North Korea entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange your visa through an authorized tour operator before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. All visits in 2026 are strictly guided and require pre-approval from Pyongyang.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through the DPRK embassy or consulate in your country of residence. There is no online eVisa system — you submit your application in person or via a travel agency authorized by the DPRK government. Expect a lengthy processing time and strict scrutiny of your itinerary and purpose of visit.DPRK government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. There is no formal 6-month validity rule, but airlines and immigration officers will check that your passport does not expire before you leave the country. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they let you through. Airlines also enforce this at check-in — you won't board without proof of onward travel. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking confirmation ready. Most visitors to North Korea stay in government-approved hotels, and your tour operator will usually handle the booking. Carry a printed copy of the confirmation just in case. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (preferably euros or US dollars) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors. There is no official minimum amount, but budget at least €100–150 per day for meals, tips, and incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be accompanied by government guides at all times. Straying from your group or itinerary can lead to detention or deportation. Follow your guide's instructions strictly.
Visa through tour operator only
Swiss citizens cannot apply for a North Korean visa directly. You must book through a recognized tour operator who will handle the entire visa process. Do not attempt to apply on your own — it will not work.
What happens at the border
1
Book with an authorized tour operator
Find a recognized tour operator that handles North Korea travel. They will guide you through the visa application process, collect your documents, and submit them to the North Korean authorities. This is the only way to get a visa.
2
Submit visa application documents
Provide your tour operator with a clear copy of your passport (data page), a passport-sized photo, and your intended travel dates. The operator will fill out the application form and send it to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or directly to Pyongyang.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Your tour operator will notify you once the visa is approved. You will receive a visa number or a visa sticker — keep it with your passport.
4
Prepare your travel documents
Before departure, print or save digital copies of: your visa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Upon landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Immigration officers may ask a few questions — answer calmly. After clearance, collect your luggage and meet your guide.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Must be arranged through a recognized tour operator; no independent travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; still requires tour operator arrangement.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Experts
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa for Language/Cultural Study
6 months to 1 year
€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For foreigners enrolled in approved educational programs at Kim Il-sung University or other institutions. Must be arranged through official channels.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Swiss passport holders; processing via embassy. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional administrative charge by the embassy. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for each day over the authorized stay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum total fine for overstay. | €300 (approx. $330 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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; consider masks.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher prevalence than in Switzerland; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in southern areas during summer; 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
Mansudong, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and application form.
Practical information for CH 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders. You must get your visa approved before you travel through an authorized tour operator. The visa is usually issued as a sticker placed in your passport.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the time your tour operator submits the application. Plan your application at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date to be safe.
No. Swiss citizens do not need to visit an embassy in person. Your tour operator handles all submissions. The nearest North Korean embassy is in Beijing, but you do not need to go there yourself.
No. All foreign visitors must be accompanied by government-approved guides at all times. Independent travel is not allowed. Your tour operator will arrange your itinerary and guides.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you of the reason. You may reapply after addressing the issue, but there is no guarantee of approval. Consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
It is not officially required at immigration, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic, and evacuation costs can be extremely high. Some tour operators may require proof of insurance.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your visa is issued for a specific itinerary and duration. If you need to change plans, your tour operator must request approval from authorities — this is rarely granted.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.