North Korea entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator, and visas are issued only for pre-organized tours. As of 2026, independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through a specialized travel agency that handles North Korean tourism — the DPRK does not issue tourist visas directly to individuals. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but your agency will handle the application process.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Greek passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. There is no formal 6-month validity rule, but immigration may deny entry if your passport expires soon after your planned departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | You must show a confirmed return or onward ticket when you arrive in North Korea. Immigration checks this at the border, and your travel agency will usually arrange this as part of your tour package. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking or tour itinerary ready. North Korean authorities require you to stay in government-approved hotels, and your travel agency will provide the booking confirmation. Keep a printed copy with you. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash for your stay — credit cards and foreign debit cards do not work in North Korea. Bring euros or US dollars in cash. Your travel agency will advise on the minimum amount needed for your specific tour. | Recommended |
No independent travel
You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-arranged tour. All movements are guided. Attempting to travel independently will result in denial of entry.
Visa on arrival is pre-approved
The visa is physically issued at Pyongyang airport, but your application must be approved in advance. You'll receive a visa confirmation number to board your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorized operator
Choose a DPRK-approved tour company (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They handle all visa paperwork and logistics. You cannot enter North Korea independently.
2
Submit visa application via operator
Provide your passport copy, photo, and travel dates to the operator. They submit the application to the DPRK embassy (usually in Beijing or Moscow). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, the operator sends you a visa confirmation number. You'll need this to board your flight. The actual visa is issued on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Officials may ask for your hotel address. The visa is stamped into your passport on the spot.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must be arranged through an authorized travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; still requires agency arrangement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or via authorized agency. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for 6 months. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid exceeding authorized stay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $220 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
Greece passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if not leaving the airport.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and diarrhea from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are present, especially in crowded settings.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in some southern regions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low for most travelers; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas.
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
Jungsong-dong, Central District, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and letter from sponsor.
Practical information for GR 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 obtain a visa in advance through an authorized tour operator. The visa is issued on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, but only after your application has been pre-approved.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application to the DPRK embassy. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and tour operator, but expect to pay around €50–€100. The total tour cost (which includes visa processing) ranges from €1,000 to €2,000 for a standard 5–7 day trip.
No. Independent travel is not allowed. You must join a guided tour organized by an authorized operator. You'll be accompanied by guides at all times.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you and may offer a refund or alternative dates. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork or security concerns. There is no appeal process.
Transit visas are not issued. You must have a valid visa for North Korea even if you are only changing flights at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
Extensions are not permitted for tourists. Your stay is fixed to the duration of your tour. If you need to stay longer, you must arrange it through your tour operator before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.