North Korea entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange this through a recognised tour operator before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. All foreign visitors are required to join a guided tour, so your visa will be handled as part of that process.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | North Korea requires a visa for all foreign visitors. Apply through the DPRK Embassy in your country of residence — there is no online application portal. You must submit a completed application form, passport photos, and a detailed travel itinerary approved by a DPRK-authorized tour operator. Processing takes 2–4 weeks and requires an invitation letter from a DPRK travel agency.North Korea gov 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. There is no 6-month validity requirement beyond departure, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier. Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport will ask to see your return or onward ticket before clearing you. Your itinerary must match the dates on your visa and tour booking. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | North Korean authorities require all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels. Your tour operator will arrange accommodation and provide a hotel voucher — carry a printed copy. Immigration may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire stay — credit cards are not accepted in North Korea. There are no ATMs for foreign cards. Budget at least $100–$150 per day for meals, tips, and incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
North Korea requires all foreign visitors to be on a guided tour. You cannot explore on your own. Your visa is tied to the tour itinerary, and you must stay with your group at all times.
Visa is handled by your tour operator
You cannot apply for a North Korean visa directly. Book with an authorised agency — they will submit the application to the embassy on your behalf. Start the process at least 6 weeks before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour with an authorised operator
Choose a tour company that is officially recognised by the North Korean government. They will handle your visa application and provide the necessary invitation letter.
2
Submit your visa application through the tour operator
Provide your passport details, a passport-sized photo, and any other documents the agency requests. The agency submits the application to the North Korean embassy in your region.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing can take 2–4 weeks. Your tour operator will notify you once the visa is issued. You'll typically receive a visa number or a physical visa sticker.
4
Prepare your documents for immigration
On arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, you'll go through immigration. Have your passport, visa (if physical), return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The process is straightforward but can be slow.
5
Follow your tour itinerary
You must stay with your group and guide at all times. Independent travel is not allowed. Your visa is tied to the tour dates.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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 stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
Requires invitation letter from North Korean entity.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a North Korean entity. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Limited availability.
student visa
Student Visa for Academic Programs
1 year, renewable annually
€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For enrollment in approved educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Rare for foreign students.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Tanzania passport holders; subject to change. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay; must be paid before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Tanzania passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside. Apply in advance through a North Korean embassy.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid 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
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and visa documents.
Pyongyang
Passport and Visa Office
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa-related issues; limited English support.
Practical information for TZ 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Tanzanian citizens. You must obtain a visa before travel through an authorised tour operator.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Your tour operator will handle the application and update you on the status. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for the visa itself, plus the cost of the guided tour (which can range from $500–$1500 USD depending on duration and inclusions).
No. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by government-approved guides at all times. Your visa is only valid for the specific tour itinerary you booked.
You will not be allowed to enter if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you may face difficulties leaving. Always renew your passport before travel.
Transit through North Korea is extremely rare and usually not possible without a visa. If you have a connecting flight through Pyongyang, you will need a visa and must be on a guided tour. Check with your airline and tour operator.
You'll need your passport (with visa if physical), return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The immigration officer may also ask for your tour itinerary. Keep everything in your hand luggage.
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.