical evacuation insurance is essential.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Certificate required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries within 6 days of arrival
COVID-19 - Requirements vary and change frequently. Check current requirements with your tour operator, as North Korea has implemented strict COVID-19 protocols including extended quarantine periods

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B - Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid - Recommended, especially for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for extended stays or travel outside urban areas
Rabies - Consider for travelers who may have contact with animals
Routine vaccinations - Ensure MMR, DTP, and influenza vaccines are up to date
Polio - Booster recommended if not vaccinated in the last 10 years
Tuberculosis - Consider screening before and after travel, as TB rates are higher than in many Western countries

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and required by most tour operators. Medical facilities in North Korea are extremely limited and do not meet international standards. Medical evacuation to China, South Korea, or another country with adequate facilities may be necessary in case of serious illness or injury. Ensure your insurance covers travel to North Korea, as some policies exclude coverage for this destination. Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications, as they will not be available locally. Keep medications in original packaging with prescriptions.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements for North Korea can change suddenly and with little notice. COVID-19 protocols have been particularly strict, including extended quarantine periods, multiple testing requirements, and potential facility-based isolation. Contact your authorized tour operator for the most current health requirements before travel. Some tour operators have suspended operations due to health restrictions. Check your government's travel health advisory website for current recommendations and warnings. Note that if you become ill during your visit, medical care options are extremely limited and evacuation may be difficult or impossible depending on circumstances.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Most countries do not have diplomatic representation in North Korea. Check if your country has an embassy in Pyongyang. If not, identify which country represents your interests (often Sweden or the UK for Western nations). Contact information should be obtained before travel.

Very few countries maintain embassies in Pyongyang. Western nations typically have no direct diplomatic presence. Check your government's travel advisory website for emergency contact procedures. Register your travel with your government if such a program exists.

Tour Operator

Your authorized tour operator is your primary point of contact throughout your visit. They coordinate with North Korean authorities and can assist with most issues.

Maintain contact information for your tour operator's emergency line. They have experience dealing with North Korean authorities and can provide crucial assistance if problems arise.

Emergency Services

Emergency services number in North Korea: 119 (ambulance and fire), 112 (police)

Emergency services are extremely limited and response times can be long. Quality of emergency medical care does not meet international standards. Your tour guides should be your first point of contact in any emergency situation.

Immigration Authority

North Korea does not provide publicly accessible immigration information websites. All visa and immigration matters must be handled through authorized tour operators.

Do not attempt to contact North Korean authorities directly. All communication should go through your tour operator who has established relationships with relevant government departments.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children of any age require their own visa and must be part of an organized tour. Minors under 18 traveling without both parents may require notarized consent letters from non-accompanying parent(s), though this is handled through the tour operator. Family tours are available but rare. Children must follow all rules and restrictions that apply to adults. Parents are responsible for ensuring children show appropriate respect for leaders, monuments, and authorities. North Korea is not recommended as a family destination due to strict controls and potential risks. Facilities and services for children are extremely limited.

Traveling with Pets

Bringing pets to North Korea as a tourist is not permitted. Service animals are not recognized or accommodated. Do not attempt to bring any animals into the country.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are issued for specific tour durations only, typically 3-10 days. Extensions are not available for tourist visas. If you wish to stay longer, you must arrange a longer tour itinerary from the beginning through your tour operator. Extended stays for other purposes (business, education, work) require special visas arranged through different channels and involve extensive vetting by North Korean authorities. These are extremely rare and subject to strict government control and monitoring. Long-term foreign residents face severe restrictions on movement and communication.

Dual Nationals

Dual nationals, particularly those with South Korean citizenship, face special restrictions. North Korea does not recognize dual nationality. If you have any connection to South Korea (citizenship, ethnic heritage, family ties), this must be disclosed to your tour operator as it may result in denial of entry. Dual nationals with U.S. citizenship face additional restrictions. Always disclose all nationalities to your tour operator during the booking process.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Journalists, bloggers, documentary makers, and media professionals require special authorization and are subject to additional restrictions and monitoring. Standard tourist visas may be denied if journalism background is discovered. Media visits must be arranged through official channels with government approval. All content is subject to review and censorship. Attempting to conduct journalism on a tourist visa can result in detention and serious legal consequences. Be honest about your profession with your tour operator.

Previous Travel to South Korea

Previous visits to South Korea should be disclosed to your tour operator. While not automatically disqualifying, it may result in additional scrutiny during the visa application process. Immigration officials may ask about South Korean visits. Any ongoing connections to South Korea (family, business, academic) must be disclosed and may result in visa denial. Never attempt to hide previous South Korean travel as this can be discovered and result in serious consequences.