Visa policy of North Korea


Most visitors to North Korea must obtain a visa in advance from one of the North Korean diplomatic missions. All visitors holding ordinary passports must obtain a visa prior to entering North Korea. All visitors who travel to North Korea for tourism purposes require prior authorization from a travel agency registered with the State General Bureau of Tourist Guidance.

Visa policy map

Visa requirement

North Korean tourist visas are issued in the form of a tourist card for tourists, or on a separate paper for other types of visas. No stamps are stamped inside one's actual passport.

Visa exemption

Citizens of holding ordinary passports visiting only the Tongrim County as tourists can stay there using the Chinese ID card in lieu of a visa and passport for up to two days. They may also visit Sinuiju for a day trip without a visa.

Non-ordinary passports

Holders of diplomatic or service passports issued to nationals of the following countries can visit North Korea without a visa:

South Korea

Nationals of seeking to visit North Korea cannot use South Korean passports to travel to North Korea. They must instead submit a North/South Korea visitation verification certificate as well as a departure card to the North Korean immigration officer at the port of entry and go through immigration inspection in North Korea. They must also seek authorization from the South Korean government prior to departure.