North Korea entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange this through an authorised tour operator before you travel — independent tourism is not permitted. As of 2026, all visas are processed via Pyongyang or a North Korean embassy abroad.
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. Submit your application at least 4 weeks before departure through an agency like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in North Korea. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have your printed itinerary ready — they rarely accept digital copies. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Your tour agency will arrange all accommodation in North Korea. Carry a printed confirmation from the agency showing your hotel bookings — immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors in North Korea. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but your tour agency will require full payment upfront. | Recommended |
Independent travel is not allowed
You must be part of an organised tour group at all times. You cannot travel alone, use public transport, or visit areas outside your itinerary without a guide.
Visa sticker on arrival
Your visa is usually issued as a sticker at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Keep your visa confirmation document handy — it's your proof of approval until the sticker is placed.
Strict photography rules
Photography of military personnel, construction sites, and certain buildings is prohibited. Always ask your guide before taking photos. Violations can lead to detention or deportation.
What happens at the border
1
Contact an authorised tour operator
Find a North Korea–approved tour operator (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will handle your visa application and itinerary. You cannot apply directly.
2
Submit visa application through operator
Provide your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo. The operator submits the application to the North Korean embassy or directly to Pyongyang. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa confirmation
Once approved, you'll get a visa confirmation document (usually a PDF). Print it and carry it with your passport. The actual visa is often issued on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Officials may ask for your hotel address and tour itinerary. The process is straightforward but can be slow — allow 30–60 minutes.
5
Collect your visa sticker
After clearance, immigration will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check it's correct before leaving the counter. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must be arranged through an authorized tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple visits; still requires pre-arranged tour.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Madagascar passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted and must be arranged through a tour operator. | €30 (~$33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
No confirmed itinerary25%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if not leaving the airport.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; practice strict hygiene.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded conditions increase risk.
TuberculosisModerate risk
TB is present; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in urban areas but present in some rural regions; consider prophylaxis if traveling to those areas.
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 Control Office
Munsu-dong, Taedonggang District, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
All visa extensions and permits must be arranged through a government-approved tour operator; direct visits are not possible.
Practical information for MG 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 visas must be pre-arranged through an authorised tour operator. You cannot apply at the border or at the airport.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour operator submits the application. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
Visa fees vary by nationality and tour operator, but expect to pay around €50–€100 (or equivalent). The tour operator will include this in your package price.
Transit without a visa is not possible. You must have a pre-arranged visa and a confirmed tour itinerary, even for a short stopover.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you and may offer a refund or alternative travel options. There is no appeal process.
Extensions are not possible for standard tourist visas. You must leave on the date specified in your visa. If you need to stay longer, your tour operator would need to arrange a new visa before your current one expires.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), visa confirmation document, return ticket, and hotel address. Officials may also ask for your tour itinerary and proof of travel insurance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.