North Korea entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must go through an authorized tour operator — independent tourism is not allowed. As of 2026, visa applications are handled only by designated travel agencies.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through the North Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The process involves submitting an application, passport photos, and a detailed itinerary approved by a recognized tour operator.Apply for visa | 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 minimum validity beyond the stay is required, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready, as mobile screens may not be accepted. | 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 government-approved hotels, so this document is often checked upon arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash (EUR or USD preferred) or a bank statement. Credit cards are not widely accepted, and ATMs are unavailable for foreign cards. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of a guided tour at all times. You cannot explore on your own. Your tour operator provides a detailed itinerary that you must follow — deviations can result in detention or deportation.
Visa processing time
Start the visa process at least 4 weeks before your trip. Delays can happen, and last-minute applications are risky. The fee is around $50–$80 USD.
What happens at the border
1
Book through an authorized tour operator
Contact a government-approved travel agency that specializes in North Korea tours. They handle your visa application, itinerary, and all paperwork. Expect to pay a deposit upfront.
2
Submit visa application
Provide your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the completed application form to the tour operator. They submit it to the North Korean embassy in Kathmandu or the nearest embassy processing Nepali applications.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Your tour operator notifies you once issued. You may need to collect the visa in person or have it mailed. Apply at least a month before travel.
4
Prepare travel documents
Print your visa approval letter, flight itinerary, hotel confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup. Officials may ask for these at multiple points.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
Upon landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa, and return ticket. Officials may ask about your itinerary and tour operator. Answer clearly and politely. This process takes 15–30 minutes.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed to the arrivals hall. Your tour guide will be waiting with a sign. You will be escorted throughout your stay — do not wander off.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal 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
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 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
Nepal passport holders transiting through North Korea require a transit visa, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis 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.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher prevalence than in many countries; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Contact your tour operator for assistance.
Practical information for NP 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. The visa is arranged through an authorized tour operator, and you cannot enter without prior approval.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to allow for delays. The fee is typically $50–$80 USD.
Not necessarily. Your tour operator handles the submission. If a physical visit is required, they coordinate with the embassy in Kathmandu or the nearest embassy processing Nepali applications.
No. All tourists must be part of a guided tour. You are accompanied by government-appointed guides at all times. Independent movement is not permitted and can lead to detention.
You will not be allowed to enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you could face serious issues with both North Korean and Nepali authorities, including fines or deportation delays.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your visa is issued for a specific itinerary and duration. If you need to change plans, your tour operator must request approval in advance — this is rarely granted.
Rejections are rare but possible. Your tour operator will inform you of the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but there is no guarantee of approval. Consider alternative destinations in the meantime.
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.