Entry visa
organised tours or sponsored visits only; borders largely closed since 2020
North Korea publishes no official visa information online that could be found. Foreign governments' official travel advice says a visa is required and must be approved in Pyongyang, and is issued by a North Korean embassy in a third country. Tourists can normally only go as part of an organised tour, must be with an official guide at all times, and cannot use public transport. Independent visitors need a sponsor and Foreign Ministry permission. The UK and Canada say North Korea's borders have been closed to most travellers since 2020. Canada advises against all travel because of the risk of arbitrary detention, and the UK advises against all but essential travel.
Visiting North Korea
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Life in North Korea
Money
1
Currency
North Korean Won
KPW
North Korean Won
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Very few travellers: members of officially approved organised tours or delegations, or people with an approved sponsor in North Korea, and only if the borders are open to them.
Eligibility
Visa required
UK advice: 'You must have a visa to enter North Korea.' Canada: tourist, business, work and student visas are all required, obtained from a North Korean mission in a third country after approval from Pyongyang.
Organised tour or sponsor
UK advice: tourists can normally only travel as part of an organised tour; independent travellers need a sponsor and permission from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Guide at all times
Canada: you must be accompanied by an official guide at all times and may not use public transport.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPassport
- Document checklistPassport valid 6+ months beyond departure
- FeesVisa fee
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in North Korea
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