The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, maintains one of the most restrictive border and entry policies in the world. Almost all foreign nationals require a visa obtained in advance before entry, and tourism must be arranged exclusively through state-approved travel agencies. Independent travel is not permitted. The country has been largely closed to international tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in early 2020, with limited reopening.

2. General Visa Policy

All holders of ordinary passports, with very limited exceptions, are required to obtain a visa before arriving in North Korea. Tourism additionally requires prior authorisation from a registered state-approved travel agency based in North Korea. Visas are typically issued through DPRK embassies or consulates. South Korean passport holders require a special inter-Korean entry certificate and legal travel between the two Koreas has been suspended since 2021.

General Entry Rules • Advance visa required for almost all ordinary passport holders • Tourism must be pre-arranged through an authorised DPRK travel agency • Independent travel is NOT permitted under any circumstances • Entry via the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport or approved land crossings • Photography and movement inside the country are strictly controlled

3. Visa-Free Access — Diplomatic & Official Passports

A limited number of countries have signed bilateral agreements with the DPRK granting visa-free access for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports. In some cases this also extends to ordinary passport holders for specific categories.

Country	Passport Types	Duration
Belarus	Diplomatic/Official/Service	90 days
Bulgaria	Diplomatic/Official/Service	90 days
Cambodia	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
China	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Cuba	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Indonesia	Diplomatic/Service	14 days
Iran	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Kyrgyzstan	Diplomatic/Service	Indefinite (D/S)
Laos	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Mongolia	Diplomatic/Official/Service	90 days
Montenegro	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Myanmar	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Russia	Diplomatic/Official/Service	90 days
Serbia	Diplomatic/Official/Service	90 days
Singapore	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Tajikistan	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Vietnam	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days
Zimbabwe	Diplomatic/Official/Service	30 days

4. Special Border Arrangements with China

China has specific border crossing arrangements with North Korea that apply to ordinary Chinese passport holders in limited circumstances:

China–North Korea Special Border Arrangements • Tongrim County Tour: Chinese ordinary passport holders may participate in a 2-day border tour without a visa • Sinuiju Day Trip: Chinese nationals from Dandong may undertake a day trip to Sinuiju without a visa • These arrangements apply only at designated border crossing points and under strict tour conditions

5. South Korean Nationals

Travel by South Korean citizens to North Korea is subject to unique and highly sensitive diplomatic conditions. A special inter-Korean travel certificate is required, and since 2021 there has been no legal mechanism for South Korean citizens to travel to the North. Any attempted entry without proper authorisation constitutes a serious legal and security violation.

South Korean Entry Conditions • Special inter-Korean entry certificate required (not a standard visa) • Legal travel suspended since 2021 • Ordinary South Korean passport does NOT grant entry • Any unauthorised crossing is a serious criminal offence in both jurisdictions

6. Tourism Procedure for Eligible Visitors

For nationalities permitted to visit North Korea as tourists, the following process applies. All itineraries must be pre-approved by the Korean International Travel Company (KITC) or another registered DPRK travel agency. Group tours are the standard format, though limited journalist and researcher visits may be arranged through diplomatic channels.

Standard Tourism Application Process • Step 1: Contact an authorised DPRK travel agency (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours) • Step 2: Submit passport details and personal background information • Step 3: Agency obtains DPRK government approval and visa authorisation • Step 4: Visa is affixed on entry or a letter of invitation issued • Step 5: Travel exclusively within the approved tour itinerary with assigned guides • Note: Journalists and citizens of the United States have faced additional travel restrictions

7. US Citizens — Special Restrictions

The United States Department of State has imposed a passport restriction prohibiting US citizens from travelling to North Korea without a Special Validated Passport. As of the early 2020s, such passports have generally not been issued, effectively barring most US citizens from travel to the DPRK. US citizens who travel to North Korea risk prosecution under both US and DPRK law.

8. Important Notes

North Korea remains one of the most isolated countries in the world. Entry and exit are strictly controlled by the Korean People’s Army and the Ministry of State Security. Tourists are accompanied by government-assigned guides at all times and are not permitted to move freely. Photography restrictions apply, and all electronic devices may be subject to inspection. The DPRK government has the absolute right to deny entry to any foreign national without explanation.