do i need a visa to visit north korea

Can you legally visit North Korea?

In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea; only South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied, although there have been some exceptions for journalists.

Can a US citizen go to North Korea?

North Korea - Level 4: Do Not Travel Exercise increased caution to North Korea due to the critical threat of wrongful detention. All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State.

How can I get North Korean visa?

How to Get a North Korea Visa? The first step to getting a North Korean visa is to contact a travel agency that organizes state-approved tours to North Korea. You will need them to organize your trip and get your visa approved since you cannot visit the country independently.

What countries can fly to North Korea?

This is a common misconception especially for westerners. The only nationalities restricted from travel to North Korea are tourists travelling on South Korean (Republic of Korea) and United States of America (USA) passports. All other nationalities are legally allowed to visit the DPRK.

What is not allowed in North Korea?

1. Foreign movies, songs not allowed. Watching foreign movies or listening to foreign music can send North Korean citizens to jail. In 2015, North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un ordered the destruction of all cassette tapes and CDs that had state-banned songs in order to contain dissent.

What is the death penalty in North Korea?

Executions are mostly carried out by a firing squad, hanging or decapitation. Allegedly, executions take place in public, which, if true, makes North Korea one of the last four countries to still perform public executions, the other three being Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia.

Are North Koreans allowed to leave?

Freedom of movement. North Korean citizens usually cannot freely travel around the country, let alone travel abroad. Emigration and immigration are strictly controlled.

Which countries can visit China without visa?

A citizen of Singapore, Brunei or Japan with an ordinary passport is exempted from a visa if he/she visits the mainland of China for tourism, business, or meeting with friends or relatives, and if he/she enters China through ports open to foreigners, and stays for no more than 15 days.

Is North Korea a strict country?

North Korea is home to more than 25 million people, who live under a form of communist rule, which strictly controls all areas of daily life. People have to ask permission to travel around and it's difficult for visitors to enter the country too.

Can a foreigner marry a North Korean?

The North Korean government imposes strict requirements on foreigners who marry North Koreans as an indirect way of discouraging North Korean citizens from moving to other countries. Foreigners must apply for official permission from the North Korean government to marry a citizen of North Korea.

What country can go to North Korea 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: Albania. Belarus. Bulgaria.

Is there Internet in North Korea?

The total number of Internet users is estimated at no more than a few thousand. People who can access the global Internet without limits are claimed to be high-ranking officials, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government ambassadors. Some access is allowed in North Korea's academic institutions.

Can I become a North Korean citizen?

In North Korea, the status of naturalization is unclear. It can only be granted by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, and further specific requirements are unknown.

Can Indian go to North Korea?

1. Indian National holding a valid Indian passport can apply for North Korea Visa. 2. Person wishes to travel to North Korea for the purpose of Tourism/Family or friends Visit/Business can apply visa through Visa Lounge.

Can an Indian live in Korea?

South Korea has been gaining popularity among Indian expatriates. Since the 1970s, many Indians have been coming to the South Korea and now there are about 7,006 Indians as per International Migration Report, living and working in the country.

Can I apply for a Korean visa online?

You can apply for a visa via the Visa Portal (online at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10201) or Korean diplomatic missions abroad. Most embassies will require that you register your visa application online.

Do I Need a North Korea Visa?

Yes. All tourists regardless of citizenship will need a North Korea visa.

What is a letter from DPRK?

A signed letter from you in support of your DPRK visa application stating that your purpose of visa is solely tourism

What is the default option for Koryo Tours?

The default option is that all formalities are taken care of Koryo Tours.

How long before a trip to Pyongyang to get a visa?

This should be ca. 25 days before your trip (Koryo Tours send the first round of visa applications to Pyongyang 40 days prior to the tour and visa authorization takes up to 2 weeks).

How many pages in one scan for passport?

You will also need to upload a colour scan of your passport ID page and the page facing it (i.e. two pages in one scan) and a recent, colour, passport-style photo portrait of you in front of a blank background.

Is the first step the same as in the case of the DPRK Tourist Card?

The first step is the same as in the case of the DPRK Tourist Card .

Is it easy to get a visa for North Korea?

Believe it or not, the North Korea visa is among the easiest to obtain.

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 China 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.

South Korea

Nationals of South Korea 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.

How long does a passport valid for North Korea?

With a special validation to enter North Korea in a limited passport: one to three months validity to enter North Korea. If you enter and depart North Korea through China, six months validity on your passport with multiple entry/exit visas for China. Note: you cannot enter North Korea through the Demilitarized Zone from South Korea.

What to do if you lost your passport in North Korea?

If your passport is lost or stolen in North Korea, you will need to contact the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang, U.S. Protecting Power, for assistance in reaching out to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and obtaining a replacement passport. You will also need a replacement visa for China.

What is the phone number for North Korea?

Telephone: (212) 972-3105. Facsimile: (212) 972-3154. If you reside in a country with diplomatic relations with the DPRK, ask the DPRK embassy in that country for visa advice. If you try to enter North Korea without required travel documents: you may be denied entry, fined, detained, arrested, or imprisoned.

How to report a crime in Sweden?

Victims of Crime: Report the crime to your local host/liaison and contact the Embassy of Sweden for assistance. Your local host/liaison should contact the local authorities on your behalf.

What is the phone number for the Department of State Emergency?

Department of State Emergency Contact: 24/7 from within the United States 1-888-407-4747 / from outside the United States 1-202-501-4444.

Why should we not go to North Korea?

citizens not to go to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention.

Where to apply for a DPRK visa?

Where to apply for a DPRK visa : DPRK Embassy in Beijing, China or in any country that has diplomatic relations with North Korea.

What Types of Materials Support My North Korea Visa Application?

To apply for a North Korea visa, you will need to contact the North Korean Embassy in China or another foreign country for the latest guidance since the DPRK does not maintain an embassy in the US.

What Else Do I Need to Do Before Traveling to North Korea?

If you have an upcoming trip and your passport is about to expire, we can help! Passport Health Passports and Visas’s expedited service gets your passport back to you in 1-3 business days.

How to enter North Korea?

Entering North Korea by train. The process of travel to North Korea from here and entering the country is straightforwards. On the train journey into North Korea, the train will stop in the North Korean border city of sinuiju where North Korean soldiers will do a visa, passport and customs check. This seems intimidating, but it is straightforwards.

What do you meet in Pyongyang?

Upon your arrival in Pyongyang, you will meet two local North Koreans who will be your “guides” (there will also be a driver and a bus to take you about in). These people can speak English fluently, they will take you around, show you everything and run your itinerary.

Why do they ask you to open your suitcase?

They may ask you to open your suitcase in front of them so they can take a look ( but the most they will do is peer inside without moving anything ). You will be given forms asking to declare to them the electronic devices that you are bringing into the country.

Should you visit North Korea? And is it ethical?

The suitability of tourism in North Korea has long been questioned. Once you start reading more about this secretive country, you have to answer the key question: Should you visit North Korea?

Is it safe to visit North Korea?

Yes, it is safe. As long as you obey all the rules and don’t misbehave. People who have been arrested in the past have always broken the laws of North Korea.

The list of Rules in North Korea

Don’t take photos of customs, uniformed men, construction workers, construction sites or poverty. Do not take photos when told not to and don’t ask why.

Do I need a visa to North Korea?

Yes, you will need a visa to enter North Korea and some consider it one of the hardest countries to visit. Currently, South Korean and American citizens cannot enter.

How to travel to Korea in 2021?

For travel after September 1, 2021, you must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA. Apply at the K-ETA website for 10,000KRW. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. Travelers must apply for the K-ETA at least 24 hours prior to boarding a flight or ship bound for Korea. Note: the application fee is waived during the K-ETA pilot period from May 3 to August 31, 2021.

What is the visa for Korea in 2021?

For travel after September 1, 2021, you must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA.

What happens if you exceed your visa?

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

What happens if you mail illegal drugs to Korea?

If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.

What happens if you violate Korean laws?

Criminal Penalties: While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

What is the name of the country that has a peace agreement with the United Nations?

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK): An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea , including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our Fact Sheet on North Korea .

How long is the quarantine in Korea?

Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in South Korea, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine which remains in effect.

How long is the ETA Korea trial period?

ETA Korea trial period for citizens of 21 countries. A 4-month trial period of the K-ETA. Passport holders from the following 21 countries can register for the visa waiver from May 2021 onwards: To be eligible, travelers must also meet the ETA Korea requirements explained in the following sections.

What is a K-ETA form?

K-ETA Application Form. The ETA for Korea (K-ETA) permits visa-free entry into Korea. Travelers from 21 eligible countries can now apply online. From September 2021, foreigners from 112 countries will need a K-ETA to travel to South Korea.

What do you need to be eligible for ETA in Korea?

To be eligible for the Korea ETA, travelers must have a passport issued by one of the eligible countries.

How long is an ETA valid in Korea?

The ETA Korea is a multiple-entry short-stay permit that once issued is valid for 2 years. The maximum length of stay depends on the nationality of the visitor. As shown in the table above, the number of visa-free days in South Korea, now with an ETA, ranges from 30 to 180.

What documents are needed to enter South Korea?

Documents required to enter South Korea with a visa waiver. To enter South Korea visa-free, foreign visitors must have a: Passport valid for the entire stay. Valid K-ETA (mandatory from September 2021) Return/onward travel ticket.

Is a K-ETA visa required?

The K-ETA is not a visa and therefore few documents are required. Travelers need their valid passport from a visa waiver country and a recent individual photograph. A credit or debit card to pay the ETA processing fee is also necessary.

Is South Korea safe for tourists?

As a result, South Korea will be an even safer destination for tourists. All the details provided must match the applicant’s passport exactly. Any incorrect or missing details could lead to processing delays. The approved K-ETA permit is sent to the applicant by email.

Overview

South Korea

Nationals of South Korea 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.

Visa requirement

Visa exemption

See also

External links