North Korea entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator — independent tourism is not allowed. Visa processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through a designated travel agency — there is no online application portal. Contact the DPRK embassy in your region or a specialist tour operator like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours. Processing can take 4–6 weeks and requires a confirmed itinerary.Check government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. There is no formal 6-month validity rule, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. You cannot enter North Korea on a one-way ticket — your tour operator will usually arrange this as part of your package. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | You must have a confirmed hotel booking or tour itinerary for your entire stay. North Korea does not allow independent travel — your accommodation is always arranged by a state-approved tour operator. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire trip — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors. Most tours require full payment upfront, but bring extra for souvenirs or tips. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of an organized tour. Straying from your group or itinerary can lead to detention or deportation. Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Visa processing is handled by tour operators
You cannot apply for a North Korean visa directly at an embassy. All applications go through authorized tour agencies. Choose a reputable operator with experience in North Korea travel.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorized operator
Contact a recognized North Korea tour agency (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will guide you through the visa process and arrange your itinerary.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator will send you a visa application form. Fill it out accurately and return it with a passport photo. The operator submits it to the North Korean embassy (usually in Beijing). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa number or a physical visa sticker. Your operator will confirm the details. Keep the visa number handy for your flight check-in.
4
Travel to North Korea
Fly to Pyongyang via Beijing (Air Koryo) or take the train from Dandong. At immigration, present your passport, visa, and return ticket. Expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit.
5
Follow tour itinerary
You must stay with your tour group at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. Your guide will handle all logistics.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Must be arranged through a recognized tour operator; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Requires justification for multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Requires invitation from North Korean entity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Bahrain passport holders; payable at embassy or via authorized tour agency. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; subject to approval. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, due to strict controls, a visa is generally required for any stopover.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded conditions increase risk.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher prevalence than in many countries; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural southern regions; 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 Control Office
Munsu-dong, Taedonggang District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Practical information for BH 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
Frequently asked questions
No. All visitors must obtain a visa in advance through an authorized tour operator. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Bahraini passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and nationality. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for the visa itself, plus the cost of the tour package (usually $500–$1500 for a multi-day trip).
No. Independent travel is not permitted. You must join a guided tour and stay with your group at all times. Your guide will accompany you everywhere.
You will be denied boarding and entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew it well in advance if needed.
If you are transiting through Pyongyang (e.g., on a flight from Beijing to another destination), you may need a transit visa. Check with your airline and tour operator. Most layovers require a visa unless you stay airside.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your stay is fixed by your tour itinerary. If you need to change dates, coordinate with your tour operator before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.