Pyongyang Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Information last reviewed December 2024. Travel restrictions to the DPRK are subject to change without notice. Always verify current entry requirements with approved travel agencies and consult your government's travel advisory before attempting to visit. Many countries prohibit or strongly discourage their citizens from traveling to North Korea.

Entering Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea), is one of the most restrictive and controlled entry processes in the world. All foreign visitors, with extremely rare exceptions, must obtain a visa in advance and can only enter as part of an organized tour group arranged through a government-approved travel agency. Independent travel is not permitted, and visitors must be accompanied by official guides at all times during their stay. The entry process into Pyongyang typically occurs through Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) or via train from China through Dandong-Sinuiju border crossing. Upon arrival, travelers undergo thorough immigration and customs checks, including examination of electronic devices, books, and other materials. All visitors must surrender their passports upon arrival at their hotel, and movement throughout the city and country is strictly controlled and monitored by assigned guides. It is crucial to understand that travel to North Korea carries significant risks and restrictions. Most Western governments strongly advise against all travel to the DPRK due to serious risks of arbitrary arrest and long-term detention. The legal system does not provide protections typical in other countries, and foreign governments have extremely limited ability to provide consular assistance. Travelers must be prepared for complete isolation from the outside world, as international phone service and internet access are generally unavailable to tourists.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter North Korea, with no exceptions for visa-free entry. Visas can only be obtained through government-approved tour operators and are issued exclusively for organized group tours. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Visa-Free Entry

Not applicable

No visa-free entry exists for any nationality

North Korea does not offer visa-free entry to any country. All visitors must obtain a tourist visa in advance through an approved tour operator.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Not applicable

Not available - North Korea does not offer electronic visa services

How to Apply: Electronic visa systems are not available for North Korea
Cost: Not applicable

All visa applications must be processed through approved tour operators who submit applications to North Korean authorities on behalf of travelers.

Tourist Visa (All Nationalities Except Restricted)

Typically matches tour duration (3-14 days most common)

Available to most nationalities through approved tour operators only

How to Apply: Must book through a government-approved tour agency (primarily based in China). The agency handles all visa arrangements. Travelers provide passport copy, occupation details, and tour booking confirmation. Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Visa is typically issued as a separate paper document rather than stamped in passport.

Citizens of most countries can apply, including UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries. Journalists, aid workers, and those with sensitive occupations may face additional scrutiny or denial.

Restricted/Prohibited Nationalities

Not applicable or severely restricted

Countries whose citizens face severe restrictions or complete bans

How to Apply: South Korean citizens are completely prohibited from visiting. United States citizens have been prohibited from traveling to North Korea since September 2017 under U.S. law (with rare exceptions requiring special State Department validation). Israeli passport holders are generally not permitted entry. Journalists typically cannot enter on tourist visas.

U.S. citizens require special validation from the U.S. Department of State for travel to North Korea, granted only in limited circumstances (humanitarian work, journalism in national interest, etc.). Violation can result in passport revocation and criminal penalties.

Arrival Process

The entry process into Pyongyang is highly controlled and involves extensive screening of travelers and their belongings. Most tourists arrive via Air Koryo flights from Beijing or by train from Dandong, China. The process can take 2-4 hours depending on the number of arrivals and the thoroughness of inspections.

Arrival and Disembarkation

Upon landing at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport or arriving at the train station, passengers disembark and proceed to the terminal. Photography is generally prohibited until after clearing immigration and customs. Follow your tour guide's instructions precisely.

Health Screening

Temperature checks and health declarations may be required, particularly during disease outbreaks. Travelers may need to complete health questionnaires about recent travel and symptoms.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and visa document to immigration officers. Officers may ask basic questions about your purpose of visit, occupation, and itinerary. Answer truthfully and concisely. The visa is typically a separate document that will be collected upon departure, leaving no stamp in your passport.

Customs Declaration and Inspection

Complete a detailed customs declaration form. All electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, USB drives) must be declared. Customs officers will thoroughly inspect luggage, electronic devices, and reading materials. They may examine photos on cameras and phones, check browser history, and review documents. Prohibited materials will be confiscated.

Device Registration

All electronic devices with cameras, storage, or communication capabilities must be registered. Serial numbers and device details are recorded. These will be checked again upon departure to ensure no unauthorized materials have been added.

Meeting Tour Guides

After clearing customs, you will be met by your assigned Korean tour guides (typically two guides per group). They will accompany you throughout your entire stay and will collect your passport for 'registration' at your hotel.

Transfer to Accommodation

Guides will escort you to your designated hotel. You are not permitted to leave the hotel without your guides or explore independently at any time during your stay.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from North Korea. Should have blank pages for visa documentation.

North Korean Tourist Visa

Issued through your tour operator as a separate paper document. Keep this with your passport at all times until departure.

Tour Confirmation Documents

Booking confirmation and itinerary from your approved tour operator. Immigration may verify your tour details.

Customs Declaration Form

Provided on arrival, must be completed accurately listing all electronic devices, currency amounts, and valuable items. Keep the stamped copy for departure.

Return/Onward Travel Confirmation

Proof of departure from North Korea (flight or train ticket). This is typically arranged by your tour operator.

Health Declaration (if required)

May be required depending on current health regulations. Declares recent travel history and health status.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Remove all sensitive content from electronic devices before arrival. Delete photos, browser history, documents, or apps that could be considered problematic (anything related to South Korea, criticism of North Korea, religious content, certain news apps, VPN software, etc.).

Bring only new or neutral reading materials. Books about North Korea should be academic or neutral in tone. Avoid anything that could be interpreted as critical of the regime or promoting alternative political systems.

Declare everything accurately on customs forms. Undeclared items discovered during inspection can lead to serious consequences including detention.

Do not bring GPS devices, satellite phones, drones, or professional video/camera equipment without prior approval. These will be confiscated.

Remain polite and calm during all interactions with officials. Do not argue or show frustration, even if inspections seem excessive. Cooperation is essential.

Keep your customs declaration form in a safe place. You will need to present it upon departure, and discrepancies between entry and exit can cause significant delays or problems.

Understand that you will have no privacy during your stay. Assume all hotel rooms are monitored, conversations are overheard, and your movements are tracked.

Follow your guides' instructions at all times without question. They are responsible for you and face serious consequences if you violate rules.

Customs & Duty-Free

North Korean customs regulations are among the strictest in the world. Inspections are thorough and can be invasive. The primary concern is preventing the entry of materials deemed subversive to the state, including religious materials, foreign media, and items from South Korea. All items must be declared, and customs officers have broad authority to confiscate anything they deem inappropriate.

Alcohol

Reasonable quantities for personal consumption (typically 1-2 bottles of spirits or wine)

Must be declared. Excessive amounts may be questioned or confiscated. Age restrictions apply (must be 18+).

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Must be declared. Age restrictions apply (must be 18+). Foreign cigarettes are allowed but may attract attention.

Currency

No specific limit but amounts over $5,000 USD equivalent must be declared

All foreign currency must be declared on entry. North Korean won cannot be brought in or taken out. You must declare exact amounts and keep the declaration form. Undeclared currency can be confiscated.

Gifts/Goods

Personal items and small gifts of reasonable value (generally under $100 total)

All gifts must be declared and may be inspected. Items deemed luxurious or in commercial quantities may be questioned or require duty payment.

Electronics

Personal electronic devices (phone, camera, laptop, tablet) for personal use only

All devices must be declared individually with serial numbers recorded. Professional photography/video equipment requires special permission. GPS devices, satellite phones, and drones are prohibited.

Prohibited Items

South Korean products or materials - Any items made in or depicting South Korea, including flags, currency, products, media, or publications
Religious materials - Bibles, Qurans, religious texts, crosses, prayer beads, or any materials for proselytizing
Pornographic materials - Any sexually explicit content in any format
Political materials critical of North Korea - Books, magazines, newspapers, or digital content critical of the DPRK government or leadership
Materials promoting capitalism or democracy - Publications or media promoting alternative political or economic systems
GPS devices and satellite communication equipment - Including satellite phones, GPS trackers, and navigation devices
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles - Completely prohibited without extraordinary prior government approval
Weapons and ammunition - All firearms, knives (except small pocket knives), martial arts weapons, and ammunition
Illegal drugs and narcotics - All controlled substances and drug paraphernalia
Subversive literature - Materials deemed harmful to state security or social order
Telephoto lenses over 150mm - Professional photography equipment requires special permits
Radio receivers and transmitters - Shortwave radios, walkie-talkies, and similar devices
Binoculars with high magnification - Military-grade or professional binoculars may be prohibited
Large quantities of foreign currency - Amounts deemed excessive may be confiscated or require special documentation

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Allowed in reasonable quantities for personal use with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Declare all medications. Certain controlled substances may be prohibited.
Professional camera equipment - Telephoto lenses, professional video cameras, and lighting equipment require prior approval from authorities through your tour operator.
Laptop computers and tablets - Allowed but will be thoroughly inspected. Content will be examined and inappropriate materials deleted or device confiscated.
Books and printed materials - All reading materials subject to inspection. Academic books about North Korea generally acceptable; critical or political materials will be confiscated.
Large amounts of cash - While not prohibited, large sums may require explanation and special documentation.
Certain foods and agricultural products - Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products, and seeds may be restricted or require inspection.
Gifts for Korean nationals - Any gifts intended for Korean citizens must be approved by guides and may be restricted.

Health Requirements

North Korea maintains strict health requirements for entry, which have become more stringent in recent years. Requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Medical facilities in North Korea are extremely limited, and foreign travelers should not expect Western standards of healthcare.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
COVID-19 - Requirements vary and borders have been largely closed since 2020. Check current status with tour operators

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B - Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid - Recommended due to food and water safety concerns
Rabies - Recommended for travelers who may have animal contact
Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for rural travel during transmission season
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis - Ensure routine vaccinations are current
Polio - Ensure vaccination is current
Influenza - Recommended for all travelers

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and may be required by tour operators. Standard policies should cover at least $100,000 in medical expenses and $300,000 in emergency evacuation. Note that medical facilities in North Korea are extremely limited, and serious medical emergencies will require evacuation to China or another country. Ensure your policy covers travel to North Korea, as some insurers exclude it. Keep policy documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.

Current Health Requirements: North Korea closed its borders in January 2020 due to COVID-19 and has maintained extremely strict entry restrictions. As of late 2024, the country has only begun to cautiously reopen to very limited tourism. Current health requirements may include: pre-departure COVID-19 testing, quarantine periods upon arrival (potentially several weeks), multiple health screenings, and strict health monitoring during stay. Requirements change frequently without notice. Consult approved tour operators for the most current health entry requirements. Travelers should also check their own government's travel health advisories and consult with travel medicine specialists well in advance of planned travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy in Beijing, China before travel. Most countries do not have diplomatic representation in Pyongyang. The Swedish Embassy represents U.S., Canadian, and Australian interests in North Korea.

Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents U.S. and some other Western interests. However, consular assistance is extremely limited. Check your government's travel advisory website and register your travel plans before departure.

Approved Tour Operators

All travel must be arranged through government-approved tour operators, primarily based in China. Major operators include Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours, and Juche Travel Services.

Tour operators are your primary point of contact for visa applications, entry requirements, and itinerary details. They can provide the most current information on entry procedures.

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 119 (fire, ambulance), 112 (police). However, as a foreign tourist, you should immediately contact your tour guides in any emergency situation.

Do not attempt to contact emergency services directly. Inform your guides immediately in any emergency. They will coordinate with authorities. English-speaking operators are rare.

Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang (Protecting Power)

Represents interests of U.S., Canada, Australia, and some other countries that lack diplomatic presence in North Korea.

Consular assistance is extremely limited and may not be accessible during emergencies. Do not rely on consular support as you would in other countries.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. They must be included in the tour group booking. Minors under 18 traveling without both parents may need notarized consent letters, though this is rarely tested as family tourism to North Korea is uncommon. Children are subject to the same strict rules and constant supervision as adults. Parents should carefully consider whether the restrictions and risks are appropriate for children. Educational activities may be included in tours, but children must follow all behavioral guidelines strictly.

Traveling with Pets

Tourist travel with pets to North Korea is effectively impossible. Pets are not permitted on tourist visas, and the infrastructure to support pet travel does not exist. Do not attempt to bring pets into North Korea as a tourist.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are issued only for the specific duration of the organized tour (typically 3-14 days). Extensions are not available for tourist visas. If you wish to stay longer, you must book a longer tour initially. Long-term stays in North Korea are only possible for diplomats, aid workers, or business people with special arrangements and different visa categories. These require extensive government approval and sponsorship by North Korean entities. Overstaying a tourist visa is a serious violation that can result in detention and prosecution.

Business Travel

Business visas are separate from tourist visas and require sponsorship from a North Korean business entity or government ministry. Applications must be submitted well in advance (2-3 months minimum) through the sponsoring organization. Business travelers may have slightly more freedom than tourists but are still closely monitored. Business visas are rare and difficult to obtain without established relationships with North Korean organizations.

Journalists and Media

Journalists cannot enter on tourist visas. Media personnel must apply for special journalist visas through official channels, which requires government approval and sponsorship. Access is tightly controlled, and journalists are accompanied by minders at all times. Filming and photography permissions are strictly limited to approved locations and subjects. Attempting to enter as a tourist while being a journalist is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Dual Nationals

Travelers with dual nationality should be aware that North Korea does not recognize dual citizenship. If you hold North Korean citizenship (even if you also hold another nationality), you will be treated as a North Korean citizen and subject to North Korean law without consular access. South Korean citizens or those of Korean ethnicity may face additional scrutiny or restrictions. Use caution and consult with embassies and tour operators if you have complex citizenship situations.