North Korea entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 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
US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea, and there are no exceptions. You'll need to arrange it through an approved tour operator prior to your trip—there's no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Start the process well in advance, as it requires official approval from Pyongyang.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa and special entry permitYou cannot enter North Korea without an approved visa and permit, and US citizens face additional restrictions. Mandatory for US citizens | US citizens must obtain a visa and a special entry permit from North Korean authorities before travel. Applications must be submitted through the DPRK Mission to the UN in New York or the DPRK Embassy in a third country. Approval is not guaranteed and processing can take several weeks. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of travel, renew it first. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into North Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa page cannot be a blank endorsement page — it must be a full blank page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the North Korean visa stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketNorth Korean authorities require proof you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket out of North Korea, typically via Beijing or another approved transit point. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to demonstrate financial means if asked. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in North Korea. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out a special arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering North Korea beyond standard immigration forms. | Not required |
| Tour operator bookingYou cannot travel alone in North Korea — a licensed guide must accompany you at all times. Guided tour mandatory | Independent travel is not permitted. You must book through an approved tour operator who will arrange your itinerary, accommodation, and guide. | Required |
| Travel insuranceIf you get sick or injured, evacuation may be necessary — insurance helps cover that cost. Recommended | Travel insurance covering medical evacuation and emergency treatment is strongly recommended, as medical facilities in North Korea are limited. | Recommended |
US government warning
The US State Department advises against all travel to North Korea. US citizens have been arrested and detained. If you choose to go, you assume significant risk. Ensure you have a reliable tour operator and follow all local laws.
No visa on arrival
Even though you might hear about 'visa on arrival' for some nationalities, US citizens must have pre-approval. Don't book flights until your visa is confirmed.
What happens at the border
1
Choose an approved tour operator
Select a reputable operator that runs tours to North Korea. They'll handle the visa application and all logistics. Expect to pay a deposit to secure your spot.
2
Submit your visa application
Fill out the operator's visa form, provide your passport scan and photo, and pay the visa fee (usually $50–$100, included in the tour package). The operator submits it to the DPRK embassy or directly to Pyongyang.
3
Wait for approval
Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks. You'll receive a visa number or a paper visa. If you're flying in, you may get a visa on arrival at Pyongyang Airport—but only after pre-approval.
4
Travel to North Korea
Fly into Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) from Beijing or Shanghai. On arrival, present your passport and visa (or visa number) at immigration. You'll be met by your tour guide.
5
Follow the rules during your stay
You must stay with your guide at all times. Don't wander off, take photos of military sites, or use local currency. Your guide will enforce the rules.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayTypically 30 days (extendable in rare cases)
ValiditySingle entry; valid for 3 months from issue
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220) plus agency fees
Requires an official invitation from a DPRK organization and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Journalist visa
Max stayVaries; usually 7–14 days
ValiditySingle entry; valid for 3 months
Cost€150–€300 (approx. $165–$330) plus agency fees
Strictly controlled; must be pre-approved by DPRK authorities. US citizens are rarely granted this visa.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, processed via authorized tour agency)Mandatory for all US citizens; must be arranged through an authorized travel agency. | €70–€150 (approx. $80–$165) depending on agency and processing time |
| Visa issuance fee (paid to DPRK authorities)Included in most tour package prices; varies by agency. | €50–€100 (approx. $55–$110) |
| Tour package (mandatory for independent travel)Includes guide, accommodation, meals, transport, and visa processing. | $1,500–$3,000+ per person |
| Extension of stay (if permitted)Rarely granted; must be arranged by your guide and approved by authorities. | €30–€50 (approx. $35–$55) per day |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for tourists; departure taxes are typically covered. | Included in tour package |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
Political or media background20%
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
US citizens transiting through North Korea (e.g., via Pyongyang Sunan International Airport) must obtain a transit visa in advance. There are no visa-on-arrival facilities for US passport holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions for US citizens; all transits require a visa.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; drink only bottled or boiled water.
TuberculosisModerate risk
TB is prevalent; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Poor air quality and limited healthcare increase risk of respiratory illnesses.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered 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
All visa and extension matters must be handled through your travel agency; direct contact is not possible for tourists.
Practical information for US 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 have pre-approval from the DPRK government. Your tour operator arranges this before you travel. Without it, you won't be allowed on the flight.
Typically 2–4 weeks from when your operator submits the application. Some approvals come faster, but don't count on it. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually $50–$100, but it's almost always included in the tour package price. You won't pay separately unless your operator itemizes it.
No. Independent travel is prohibited. You must be on an organized tour with a government-approved operator, and you'll be accompanied by guides at all times.
It's rare but possible. Your tour operator will typically refund your tour deposit minus any non-refundable fees. You won't be able to enter North Korea without approval.
There are no transit options through North Korea. You must have a valid visa and be part of a tour group. There's no 'transit without visa' facility.
The US State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for North Korea due to the serious risk of arrest and detention. US citizens have been detained in the past. Travel is only possible with a tour operator, and you must follow all rules strictly. Consider the risks carefully.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.