North Korea entry requirements for Slovakia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Slovak passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator, and visas are issued only for pre-booked guided tours. Independent travel is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through a North Korean embassy or consulate abroad. Slovakia does not have a North Korean embassy — you will likely need to apply at the North Korean embassy in a neighboring country like Austria or Germany. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before travel; approval is not guaranteed and requires a formal invitation or tour booking.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Slovak passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by North Korean law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in North Korea strictly require a confirmed return or onward ticket. You will not be allowed to board your flight without one. Book a fixed departure date before you travel. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korean authorities require you to have a pre-arranged tour or hotel booking — independent travel is not permitted. Your tour operator or hotel confirmation serves as proof of accommodation. Have a printed copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors. Budget at least €100–150 per day for a guided tour package, plus extra for souvenirs or tips. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-arranged guided tour. All visas are tied to a specific tour itinerary. Book through a reputable operator well in advance.
Visa issued on arrival
Your visa is typically issued at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport upon arrival. You'll receive a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Keep your visa confirmation number handy.
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 operator that handles visa applications and accommodation. You cannot book flights or hotels independently.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator will submit your visa application to the North Korean embassy or consulate. Provide your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa confirmation number. The actual visa is usually issued on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
4
Prepare documents for travel
Print or save digital copies of your visa confirmation, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them accessible during your trip.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
On arrival, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Officials may ask for your accommodation address and tour itinerary. The process is straightforward but can be slow.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must be arranged through a recognized travel agency.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For frequent visitors; subject to approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Slovak passport holders; processing through authorized travel agency. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; subject to approval. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 (approx. $220 USD). | €10 (approx. $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
Slovak 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and diarrhea from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded conditions may increase risk of respiratory illnesses.
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
Mansudae Street, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for SK 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. All Slovak citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea. Visas are issued only through authorized tour operators as part of a guided tour package.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates. Your tour operator will guide you through the process.
No. Independent travel is not permitted. You must join a guided tour arranged by a recognized operator. The tour handles your visa, accommodation, and itinerary.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), visa confirmation, return ticket, and accommodation details. Keep printed copies or screenshots handy.
It is not strictly required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and costs for treatment or evacuation can be very high.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your stay is fixed by the tour itinerary. If you need to change plans, contact your tour operator immediately.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you of the reason. You can reapply, but it's best to ensure all documents are correct the first time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.