North Korea entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All tourism is strictly controlled and must be arranged through an authorized tour operator. As of 2026, independent travel is not permitted.
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 consulate in your country — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take weeks and requires an invitation from a North Korean travel agency.Check official portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire 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 flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter North Korea without proof of departure — this is strictly enforced. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking or tour itinerary ready. Most travelers to North Korea are part of guided tours, so your agency will provide a confirmation letter. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash for your stay — credit and debit cards are not accepted in North Korea. US dollars, euros, or Chinese yuan are preferred. There are no ATMs for foreign cards. | Recommended |
Strict visa rules
North Korea does not issue visas on arrival. You must have a pre-approved visa before you fly. Your tour operator handles the process — do not attempt to apply directly.
Tour operator required
All tourism in North Korea must be through an authorized tour operator. They will arrange your visa, accommodation, and itinerary. Independent travel is not allowed.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
All tourism in North Korea must be through an authorized tour operator. Choose a reputable agency that handles visa applications and itinerary planning.
2
Submit visa application via tour operator
Your tour operator will send your passport copy, photo, and completed application form to the North Korean embassy or consulate. Processing takes 2–4 weeks typically.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, you'll get a visa confirmation (often a separate document, not a sticker in your passport). Keep this with your passport at all times.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
You'll fly into Pyongyang. At immigration, present your passport and visa confirmation. Officials may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions politely.
5
Follow tour itinerary strictly
You must stay with your group and guide at all times. Deviating from the itinerary can cause serious problems. Your guide handles all interactions with locals and officials.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Requires invitation from North Korean entity.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable
Varies by employer
For foreigners employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies by institution
For foreign 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 single entry tourist visa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeNon-refundable processing fee. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
No return ticket25%
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
Senegal 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
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.
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 Pyongyang
Munsu-dong, Taedonggang District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for SN 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. Visas are not available on arrival. You must obtain a visa before travel through an authorized tour operator. The operator submits your application to a North Korean embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for delays.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months beyond entry, a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, and a copy of your passport data page. Your tour operator will guide you on specifics.
No. Independent travel is not permitted. You must be part of an organized tour with a government-approved guide at all times.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, and local hospitals may not accept foreign insurance.
Overstaying is extremely serious. You could face detention, fines, or deportation. Always follow your tour itinerary and departure date strictly.
Transit without entering the country may not require a visa, but you must stay in the international transit area. Check with your airline and tour operator for specific rules.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.