North Korea entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Spanish passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator; independent tourism is not allowed. As of 2026, visa applications are processed exclusively through approved agencies.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through the North Korean embassy or a specialized travel agency that handles DPRK visas. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most applications go through authorized tour operators who submit on your behalf.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Spanish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in North Korea strictly require a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter without proof of departure from the country. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korean authorities require you to have a pre-arranged tour or hotel booking. Independent travel is not allowed — your accommodation is typically organized by a state-approved tour agency. Carry a printed confirmation from your agency. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) to cover your tour package and any incidental expenses. Credit cards are not accepted in North Korea. Most tours are prepaid, but bring at least €200–€300 for souvenirs or tips. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of an organized tour. Your itinerary, accommodation, and guide are all arranged by the operator. Straying from the group is not permitted.
Visa processing timeline
Start your visa application at least 6 weeks before departure. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, and delays are not uncommon.
What happens at the border
1
Book through an authorized tour operator
Choose a DPRK-approved agency (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will guide you through the visa process and arrange your itinerary.
2
Submit visa documents to your operator
Provide a clear scan of your passport bio page, a completed visa application form, and a passport-style photo. The operator sends everything to the DPRK embassy.
3
Receive visa approval
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. The operator will notify you. You may receive a visa number or a physical visa sticker depending on the embassy.
4
Fly to Pyongyang (usually via Beijing)
Most flights arrive at Sunan International Airport. On arrival, go to the immigration counter, present your passport and visa, and have your photo taken.
5
Clear immigration and collect luggage
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Your tour guide will meet you in the arrivals hall.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stayUp to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
Requires invitation from North Korean entity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional service charge by the embassy. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
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
Spain holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if not leaving the airport.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
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 spaces increase risk.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; 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
Handle visa extensions and permits; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for ES 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
Yes, a visa is required. You must apply through an authorized tour operator; independent applications are not accepted.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
No. You must have a visa approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Spanish passport holders.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy, but expect to pay around €50–€80. The tour operator will include this in your package.
A passport valid for at least 6 months from entry, a completed application form, and one passport-sized photo. Your tour operator will provide the form.
No. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by a government-approved guide at all times. Independent travel is not allowed.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you and may offer a refund or alternative dates. There is no formal appeal process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.