North Korea entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All tourism is strictly controlled through state-approved agencies — you cannot apply for a visa on your own. Plan well ahead, as the process involves an official invitation and approval from Pyongyang.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through the DPRK embassy in your country of residence. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but you cannot apply online — you must submit your application in person or through a travel agency authorized by the DPRK. Processing takes at least 2–4 weeks, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.Visit government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from North Korea. Airlines and border officials enforce this strictly — no exceptions. Carry a photocopy of your passport's data page separately from the original. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter North Korea without proof of departure. Book your ticket before applying for the visa — the embassy will ask for it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels. Your travel agency will arrange accommodation and provide a confirmation letter. Carry this letter with your passport — border officials may ask to see it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs do not work in North Korea. Immigration rarely asks for proof of funds, but your travel agency may require a bank statement showing sufficient balance before confirming your tour. | Recommended |
Strict rules on photography and behaviour
Do not photograph military personnel, construction sites, or anything your guide tells you is off-limits. Avoid any political discussions or criticism of the North Korean government. Violations can lead to detention or deportation.
Internet and phone access
Foreigners can buy a local SIM at Pyongyang airport (around €20 for 2GB). Internet is heavily filtered and monitored. Social media and certain websites may be blocked. Your guide will know the rules.
What happens at the border
1
Book through an approved tour agency
All independent travel to North Korea is banned. You must book a guided tour through a state-approved agency. They will handle your visa application, itinerary, and accommodation.
2
Submit visa application documents
Your agency will ask for a scanned copy of your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport-style photo, and your travel dates. Some agencies also require a completed application form. Submit at least 4 weeks before departure.
3
Wait for visa approval
The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews your application. Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks. You'll receive a visa number or a physical visa sticker — your agency will advise.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
You'll fly into Pyongyang (usually via Beijing). At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The process is slow but straightforward. Keep your phone and camera off until you're through.
5
Follow your guide at all times
Once through immigration, you'll be met by your guide. You must stay with the group for the entire trip. Independent movement is not allowed.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
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 visa for tourism. Must be arranged through an authorized travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple visits. Requires justification for multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean organization. Extensions possible.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Experts
1 year, renewable
€150 (~$165 USD) per year
For professionals employed by North Korean organizations or joint ventures. Requires a job offer and government approval. Limited availability.
student visa
Student Visa for Language or Academic Study
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For foreigners enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Must be sponsored by the institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Polish passport holders, payable at North Korean embassy. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are rarely granted and must be arranged through a local guide or immigration office. | €30 (~$33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fineMaximum fine cap of €200 (~$220 USD). Overstay is strictly penalized. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
Polish passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. No visa-free transit is permitted.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis 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; consider masks.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in southern regions during summer.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low for tourists, but prophylaxis may be considered for travel to rural southern areas from June to October.
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
Mansudae Street, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and registration. Must be accompanied by a local guide.
Practical information for PL 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. There is no visa on arrival for Polish passport holders. You must obtain a visa in advance through a state-approved tour agency. The process takes 2–4 weeks.
Typically 2–4 weeks from submission. Some agencies offer expedited processing for an extra fee, but plan for at least 4 weeks to be safe.
Visa fees vary by agency but usually range from €50 to €100. The total tour package (including visa, flights, accommodation, guide) typically costs €1,000–€2,000 for a 4–7 day trip.
No. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by two state-appointed guides at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. You'll stay in designated hotels and follow a fixed itinerary.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application is incomplete or if you have a history of journalism, activism, or criticism of the North Korean government. Your agency will usually refund the visa fee but not the full tour cost.
No mandatory vaccinations, but routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, hepatitis A/B) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
No. Foreigners are not allowed to drive in North Korea. All transport is arranged by your tour agency.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.