North Korea entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All tourism is strictly organized through state-approved agencies — independent travel is not permitted. As of 2026, you must book a guided tour and obtain your visa through an authorized travel company.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through the DPRK embassy or a designated travel agency before travel. Submit your application at least 4 weeks in advance — last-minute approvals are rare. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most visa arrangements are handled by authorized tour operators in Beijing or Pyongyang.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by DPRK regulations, but Chinese border officials may enforce 6 months validity when you exit China. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately from the original. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket before clearing you. Airlines also verify this at check-in — you won't board without one. Book a flexible return ticket if your itinerary changes. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korean authorities require all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels. Your tour operator or visa sponsor will arrange accommodation — carry the hotel confirmation letter and tour itinerary. Immigration may ask for your hotel name and contact number 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. Most tours are pre-paid, but bring $200–$500 for incidentals, tips, and purchases at the Koryo Hotel or souvenir shops. | Recommended |
Strict tour rules
You must stay with your guides at all times. Photography is restricted — never take pictures of military personnel, construction sites, or border areas. Breaking rules can lead to detention or deportation.
No direct visa application
You cannot apply for a North Korean visa at an embassy on your own. All applications must go through a state-approved tour agency. Do not attempt to contact the embassy directly — they will redirect you to an agency.
What happens at the border
1
Book a state-approved tour
Choose a tour package from an authorized agency (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). The agency will handle your visa application and provide all necessary documents.
2
Submit visa application via agency
Provide your passport details, passport photo, and travel dates to the agency. They will submit the application to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or Shenyang. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, the agency will send you a visa confirmation or a physical visa sticker (depending on the embassy). You'll also get your tour itinerary and accommodation details.
4
Arrive at the border or airport
Most tourists enter via Air Koryo flights from Beijing to Pyongyang, or via train from Dandong to Sinuiju. At immigration, present your passport, visa, and return ticket. Your tour guide will meet you after customs.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 15 days (typical tour package)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Must be arranged through a recognized tour operator; independent travel not allowed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 15 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Rarely granted; requires strong justification and prior travel history.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Chinese passport holders; payable at embassy or via authorized tour agency. | ~€50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Rarely issued; requires strong justification. | ~€80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is strictly penalized; avoid at all costs. | Unknown (likely negotiable) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
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
Transit visa is required for Chinese passport holders changing planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; only consume bottled water and thoroughly cooked food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Poor air quality and limited healthcare increase risk; carry masks and hand sanitizer.
TuberculosisModerate risk
TB is prevalent; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in southern areas during summer; consider prophylaxis if traveling to rural regions.
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, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
All visa extensions and permits must be handled through your tour guide; direct access is restricted.
Practical information for CN 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 Chinese passport holders. You must obtain a visa in advance through a state-approved tour agency. The visa is typically issued as a sticker or a separate document, not stamped in your passport.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks after your tour agency submits the application. Plan your booking at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any delays.
No. Independent travel is not allowed. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by two North Korean guides at all times. You will follow a fixed itinerary with no freedom to wander alone.
You need a passport valid for 6+ months from entry, a completed visa application form (provided by the agency), a passport-sized photo, and your travel itinerary. The agency will also require a copy of your flight/train booking.
The visa fee is typically included in your tour package price. Standalone visa costs vary but are usually around €50–€80 (approx. 400–650 RMB). Check with your agency for exact fees.
Extensions are not generally possible for tourists. Your tour is fixed to a specific duration. If you need to stay longer, you must arrange it through your agency before travel — and it is rarely approved.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has issues (e.g., less than 6 months validity) or if your travel history raises concerns. Your agency will inform you and may help reapply. Refunds for the visa fee vary by agency.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.