North Korea entry requirements for Cambodia 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
Cambodian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator, and visas are issued only as part of a guided tour. As of 2026, independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | North Korea requires a visa for all foreign visitors. Apply through a specialized travel agency authorized by the North Korean government — you cannot apply directly. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most applications are handled by agencies in Beijing or Pyongyang. Expect a processing time of 2–4 weeks and strict itinerary control.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. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Your tour operator usually handles this as part of the package. Without one, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Your visa application already includes a pre-arranged itinerary with government-approved hotels. Carry a printed copy of the hotel confirmation from your tour operator. Independent accommodation booking is not possible. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash in euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors. Budget around €100–150 per day for meals, tips, and souvenirs. Immigration rarely asks, but your tour operator may require proof of sufficient funds. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of a guided tour at all times. Straying from the group or taking unauthorized photos can lead to detention or deportation. Follow your guide's instructions strictly.
Internet and phone access
Internet access in North Korea is heavily restricted. You can buy a local SIM at the airport, but it only allows calls to North Korean numbers and limited international calls. Data roaming is not available. Plan to be offline during your stay.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
Contact an authorized North Korea tour operator (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). Choose your tour dates and pay the deposit. The operator handles your visa application.
2
Submit visa application
Provide your passport copy, passport photo, and completed application form to the tour operator. They submit it to the DPRK embassy. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval
The tour operator confirms your visa is approved. You usually get a visa sticker on arrival in Pyongyang or at the DPRK embassy in Beijing if transiting there.
4
Travel to North Korea
Most tours fly via Beijing (PEK) to Pyongyang (FNJ). At Pyongyang airport, go to immigration. Show your passport, visa (if already issued), and return ticket. Your tour group guides you through.
5
Follow tour rules
You must stay with your group and guide at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. Your guide handles all interactions with authorities.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia 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 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for a single visit.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean organization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional fee for visa application processing. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €300 (~$330 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
Cambodia passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, as there is no visa-free transit program.
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
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 most areas, but present in some southern regions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist 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
Main office for visa extensions and permits. All applications must be arranged through an authorized tour operator.
Practical information for KH 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 have a visa arranged in advance through an authorized tour operator. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Cambodian passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned travel date.
The visa fee is usually included in your tour package. Standalone visa costs vary but are typically around €50–€80. Check with your tour operator for exact pricing.
No. Your tour operator handles the entire visa process. You may need to send your passport to the operator or provide a copy, depending on their procedure.
No. Independent tourism is not permitted. All foreign visitors must be part of a guided tour with an authorized operator. You will be accompanied by guides at all times.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you. You may receive a partial refund depending on the operator's policy. Reapply with a different operator or choose a different destination.
If you are transiting through Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) without leaving the international transit area, you do not need a Chinese visa for stays under 24 hours. If you need to exit the airport or stay longer, you must apply for a Chinese transit visa in advance.
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.