North Korea entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator — independent tourism is banned. As of 2026, visa applications are processed only through recognized agencies.
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 a designated travel agency that handles tourism to the DPRK. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most visa applications are processed via authorized tour operators.Visit 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. There is no official 6-month validity rule, but airlines and border officials may enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — they check this at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your tour operator stating where you will stay. North Korea requires all foreign visitors to be accompanied by guides, so your agency usually handles this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your trip — around $200–$300 USD per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but your tour operator may request proof before departure. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must book through an authorized tour operator. Independent tourism is not permitted, and you will be accompanied by guides at all times.
Visa processing time
Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, and delays are common.
What happens at the border
1
Book through an authorized tour operator
Contact a recognized North Korea tour agency. They will handle your visa application and itinerary. You cannot apply for a tourist visa directly.
2
Submit visa application via tour operator
Provide your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo. The operator submits the application to North Korean authorities. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa confirmation
Once approved, you get a visa confirmation document. Print it and carry it with your passport. The actual visa is stamped on arrival at Pyongyang.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Officials may ask for your hotel address. The process takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed to the arrivals hall. Your tour guide will meet you there.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must be arranged through a travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; still limited to 30 days per visit.
Business visa
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean organization.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (~$165 USD) per year
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa for Academic Programs
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For students enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Philippine passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeNon-refundable administrative fee. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted and must be approved by authorities. | €20 (~$22 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineMaximum cap of €500 (~$550 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
Philippine passport holders must obtain a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are present; avoid crowded indoor spaces.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in some southern regions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, but prophylaxis may be considered for travel to southern border 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
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
All visa extensions and permits must be handled here; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for PH 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 tourists must obtain a visa before travel through an authorized tour operator. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Filipino passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
Visa fees vary by tour operator but generally range from $50 to $100 USD. The total tour package cost includes the visa fee.
Transit without a visa is not possible. Even for a short stopover, you need a visa arranged through a tour operator.
No. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by government-approved guides at all times. Independent travel is prohibited.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by North Korean immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Not officially, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, and local hospitals may require upfront payment.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.