North Korea entry requirements for Nigeria 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

Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. Apply well in advance through a specialized travel agency — there is no embassy in Nigeria. All travel is tightly controlled and must be pre-arranged with an approved tour operator.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You must apply for a North Korean visa through the DPRK embassy in your country of residence. There is no online eVisa system — you submit your application in person or via an authorized travel agency. Processing takes 2–4 weeks and requires an invitation letter from a North Korean sponsor.DPRK government portalRequired
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 — just cover your travel dates. Airlines and immigration at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check this strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Pyongyang will ask for proof of a confirmed return or onward flight. You cannot enter North Korea on a one-way ticket. Have your printed itinerary ready — digital copies on your phone are accepted but a paper backup avoids delays.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-authorized hotels. Your tour operator or embassy will provide a hotel booking confirmation. Keep a printed copy — immigration may ask for it on arrival.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry enough cash (USD, EUR, or CNY) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs do not work in North Korea. Most tours are prepaid, but you need cash for souvenirs, tips, and incidentals. Budget at least $50–$100 per day.Recommended
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of a guided tour at all times. Straying from your group or itinerary can lead to detention or deportation.
Visa processing is handled by your tour operator
You cannot apply directly. Choose a reputable, government-approved agency. They will manage all paperwork and communication with North Korean authorities.

What happens at the border

1
Book a tour with an approved agency
All independent travel to North Korea is prohibited. You must book a guided tour through a government-approved operator. They will handle your visa application.
2
Submit visa application via your tour operator
Your agency will send your application to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or another designated office. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You'll need a passport photo and completed form.
3
Receive visa and travel documents
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or separate document. Your tour operator will also provide your itinerary and hotel confirmations.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
On arrival, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. Officials may ask for your hotel address and tour itinerary. The process is straightforward but thorough.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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 (~$55 USD)

Standard tourist visa for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)

Allows multiple entries within validity period.

work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer
For foreigners employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa for Academic Study
Duration of study program
Varies by institution
For foreigners enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance from a recognized institution.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa.€50 (~$55 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity.€80 (~$88 USD)
Visa processing feeNon-refundable processing fee.€30 (~$33 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
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

A transit visa is required for Nigerian passport holders transiting through North Korea, even if staying airside.

Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)

Health & vaccines for North Korea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and other infections from contaminated food/water.

Respiratory infectionsModerate risk

Tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses are present.

MalariaLow risk

Low risk in most areas, but present in some southern regions.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis may be considered for travel to southern regions.

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

Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.

Practical information for NG 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
Police110
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must obtain a visa before travel through an approved tour agency.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
No. North Korea does not have an embassy in Nigeria. Your visa application will be processed through the North Korean embassy in Beijing or another regional office, handled by your tour operator.
No. All foreign visitors must be part of a guided tour. You cannot move freely or explore on your own.
You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry, a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, and your tour itinerary. Your tour operator will guide you.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and processing method. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for the visa itself, plus the tour package cost. Check with your agency for exact fees.
Denials are rare but possible. Your tour operator will inform you. You may lose the visa fee, but tour packages often have cancellation policies. Apply early to allow time for reapplication if needed.

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.