North Korea entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator — independent tourism is not permitted. As of 2026, the process is tightly controlled and requires significant advance planning.
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 consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take weeks and requires an invitation from a North Korean travel agency.Government 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 6-month validity rule, but airlines and immigration officers enforce validity for the entire trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before allowing entry. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from your North Korean travel agency. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or cash showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but showing at least $500 USD equivalent helps demonstrate you won't work illegally. | Recommended |
Independent travel is not allowed
You must be part of an organized tour. You cannot travel independently in North Korea. Your itinerary, guide, and movements are tightly controlled.
Plan well in advance
Start the visa process at least 6–8 weeks before your trip. Tour operators need time to process applications, and embassy appointments can be limited.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorized operator
Contact a recognized tour operator that handles North Korea travel. They will provide the visa application form and guide you through the process. Expect to pay for the tour upfront — visa approval is tied to your booking.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator submits your application to the North Korean embassy (usually in Beijing or a nearby country). Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You'll need to provide passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa number or a physical visa sticker. Your operator will send you the confirmation. Print it and keep it with your passport.
4
Prepare travel documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation confirmation, travel insurance, and eSIM. Keep digital copies on your phone and physical copies in your bag.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and visa confirmation. They may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly and politely. The process is straightforward if your paperwork is in order.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Experts
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean organizations or joint ventures. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
student visa
Student Visa for Language or Academic Study
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$88 USD) per year
For students enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance letter from the institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel history25%
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
Iraqi passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher risk in crowded settings; consider screening if prolonged stay.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and limited healthcare increase risk; carry masks.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas, but prophylaxis recommended 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
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for IQ 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. All Iraqi passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option. You must go through an authorized tour operator.
Typically 2–4 weeks from submission. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for the visa itself, plus the cost of the tour. Your operator will give you the exact amount.
Transit without a visa is not permitted. You must have a visa even for a short stopover. The same application process applies.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. Your stay is fixed to the dates on your visa. If you need more time, you must arrange it through your tour operator before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork, passport validity issues, or security concerns. Your tour operator will inform you and may help with a reapplication.
Yes. North Korea and South Korea are separate countries. If you plan to visit both, you need separate visas for each. Note that entering North Korea may affect your ability to enter South Korea later — check with both embassies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.