North Korea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

North Korea is the world's most opaque customs environment: there is no published tariff schedule, no red/green channel, and no appeal process. The real risk is not a fine but detention, device seizure, or denied entry for undeclared media, religious items, or electronics. Every bag is opened by hand at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, and officers have full discretion to copy data, confiscate goods, or hold travellers for questioning.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of alcohol (any type) is permitted duty-free. Additional bottles are subject to confiscation or a discretionary fee. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare all cash and negotiable instruments exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in KPW, EUR, CNY, etc.). There is no official form; you must verbally declare to customs and complete a written declaration if asked. Undeclared excess can be confiscated.
Goods duty-free
See notes
There is no published duty-free allowance for general goods. Personal items for own use are generally admitted, but customs officers have full discretion to impose duties or confiscate items. Gifts may be subject to inspection and possible duty.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances, including cannabis, amphetamines, and opioids
  • Pornographic or sexually explicit material in any form (print, digital, or on devices)
  • Religious materials, including Bibles, Qurans, and other religious texts
  • GPS devices, satellite phones, and two-way radios (unless specifically authorised)
  • Drone cameras and other aerial photography equipment
  • Books, magazines, and USB drives containing content critical of North Korea or its leadership

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Laptops, tablets, and smartphones (must be declared; may be inspected and data copied)
  • Cameras and professional video equipment (may require a permit; journalists need special visas)
  • Binoculars and telescopic lenses
  • Personal medication (must be declared with prescription)
  • Foreign currency over USD 10,000 (must be declared)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving passengers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport must complete a customs declaration card (often provided on the plane or at the customs hall). There is no red/green channel system; everyone goes through the same inspection line. Expect a manual bag search and questioning. If you have nothing to declare, you still must present the completed card and submit to inspection.

Bringing medication

Bring only personal medication in original packaging with a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. Narcotics, amphetamines, cannabis, and many common Western antidepressants and painkillers are strictly prohibited. Declare all medications; undeclared drugs can lead to arrest. Quantities should not exceed what is needed for the duration of your stay.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited. Processed and sealed snacks are usually allowed but may be inspected. Biosecurity rules are enforced to prevent foreign pests and diseases.

Rules worth knowing

Declare all electronics

You must declare every phone, laptop, tablet, camera, and USB drive. Customs officers may inspect files and can confiscate devices containing unapproved content. Do not assume your data is private.

No red/green channel

There is no green channel for 'nothing to declare'. All arrivals go through the same inspection. Even if you have nothing to declare, you must fill out a customs form and present it.

Currency controls

The North Korean won is not convertible. You will likely use foreign currency (USD, EUR, CNY) for purchases. Declare all cash over USD 10,000. Undeclared cash can be seized and you may face penalties.

Books and media

Bringing in any book, magazine, or digital media that could be considered critical of the regime is dangerous. Even innocuous novels may be confiscated. Declare all reading material.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you must declare it. Foreign phones will not work on the local network (you can buy a local SIM at the airport). Customs may inspect your phone's contents and can confiscate it if they find prohibited material. Do not bring a phone with sensitive or critical content.
You must declare any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent). There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts can be confiscated. Keep all currency in a single place for inspection.
There is a small duty-free shop in the arrivals area, but it is limited. You cannot buy alcohol or tobacco on arrival; the allowance applies to goods you bring with you.
If you fail to declare an item, you may face confiscation, a fine, or more serious consequences including detention. It is always better to over-declare. Customs officers are thorough and have full discretion.
Small gifts like cosmetics, chocolate, or clothing are generally allowed, but they must be declared. Avoid items that could be seen as religious or political. Gifts may be inspected and could be subject to duty.
Yes. Every bag is typically opened and manually inspected. This can take time. Pack accordingly: keep declared items accessible and be prepared to explain anything unusual.
Narcotics, amphetamines, cannabis, and many common antidepressants and strong painkillers are banned. Bring only essential medication in original packaging with a prescription and a doctor's letter. Declare all medications to customs.

Official source

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

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with General Administration of Customs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea before travelling.