North Korea entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenya passport holders must get a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply at a North Korean embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival or eVisa. Processing takes several weeks, and all travel must go through an authorized tour operator.
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 region — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take weeks and requires an approved tour operator to sponsor your application.Check 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 specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter on a one-way ticket without proof of departure from North Korea. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your tour operator confirming your accommodation. North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in designated hotels arranged by an authorized tour company. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash (Euros or US dollars are widely accepted) or a bank statement. North Korea does not accept credit or debit cards for most transactions. | Recommended |
Transit visa required even for airside connections
Kenya passport holders transiting through Pyongyang Sunan International Airport must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. There are no exceptions.
Travel insurance with evacuation coverage strongly advised
Healthcare in North Korea is limited and basic. Serious medical issues may require evacuation to China or South Korea. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation.
What happens at the border
1
Secure a tour operator or sponsor
Contact an authorized North Korean tour operator or a business sponsor. They will provide the letter of invitation required for your visa application.
2
Submit visa application at embassy
Visit the North Korean embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., Nairobi or Beijing). Submit the completed application form, passport photos, invitation letter, and pay the fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) and confirm your hotel through the tour operator. Keep all confirmations printed or saved offline.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Expect a brief interview. After clearance, proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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)
Standard tourist visa for a single visit.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean business entity.
work visa
North Korea Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer; typically covered by employer
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires a job offer and government approval.
student visa
North Korea Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Tuition fees apply; visa fee approx. €50
For students enrolled at Kim Il-sung University or other approved institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at the DPRK embassy. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, subject to approval and additional documentation. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeNon-refundable processing fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). Overstay is strictly penalized. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. This is due to strict entry controls.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, though Kenya is endemic; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded conditions increase risk.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in urban areas, but present in some rural regions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in Pyongyang and major cities; 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 passport and visa documents.
Practical information for KE 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 foreign visitors must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa on arrival or eVisa system. Apply at a North Korean embassy or consulate in advance.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date of application. Start the process at least a month before your planned travel.
You need a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), and a letter of invitation from an authorized tour operator or business sponsor.
Visa extensions are not generally available for tourists. For longer stays, you would need a work or student visa, which requires a job offer or acceptance from an approved institution.
Overstay fines are strictly enforced at approximately €10 (about $11 USD) per day. Maximum caps may apply, but it's best to leave on time to avoid complications.
Yes. Even if you stay airside, you must obtain a transit visa in advance. There are no exceptions for airside transit at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
Euros and US dollars are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for most transactions. Bring enough cash for your entire stay.
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.