North Korea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

North Korea enforces one of the world's most restrictive customs regimes. All electronic devices, media, and printed materials are subject to mandatory inspection. Bringing in any material critical of the DPRK or its leadership, including religious texts, is strictly prohibited and can lead to detention. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value not separately stated; goods allowance covers alcohol.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Declare any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) on the customs declaration form. No local currency (KPW) may be brought in or out; foreign currency must be declared.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. 720,000 KPW at official rate). Items above this value are subject to duty at rates determined by customs officials. Electronics and luxury goods are closely scrutinised.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and any drug paraphernalia)
Pornography and obscene materials
Religious texts, proselytising materials, and items with religious symbols (Bibles, crosses, etc.)
Materials critical of the DPRK government, leadership, or Juche ideology (books, pamphlets, videos, USB drives with such content)
Weapons, explosives, ammunition, and firearms (including replicas and air guns)
Satellite phones and GPS devices not pre-approved by the DPRK authorities

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Mobile phones and laptops (must be declared and may be inspected; SIM cards may be confiscated upon entry and returned on departure)
Professional cameras and video equipment (requires a permit from the DPRK Ministry of Tourism)
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (strictly prohibited without explicit government authorisation)
Medicines containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval from the DPRK Ministry of Public Health)
Large sums of foreign currency (over USD 10,000 must be declared; amounts over USD 50,000 require a Bank of Korea permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, all travellers must complete a customs declaration card (blue form) and a health declaration. There is no red/green channel; all luggage is x-rayed and may be physically searched. Declare all dutiable goods, cash, and restricted items on the form.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for the duration of stay, but must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription (translated into Korean or English). Narcotics, psychotropics, and any medication containing codeine, morphine, or amphetamines are strictly banned. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol are generally permitted in small quantities.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited without a special permit. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., biscuits, chocolate) are allowed in small quantities for personal consumption.

Rules worth knowing

Mandatory luggage inspection

All arriving passengers must have their luggage x-rayed and may be physically searched. Customs officers have the right to inspect electronic devices, including phones and laptops, and to confiscate any prohibited content.

No local currency allowed

It is illegal to bring North Korean won (KPW) into or out of the country. All foreign currency must be declared on arrival. Use only foreign currency or official exchange counters.

Media and printed materials ban

Any books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, USB drives, or other media containing information about South Korea, human rights, or any content deemed critical of the DPRK is strictly prohibited. This includes religious materials.

SIM card and internet restrictions

Foreign SIM cards may not work; local SIM cards are available for tourists but with limited internet access. Bringing in a satellite phone or unauthorised communication device is illegal.

Frequently asked questions

No. Religious texts, including Bibles, Qurans, and Buddhist scriptures, are strictly prohibited. Possession can lead to confiscation, questioning, or detention.

Satellite phones and GPS devices are banned unless you have prior written authorisation from the DPRK government. They will be confiscated on arrival and may result in fines or denial of entry.

Yes, but they must be declared on the customs form. Customs officers may inspect them and ask you to unlock them. Any content deemed sensitive (e.g., photos of military sites, critical articles) will be deleted and may lead to problems.

You must declare any amount over USD 10,000 (or equivalent). Amounts over USD 50,000 require a permit from the Bank of Korea. Undeclared cash can be confiscated.

Yes, small quantities of packaged, non-perishable food for personal consumption are generally allowed. Fresh fruit, meat, and dairy are prohibited without a permit.

Yes, all travellers must complete a blue customs declaration card and a health declaration form. Keep the customs card until departure, as you may need to present it when leaving.

You can bring personal medications for the duration of your stay, but they must be in original packaging with a prescription. Avoid any narcotic or psychotropic drugs; even common ones like codeine are banned.

Official source

State Customs Administration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea