North Korea entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through an authorised tour operator — independent tourism is not permitted. All visa applications for 2026 must be arranged at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through a designated travel agency — there is no online application portal. The process takes 2–4 weeks and requires a detailed itinerary, passport photos, and a completed application form. Submit your application through an agency like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours, who handle the entire process on your behalf.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in North Korea. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by North Korean authorities, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave North Korea. Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check this strictly — no exceptions. Book a flexible ticket in case your visa is delayed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or your tour agency's itinerary showing where you will stay each night. North Korean authorities may ask for this at immigration, especially if you are not on an organized tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as a bank statement or credit card. While not always checked, immigration officers may ask if you appear to lack financial means. Carry at least €500 in cash (USD or EUR preferred) — credit cards are not accepted in North Korea. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must join an organised tour. You cannot explore on your own. Your guides will accompany you everywhere, and you must follow the itinerary strictly. Any deviation could result in detention or deportation.
Visa through tour operator only
You cannot apply for a North Korean visa directly at an embassy. All applications must go through a government-approved tour operator. They handle the paperwork and coordinate with North Korean authorities.
What happens at the border
1
Choose an authorised tour operator
Find a government-approved tour operator that handles North Korea travel. They will guide you through the entire visa process. Popular operators include Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours.
2
Submit visa application through operator
Your operator will send you a visa application form. Fill it out and return it with a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport. The operator submits it to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or directly to Pyongyang.
3
Wait for visa approval (4–6 weeks)
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Once approved, your operator will send you a visa confirmation document. You'll receive the actual visa sticker either at the embassy in Beijing or upon arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
4
Book flights and accommodation
Your operator will arrange flights and hotels. You'll fly into Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ). Most tours include all internal transport and meals.
5
Prepare documents for immigration
At Pyongyang airport, join the foreigner queue. Hand over your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Immigration officers may ask for your hotel address and tour itinerary. Keep everything in your hand luggage.
6
Arrive and follow tour itinerary
Once through immigration, you'll be met by your tour guide. You must stay with the group at all times — independent movement is not allowed. Your guide will handle all local logistics.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Must be arranged through an authorized tour operator. Extensions are not possible.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must be used with pre-booked tours.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (D-2)
1 year, renewable annually
€60 (approx. $66 USD) per year
For foreign students enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeNon-refundable processing fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application35%
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
France passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Foodborne and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea from contaminated food and water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are present, especially in crowded settings.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern 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 Control Office
Munsu-dong, Taedonggang District, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for long-term stays. Bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for FR 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. You must have a visa approved before you travel. The only exception is if you're arriving as part of a pre-arranged tour and your operator has already secured the visa — in that case, the visa sticker may be issued at Pyongyang airport, but the application must be submitted weeks in advance.
Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Start the process at least 8 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays. Your tour operator will give you a timeline once they submit the application.
The visa fee is usually included in your tour package. Standalone visa costs vary but are typically around €50–€80. Your tour operator will confirm the exact amount. Payment is usually made to the operator, who then pays the embassy.
No. Independent travel is not allowed. You must be part of an organised tour with a government-approved operator. You will be accompanied by guides at all times and cannot wander off on your own.
You will not be allowed to enter if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. If your passport expires during your stay (unlikely given the 6-month rule), you would need to contact your embassy for an emergency travel document. Avoid this by checking your passport well in advance.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio) are recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid are also advised due to food and water risks. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
International roaming is extremely limited and expensive. Most travellers buy a local SIM from the airport or use an eSIM from providers like Airalo. Even then, internet access is heavily restricted — you'll likely only have access to a few approved websites. Hotel Wi-Fi is available but slow.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.