North Korea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

North Korea enforces a strict ban on any materials that could challenge the state or its ideology. All travelers must declare all currency, goods, and electronic devices on the customs form. Duty-free allowances are minimal and rigorously enforced, with severe penalties for non-compliance.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (any strength) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
All foreign currency exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on the arrival form. Any amount of North Korean won (KPW) must be declared, as local currency is strictly controlled and its import/export is illegal.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods up to USD 800 are duty-free; above that, duty applies at the discretion of customs officials. All goods must be for personal use only.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and any drug paraphernalia)
  • Pornography or obscene materials (including any sexually explicit content in any format)
  • Religious materials (Bibles, religious books, pamphlets, or any items with religious symbols or text, including digital copies)
  • Political materials critical of North Korea or its leadership (including books, newspapers, leaflets, or digital files)
  • Satellite phones and GPS devices (unless prior authorization from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is obtained)
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons of any kind (including knives, pepper spray, and martial arts equipment)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines and medical devices (must have a doctor's prescription and a letter from a medical institution; all medications must be in original packaging with labels)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate and prior approval from the Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require a special permit from the State General Bureau of Aviation)
  • Radio transmitters and receivers (including walkie-talkies and ham radios; require a license from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture; any item over 50 years old is presumed to be a cultural artifact)

Rules worth knowing

Mandatory Customs Declaration

Every arriving traveler must complete a customs declaration form in duplicate. All electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) must be listed with their serial numbers. Failure to declare an item can result in confiscation and a fine of up to USD 5,000 or detention.

Media and Content Inspection

All electronic devices, memory cards, and storage media are subject to inspection by customs officials. Any content deemed politically sensitive, religious, or pornographic will be deleted and may lead to detention or deportation. Travelers are advised to bring only clean devices.

Currency Restrictions

It is illegal to import or export North Korean won (KPW). Foreign currency must be declared on arrival. All transactions within North Korea must be conducted in foreign currency (usually euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan) at official exchange rates. Receipts must be kept for all purchases.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Gifts for North Korean citizens are strictly prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Any item given to a local may be considered a bribe or an attempt to undermine the state, leading to severe penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you must declare them on the customs form. Customs officials may inspect the devices and delete any content they consider inappropriate. It is advisable to bring a clean device with no political, religious, or sensitive material. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and a fine.
Yes. Bibles, religious books, crosses, rosaries, and any other religious items are strictly prohibited. This includes digital copies on phones or laptops. Violation can lead to confiscation, detention, or deportation.
You may bring any amount of foreign currency, but amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. You must also declare any amount of North Korean won, though it is illegal to import local currency. All currency must be exchanged at official banks or hotels.
Yes, but only with a doctor's prescription and a letter from your medical institution. All medications must be in original packaging with clear labels. Customs may ask to see the prescription, so carry it with you. Narcotic or psychotropic drugs are strictly prohibited.
Failure to declare an item can result in confiscation, a fine of up to USD 5,000, or even detention. Customs officials are strict and may search your luggage and electronic devices. It is better to declare everything and ask for clarification if unsure.
You may bring up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer. Food items are generally discouraged; fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products are prohibited. Packaged snacks for personal consumption may be allowed but should be declared.

Official source

State General Bureau of Customs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with State General Bureau of Customs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea before travelling.