North Korea entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through a specialized travel agency that handles all North Korea tourism — independent travel is not allowed. As of 2025, visa processing takes 2–4 weeks and requires an approved tour itinerary.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through the DPRK embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 4–6 weeks before travel — processing times are unpredictable. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but visa applications are handled by diplomatic missions, not online.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. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by DPRK law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before booking. | 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. You cannot enter North Korea on a one-way ticket — have your printed itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to be accompanied by an approved tour operator who arranges accommodation. Have your hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary printed — border officials may ask for it. | 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. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but your tour operator will confirm you have funds for the trip. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-arranged guided tour. All movements are monitored, and you must follow your itinerary strictly. Do not attempt to wander off on your own.
Visa processing takes weeks
Start your visa application at least 6 weeks before departure. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, and delays are common. Work closely with your tour agency to avoid last-minute issues.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
All travel to North Korea must be part of an organized tour. Choose a reputable agency that handles visa processing. They will provide a detailed itinerary and submit your visa application to the North Korean authorities.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour agency will send you a visa application form. Fill it out, attach a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport. The agency submits it to the North Korean embassy in Bucharest or Beijing. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa confirmation number. You may need to collect the actual visa sticker from the embassy or have it issued on arrival. Your agency will advise.
4
Prepare for arrival
Pack your passport, visa confirmation, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep copies separate from originals. Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport — immigration will check your documents and stamp your passport.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard visa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
For frequent travelers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Romanian passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €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
Romanian passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)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 spaces increase risk.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Malaria and dengue are rare but present in some areas.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider 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
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handle visa extensions and permits. Bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for RO 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
Yes, Romanian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea. You cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply through a specialized tour agency that handles all North Korea tourism.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour agency submits the application. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
No, you cannot apply directly. All visa applications must be submitted through an authorized North Korea travel agency. The agency coordinates with the North Korean embassy in Bucharest or Beijing.
You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, a completed application form, a recent passport photo, and a scanned copy of your passport. Your tour agency will provide the form and instructions.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are very basic, and evacuation or hospital stays can be extremely expensive. Most tour agencies require it as part of the package.
No, independent travel is not allowed. You must be part of a guided tour at all times. Your itinerary is fixed, and you will be accompanied by local guides.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Reasons may include incomplete documentation, security concerns, or political factors. Your tour agency will inform you and may help with a reapplication. There is no formal appeal process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.