North Korea entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. You must apply through a North Korean embassy or consulate before travel. All visits are tightly controlled and must be pre-arranged through an authorized tour operator. This requirement is in effect for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You must apply for a North Korean visa through a North Korean embassy or consulate abroad. Bangladesh does not have a North Korean embassy — you will likely need to apply at the North Korean embassy in New Delhi, India, or another designated mission. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before travel; approval is not guaranteed and is subject to political considerations.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines and immigration officers may still enforce it — carry a passport with at least 6 months remaining to avoid boarding issues.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers in North Korea strictly require a confirmed return or onward ticket. You will not be allowed to board your flight to Pyongyang without one. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
North Korean authorities require you to have a pre-arranged hotel booking, typically through a state-approved tour operator. Bring a printed confirmation from your hotel or tour agency — immigration may ask for it on arrival.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors in North Korea. A daily budget of $100–$200 per person is realistic for meals, tips, and incidentals.Recommended
No embassy in Bangladesh
There is no North Korean embassy in Dhaka. You must apply through a tour operator who will submit your visa to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or Moscow. Plan for extra time — the process is not straightforward.
Strict rules — no deviations
North Korea has very strict entry and conduct rules. You must follow your guide's instructions at all times. Photography restrictions, dress codes, and itinerary compliance are enforced. Violations can lead to detention or deportation.

What happens at the border

1
Book a tour with an authorized operator
Find a government-approved tour agency that runs North Korea trips. They will handle your visa application, itinerary, and all logistics. You cannot apply for a visa independently.
2
Submit visa application through your operator
Your tour operator will submit your visa application to the North Korean embassy in their country (usually Beijing or Moscow). You'll need to provide passport copies, photos, and a completed form. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, you'll get a visa number or a physical visa sticker. Your operator will give you a confirmation letter and itinerary. Keep these with your passport.
4
Fly to North Korea via Beijing or Shenyang
Most flights to Pyongyang depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Shenyang (SHE). Air Koryo is the only airline. Check in with your passport, visa, and return ticket.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa, and arrival card (provided on the plane). Your tour guide will meet you after baggage claim. Expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)

Standard tourist visa for Bangladesh holders.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)

For frequent visitors.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Bangladesh passport holders.€50 (~$55 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$88 USD)
Overstay fine per dayApplicable if overstaying visa validity.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete documentation30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through North Korea

Transit visa required

Bangladesh passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.

Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport

Health & vaccines for North Korea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and other infections from contaminated food/water.

Respiratory infectionsModerate risk

Tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses are present.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Pyongyang
Immigration Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

All visa extensions and permits must be arranged through this office.

Practical information for BD travellers

Country basics
CapitalPyongyang
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors cannot drive in North Korea; driving is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Money
CurrencyNorth Korean won (KPW)
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h
vs Los Angeles+17h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European two-pin plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police110
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders in North Korea. You must have a visa approved before you travel. The only exception is for pre-arranged group tours where the visa is issued as a group visa — but that still requires advance approval.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for delays.
The visa fee itself is around $50–$80 USD, but your tour operator will charge a service fee that can range from $100 to $300 USD depending on the agency and the tour package. The total cost of a North Korea tour (including visa, flights, accommodation, and guide) usually starts at around $1,500 USD for a 4-day trip.
There is no North Korean embassy in Bangladesh. You must apply through a North Korean embassy in a third country, typically in Beijing (China) or Moscow (Russia). Your tour operator will handle this on your behalf — you do not need to travel to that embassy yourself.
No. Independent travel is not allowed. You must be accompanied by two government-approved guides at all times. Your itinerary is fixed and cannot be changed without permission. This is a strict requirement for all foreign visitors.
Your visa application will be rejected. North Korea strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
It is not officially required for visa application, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation is the only realistic option for serious health issues, and that can cost $50,000 or more. Most tour operators will require you to have insurance as part of their terms.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.