How to get a North Korean visa
- Step 1: Choose a tour to North Korea You must join either a scheduled group tour or an arranged independent tour. ...
- Step 2: Contact us After you have chosen which tour best suits your time, budget and interests – contact us and we will take care of every facet of the visa process for you. ...
- Step 3: Collect your North Korean visa
How to get a tourist visa for North Korea?
Step-By-Step Process for Applying for a North Korea Tourist Visa
- Find a government-recognized tour agency to help you fix your application. ...
- Submit your application together with the proper documents. Once you’ve already booked a tour with them, they will send you an application form with clear instructions on how ...
- Get your North Korea Tourist Visa from your specified location.
Are foreigners allowed to visit North Korea?
The short sharp answer is ‘yes’. But, as with anything to do with North Korea, the truth is a little more complicated than that! Broadly speaking, foreigners in North Korea can be categorized into four groups: Chinese, Russian, others, and those solely visiting the Rason Special Economic Zone in the northeast.
Do you need a visa to visit North Korea?
You will need a visa to enter North Korea. For further information contact the Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in London. You must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if your visit is for more than 24 hours. Most hotels will automatically complete this process on your behalf.
What are the requirements to get a Korean visa?
- Be taken within the last three months and printed on high-quality photo paper
- Be taken against an all white background
- Be two inches by two inches
- Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
- You may wear neither eyeglasses nor headwear except for religious purposes
Does North Korea allow foreigners?
General entry/exit information. Foreigners can enter North Korea either by air or by train. It is not possible to enter North Korea from South Korea or to enter South Korea from North Korea. Even if you meet all entry requirements, you may be arbitrarily arrested and/or detained at your point of entry.
How can I go to North Korea legally?
TravelDue to COVID-19, North Korea has closed its borders. ... You need a visa for all types of travel to North Korea. ... You'll probably have to travel via Beijing. ... Travellers must register with government authorities within 24 hours of arriving. ... The local currency is the North Korean Won.More items...•
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 Indians get North Korean visa?
North Korea tourist visa is required for citizens of India. IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, at this time, VisaHQ does not provide full service for tourist visas to North Korea. All applicants must apply in person at the nearest Embassy of North Korea . Information below is for reference purposes only.
Which countries Cannot visit North Korea?
Which countries cannot visit North Korea? The only country that North Korea restricts visitors from is South Korea (the Republic of Korea), whose citizens need special permission (from both governments).
What is not allowed in North Korea?
“During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh or engage in leisure activities,” a North Korean from the northeastern border city of Sinuiju was quoted as saying by Radio Free Asia, The Telegraph reported.
Can you take pictures in North Korea?
Most camera equipment is permitted by customs into North Korea. DSLR cameras are allowed, however, camera lenses are restricted officially to a maximum focal length of 150mm. Pocket-sized travel cameras and GoPro's (or similar) are permitted, as are smartphones (although you won't have any internet!)
Does North Korea have cell phones?
North Korean mobile phones use a digital signature system to prevent access to unsanctioned files, and log usage information that can be physically inspected. A survey in 2017 found that 69% of households had a mobile phone.
Can you get married in North Korea?
Love between young men and women is no different in North Korea. Men and women who are about to get married have dates and the process of getting married is no different from the rest of the world. “Love” marriages are becoming more ubiquitous now in North Korea.
How many countries are visa free for India?
During the pandemic year 2020, India had only access to 23 countries for travel, whereas now the Indian passport holders are approved to travel visa-free to 60 countries.
Who can go to North Korea without a visa?
As one of the most secretive and tightly-controlled countries in the world, not many tourists visit North Korea....Holders of diplomatic or service passports of the following countries can visit without a visa:Albania.Belarus.Bulgaria.China.Cuba.Indonesia.Iran.Kyrgyzstan.More items...
Are there Indians living in North Korea?
Indians in Korea consist of migrants diaspora from India to Korea and their locally born descendants....Indians in Korea.Regions with significant populationsSouth Korea24,414 (2013)North Korea586 (2015)LanguagesEnglish · Hindi · Other Indian languages · Korean4 more rows
Which citizens can enter 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.
Is North Korea safe for tourists?
Despite what you may hear, it is safe to travel to North Korea. The DPRK (North Korea) is probably one of the safest places on Earth to visit provided you follow the laws and regulations as covered in our booking documents, at our pre-tour briefings, and throughout your stay in North Korea.
Who is allowed to live in Pyongyang?
7. Permission needed to live in the national capital. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un wants only the most successful, wealthy and influential people to live in North Korea's Pyongyang. People must have an express permission to live in the capital.
Who can get permission to travel to North Korea?
Permission to travel to North Korea must be obtained by the Ministry of Reunification and its northern counterpart.
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).
What is the default option for Koryo Tours?
The default option is that all formalities are taken care of Koryo Tours.
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.
Can you be Han if you have a passport?
On the other hand, you will be classified as Han if you are a Mainland passport holder even if you belong to any of the other recognized 55 ethnic groups.
Is Canadian Korean a Chinese?
A Canadian Korean will end up being “North Korean” (초선) while anyone who is ethnic Chinese will be (Han) Chinese (한족) regardless of the fact that they carry a Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, ROC/Taiwan, Malaysian, etc. passport.
How to get a visa for North Korea?
How to get a North Korean visa. Although North Korea (DPRK) may be the most closed nation on earth, getting your North Korean visa through Uri Tours is a simple process. Firstly, you must join either a group tour or a private tour. All tourists to North Korea must be on an approved, guided tour organized by an authorized tour operator such as Uri ...
What is needed to enter North Korea?
From our departure point, all that is required to enter North Korea is your passport and your North Korean visa. Three immigration forms you need to fill out will be issued to you on your flight or train.
Who else is ineligible for a North Korean visa?
Professional journalists are ineligible for a North Korean tourist visa. Journalists are historically only permitted to visit the DPRK during special events and other extraordinary prearranged circumstances. If you are a part or full-time photographer or work for media in some other capacity, contact us and we will advise. All travelers on tourist visas must be visiting North Korea strictly for the sole purpose of tourism.
Can I get my North Korean visa in my passport instead?
This is possible only if you have a DPRK consulate in your home country. On request, we can organize for your North Korean visa to be issued at your specified DPRK consulate. This process takes more time and you must organize an appointment with the DPRK consulate to collect the visa. The North Korean visa fee will be payable in cash at the DPRK consulate.
Can I enter anytime during the visa period?
No. Your entry date and port of entry must strictly reflect that shown on your North Korean visa. It is not possible to join your scheduled tour late.
Is a passport valid for travel to DPRK?
On September 1 2017 the U.S Department of State declared all U.S passports invalid for travel to, through or within the DPRK unless the travel meets certain criteria. Unfortunately, tourism does not meet the criteria. We are currently unable to take those traveling on U.S passports on our tours. If this policy were to change, the process ...
Do I need to send you my physical passport?
No. All we require is a filled out visa application form (online), a passport scan and a passport-style photo. Your North Korean visa will be issued on a separate paper card and given to you on the day of departure.
How to get a North Korean visa sticker in my passport?
We can arrange for you to receive a North Korea visa sticker in your passport. However, this is only possible if you have a DPRK embassy in your home country. For an example a German national can visit and receive a North Korean visa sticker in their passport at the North Korean embassy in Berlin.
Where is the DPRK visa handed out?
Your DPRK visa is handed to you at our arranged pre-tour meeting in China or Russia by your YPT guide before you enter North Korea. It’s that simple.
Can I visit North Korea after South Korea?
Yes. Having a South Korean visa and/or entry and exit stamps from South Korea in your passport is not a problem If you are living in South Korea with a South Korean residency or study/work permit you are able to visit the DPRK.
How to get a DPRK sticker?
To receive a DPRK sticker in your passport we simply arrange your appointment at the North Korean embassy, you arrive on time with your passport, a printed visa photo and the visa fee in cash.
Is North Korea a closed country?
North Korea (DPRK) is one of the most closed off countries in the world. However, arranging your North Korean visa through YPT is a very simple process. Below we explain how to get a visa for North Korea.
Is it safe to travel to North Korea?
Despite what you may hear, it is safe to travel to North Korea. The DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is probably one of the safest places on Earth to visit provided you follow the laws and regulations as covered in our booking documents, at our pre-tour briefings, and throughout your stay in the DPRK.
Does visiting North Korea affect my travel to other countries?
After you have visited North Korea this will not affect your travel to any other countries. Your passport will not be stamped on entry or exit to the DPRK. However, if you wish to visit the United States after your tour to North Korea, you will no longer be eligible for the ESTA visa waiver program (providing you would have been otherwise) and will need to apply for a normal visa from your nearest US embassy or consulate.
North Korea Visa Policy and Application Process
The visa application can be facilitated by the tour operator who is organising your trip, or through a company responsible for processing travel documents for foreign visitors.
North Korea Visa Requirements and Eligibility
DPRK does not let any South Korean passport holders into the country. If you are a South Korea national, please do not apply for a travel document as it will be rejected.
North Korea Visa Application Form and Documents
The good news is, applying for a travel document doesn’t require a huge amount of paperwork to fill out or documents to be sent. There are just 3 essential elements that need to be submitted, these are:
North Korea Travel Visa Status Check
All travellers planning a trip to this unique Asian destination will need to contract the services of an agency or tour operator. They will be the ones to handle the ins and outs of the paperwork and deal with the immigration office directly.
How Much Does a North Korea Visa Cost?
Visa fees can vary widely depending on your nationality, so it’s best to check with the agency who is processing your document.
What Is the Difference Between a Visa VS a Tourist Card?
Essentially they are the same thing, but they come in a different format. Most tourists will get a Tourist Card, which is a piece of paper with their details confirming they have been granted entry to the country on the dates specified.
More Questions and Information
We hope you found the information on this page useful and that you know exactly what you need to do in order to plan a trip to this country. However, if you still have a few doubts pending, we have collected all our most recently asked questions below.
Requirements for entering North Korea
There are no special requirements for a tourist in the DPRK. The travel agency will independently draw up all the necessary documents for you. All you have to do is provide a passport with a visa to the immigration officer.
Why do tourists travel to the DPRK?
There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the DPRK: the Kogure Tombs Complex and the Historical Monuments of Kaesong. In Pyongyang, you should go to the Palace of the Sun. The former (immortal) leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are buried there. Close to that palace, there is a museum with gifts from foreign leaders to the Korean leaders.
Useful tips for tourists
The forbidden country attracts tourists. Every year hundreds of tourists around the world apply for a visa to the DPRK.
Visa to North Korea
If you want to obtain a visa to North Korea, you need to collect visa documents. Please be aware that only an accredited tour operator can apply for a North Korea visa.
Terms of issuing a visa to North Korea
A visa to North Korea, as a rule, is issued for a very long time - starting from one month. However, tourists should be aware that the North Korean Foreign Ministry may refuse visa issuance to travelers for no reason.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Where to check for maritime alerts in North Korea?
maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry WebPortal. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and as a broadcast warning on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website.
Can you drive in North Korea?
The information below concerning North Korea is provided for general reference only. You are not allowed to drive in North Korea unless you hold a valid DPRK driver’s license. Bicycles are unavailable for rental or purchase. Please refer to our Road Safety information.
