North Korea entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange it through an authorised travel agency as part of a guided tour — independent travel is not allowed. All applications go through the North Korean embassy in New Delhi, and approval can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply through North Korean embassy or travel agency | North Korea does not issue tourist visas independently. You must book through a state-approved travel agency (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours) which handles the visa application on your behalf. Submit your passport scan, photo, and travel itinerary to the agency at least 4 weeks before departure. The visa is a separate sticker placed in your passport — you cannot apply directly at any North Korean embassy without an agency sponsor.North Korea gov portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in North Korea. There is no 6-month validity rule for this destination, but airlines and the visa agency will check that your passport has at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately from the original. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all foreign visitors | Immigration at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport checks that you have a confirmed return or onward ticket matching your visa dates. Your travel agency will book your flights as part of the tour package — you cannot enter on a one-way ticket. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended — hotel booking arranged by tour operator | Your travel agency arranges all accommodation as part of the mandatory guided tour. You do not need to book hotels separately. Carry the agency's confirmation letter with hotel names and dates — immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended — carry cash for incidentals | North Korea is a cash-only economy for foreigners — credit cards and ATMs do not work. Bring enough euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan to cover tips, souvenirs, and any optional excursions (typically $200–$500 for a week-long tour). Your tour price covers meals and accommodation upfront. | Recommended |
Visa required — plan ahead
North Korea does not offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. You must apply through an authorised tour operator at least 6 weeks in advance. Last-minute travel is not possible.
No independent travel
All foreign visitors are required to be part of a guided tour. You will be accompanied by government-appointed guides at all times. Independent movement is not permitted.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
Choose an authorised tour operator that handles North Korea travel. They guide you through the visa process and arrange your itinerary.
2
Submit visa application via operator
Provide your passport details, photos, and completed application form to the operator. They submit it to the North Korean embassy in New Delhi.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. The embassy issues a visa number, which your operator shares with you. You receive the actual visa sticker on arrival in Pyongyang.
4
Prepare travel documents
Print or save digital copies of your visa approval, flight tickets, hotel confirmation, and insurance. Keep them accessible in your carry-on.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and visa approval. Officials may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. The process is straightforward but can be slow.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 (~$55 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must be arranged through a travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same conditions as single entry.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean organization.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Experts
1 year, renewable
Varies; typically employer-sponsored
For professionals employed by North Korean entities or joint ventures. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies; tuition fees apply
For foreign students enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance from an educational institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders; subject to change. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional administrative fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day over the visa validity; maximum cap unknown. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Political or security concerns25%
Insufficient funds15%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through North Korea require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply in advance through a travel 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 diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea; practice safe food and water precautions.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses are present; avoid close contact with sick 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
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and permits; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for IN 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. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. The visa sticker is issued on arrival, but you need prior approval from the North Korean embassy through a tour operator.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and are usually included in the tour package. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for the visa itself, plus operator handling fees.
No. All foreign visitors must be part of a guided tour. You will be accompanied by minders at all times. Independent travel is not allowed.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), visa approval number, return flight ticket, and hotel confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic, and evacuation to China can cost thousands. Most tour operators require it.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your stay is fixed by the tour itinerary. If you need to change plans, contact your operator immediately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.