North Korea entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ivory Coast passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange this through an authorized tour operator before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. All visa applications are processed through Pyongyang, so start at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through the North Korean embassy or a designated travel agency — independent tourism is not permitted. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but visa applications are handled exclusively by authorized tour operators.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Required | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. North Korea does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still require it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a confirmed return or onward flight. Have a printed itinerary ready — they rarely accept digital copies on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | You must have a confirmed hotel booking for every night of your stay. North Korean authorities require your accommodation details to be registered with the government — your tour operator will handle this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire trip — credit cards and ATMs do not work in North Korea. Most tours require full payment upfront, so bring at least $200–$500 for incidentals and souvenirs. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot visit North Korea as a solo tourist. You must join an organized tour from start to finish. Your visa is tied to the tour itinerary, and you'll be accompanied by guides at all times.
Visa collected in Beijing
Most travelers collect their physical visa sticker at the DPRK embassy in Beijing a day or two before their flight. Your tour operator will give you the exact instructions. Don't lose the visa confirmation number.
What happens at the border
1
Choose a tour operator
You cannot visit North Korea independently. Book a guided tour with an authorized operator like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours. They will handle your visa application.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator will send your application to the DPRK embassy in Beijing or directly to Pyongyang. You'll need a passport scan, a completed application form, and a passport photo. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, your operator will send you a visa confirmation number. You may need to collect the physical visa sticker at the DPRK embassy in Beijing before your flight — your operator will advise.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker and your return ticket. You'll be asked to fill out a landing card. Keep your hotel confirmation handy. The process is straightforward but can take 20–30 minutes.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayTypically up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa; must be arranged through a travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; conditions apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa; subject to change. | ~€50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~€80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are generally not permitted for tourists; check with authorities. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are strictly enforced; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation30%
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
A transit visa is required for Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through North Korea, even if staying airside. Apply in advance through a North Korean embassy.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in some southern regions.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and limited healthcare can exacerbate respiratory issues.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk overall; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas.
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
Visa extensions are rarely granted; contact your tour operator or embassy for assistance.
Practical information for CI 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 any nationality. You must obtain a visa in advance through an authorized tour operator. The visa is usually issued as a sticker in your passport or as a separate document.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour operator submits the application. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
Transit without a visa is not possible. Even if you're only changing planes in Pyongyang, you need a transit visa arranged by your airline or tour operator. This is rare — most transit is through Beijing.
You must renew your passport first. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, your visa application will be rejected.
Extensions are not available for tourists. Your visa is tied to your tour itinerary. If you need to change your plans, your tour operator must request an amendment from the DPRK authorities — this is rarely approved.
You'll need your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket (printed or on your phone), and your hotel booking confirmation. You'll also fill out a landing card. The process takes about 20–30 minutes.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic, and evacuation to China can cost thousands of dollars. Most tour operators 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 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.