North Korea entry requirements for Singapore passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Singapore passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange your visa through an authorised tour operator — independent travel is not permitted. All visa applications are processed by the North Korean embassy in Beijing or via a travel agency, and approval can take several weeks.
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 home country. Singapore does not have a North Korean embassy — you typically apply via the DPRK embassy in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, or Jakarta. Expect a multi-week process with strict itinerary approval; no eVisa or online application exists.Check DPRK portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Singapore 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 and transit countries may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in North Korea strictly check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter without proof of departure from the country — usually your tour operator handles this, but carry a printed copy. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels. Your tour operator will provide a hotel booking confirmation — carry a printed copy. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (EUR, USD, or CNY) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs do not work in North Korea. Most tours are prepaid, but bring at least $200–$500 for incidentals, tips, and souvenir purchases. | 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. Follow your guide's instructions strictly.
Visa processing takes time
Start your visa application at least 4 weeks before your trip. Your tour operator will handle the paperwork, but delays can happen. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Restricted items at customs
Satellite phones, drones, GPS devices, and religious materials are prohibited. Declare any electronics at customs. Failure to do so can result in confiscation or fines.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorised operator
Independent travel to North Korea is not allowed. You must join a guided tour. Choose a reputable operator that handles visa applications. They will guide you through the process.
2
Submit visa application through your operator
Your tour operator will submit your visa application to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or directly to the authorities. You'll need to provide passport details, a passport photo, and possibly a completed application form. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, your operator will send you a visa confirmation or a visa sticker to be placed in your passport. You may also receive a travel itinerary and hotel confirmations.
4
Arrive at the airport in Pyongyang
You'll fly into Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. After landing, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect queues.
5
Complete immigration and customs
Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After stamping, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Declare any restricted items (e.g., satellite phones, drones).
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Must be arranged through a recognized travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Rarely granted; requires strong justification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Singapore passport holders; processing via embassy. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Rarely issued; requires strong justification. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation30%
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
Singapore passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
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; consider masks.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Minimal risk in urban areas, but present in rural regions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in southern 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 Control Office
Munsu-dong, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
All visa extensions and permits must be handled here; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for SG 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. You must obtain a visa before you travel. It is arranged through an authorised tour operator, and the visa is typically a sticker placed in your passport. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks from the date your application is submitted. Your tour operator will handle the submission. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, a completed application form (provided by your operator), a passport-sized photo, and possibly a copy of your travel itinerary. Your operator will tell you exactly what's needed.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and costs can be high. Insurance covers medical evacuation, which may be necessary in an emergency.
No. All foreign visitors must be part of an organised tour with a government-approved guide. You cannot move freely or explore on your own. Your itinerary is fixed and supervised.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you and may help with an appeal or alternative arrangements. You'll typically get a refund for the tour, minus any non-refundable fees.
Transit without a visa is not possible. Even if you're only changing flights in Pyongyang, you'll need a visa. The same application process applies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.