North Korea entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Israeli passport holders must obtain a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator; independent tourism is not allowed. Visa processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply through North Korean authorities | North Korea requires a visa for all foreign visitors. You must apply through a North Korean embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Applications typically require an invitation letter from a North Korean travel agency and can take several weeks to process.North Korea gov portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. There is no official 6-month validity rule, but airlines may enforce their own requirements — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you will be denied boarding and entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your North Korean travel agency. Immigration may ask for it upon arrival, and your guide will need it for your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available to foreign visitors in North Korea. A daily budget of $100–$200 per person is typical for tours and meals. | Recommended |
Travel restrictions for Israeli citizens
Israeli passport holders face additional scrutiny when applying for a North Korean visa. Some tour operators may refuse service. Contact multiple operators to find one willing to process your application.
No direct flights from Israel
There are no direct flights from Israel to North Korea. Most travelers fly via Beijing (China) and then take Air Koryo to Pyongyang. Ensure your transit visa for China is arranged if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Choose an authorized tour operator
Select a tour operator approved by the North Korean government. They will guide you through the visa process and arrange your itinerary.
2
Submit visa application via tour operator
Provide your passport details, travel dates, and any required documents to the operator. They submit the application to the North Korean embassy (usually in Beijing).
3
Wait for visa processing
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Your operator will notify you when the visa is approved.
4
Receive visa and travel documents
The visa is usually issued as a separate document or sticker. Keep it with your passport at all times during travel.
5
Arrive at airport and go through immigration
At Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, present your passport, visa, and return ticket. Immigration may ask for your hotel address and insurance details.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Requires invitation from a recognized tour operator; no extensions allowed.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Requires official invitation from a North Korean organization; no extensions.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Israeli passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional administrative charge. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 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
Israeli passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through North Korea. Apply in advance through a tour agency.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; avoid tap water and street food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded conditions increase risk; consider masks.
TuberculosisModerate risk
TB is prevalent; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
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
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; must be arranged through a tour agency.
Practical information for IL 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, all Israeli passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Israeli citizens.
You cannot apply directly. You must book a tour with an authorized North Korean tour operator, who will handle the visa application on your behalf. The application is submitted to the North Korean embassy, typically in Beijing.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
No. Independent travel is not permitted. You must be accompanied by government-approved guides at all times.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), your visa, a return or onward ticket, and your hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance is not always required but recommended.
It is not officially mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and evacuation costs can be extremely high.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your stay is fixed to the itinerary arranged by your tour operator.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.