North Korea entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorised tour operator, who will handle the visa application. Independent tourism is not permitted as of 2026.
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 a designated travel agency — independent tourism is not allowed. The government portal at naenara.com.kp provides general information, but visa processing is handled by authorized tour operators.Visit government 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 formal 6-month validity rule, but airlines and tour operators may enforce their own requirements. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers will ask for proof of a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter North Korea on a one-way ticket — this is strictly enforced at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary ready. North Korea requires all foreign visitors to be accompanied by guides at all times, so your accommodation is typically arranged through your tour operator. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards and foreign bank cards do not work in North Korea. There are no ATMs for foreign cards, and most transactions are cash-only. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot visit North Korea without a government-approved tour operator. All itineraries, guides, and movements are tightly controlled. Book only through reputable operators.
Visa is a separate document
North Korean visas are usually issued as a separate document or sticker, not a stamp in your passport. Keep it with your passport at all times during your stay.
What happens at the border
1
Book with an authorised tour operator
Find a tour operator approved by the North Korean government. They will handle your visa application, itinerary, and accommodation. Popular operators include Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours.
2
Submit visa documents to your operator
Provide your passport copy, a passport-sized photo, and a completed visa application form. The operator submits everything to the North Korean embassy in your country.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. The visa is usually issued as a separate document or sticker, not stamped in your passport. Your operator will send you a scanned copy.
4
Fly to Pyongyang
Most flights arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ). On arrival, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, visa document, and return ticket ready.
5
Go through immigration
Present your passport and visa. Officials may ask for your return ticket and hotel confirmation. Answer questions politely. After clearance, collect your luggage and exit.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 (~$55 USD)
Requires invitation from North Korean travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Requires invitation and justification for multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires official invitation from North Korean organization.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean organizations or joint ventures. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Limited availability.
student visa
Student Visa for Language or Academic Study
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (~$165 USD) per year
For students enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional processing charge by the embassy. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa before travel, even if not leaving the airport.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and seasonal influenza are present, especially in crowded settings.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of malaria and dengue, but present in some rural areas.
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 Control Office
Munsu-dong, Taedonggang District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
All visa extensions and permits handled here. Must be accompanied by a guide.
Practical information for VN 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. All visas must be arranged in advance through an authorised tour operator. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application to the embassy. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel.
Visa fees vary by embassy and tour operator, but expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. The tour operator may include this in their package price.
If you leave the airport transit area, you need a visa. For a same-day connection staying airside, no visa is required, but you must have a confirmed onward ticket. Check with your airline.
No. Independent travel is not allowed. You must be accompanied by guides from a government-approved tour operator at all times.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you of the reason. You can reapply, but there is no guarantee of approval. Refunds depend on the operator's policy.
You must enter North Korea on the passport you used to book your tour. If that passport is Vietnamese, the same visa rules apply. If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, check with your operator.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.