North Korea entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Zimbabwe passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorised tour operator — independent tourism is not permitted. Visa processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, so plan well ahead.
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 of residence — there is no online application. Processing takes several weeks and requires an invitation from a North Korean travel agency.North Korea 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 immigration officers check that it covers your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | North Korean authorities require you to have a pre-arranged tour or hotel booking before arrival. Carry a printed confirmation from your travel agency or hotel showing your full itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors. Budget at least $100–$150 per day for tours, meals, and incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot visit North Korea without a pre-arranged tour. All movements are guided and monitored. Book only through an authorised operator — unofficial arrangements won't get you a visa.
Visa processing takes time
Start the visa process at least 8 weeks before your planned departure. Delays happen, and last-minute applications are rarely approved.
What happens at the border
1
Choose an authorised tour operator
Only a handful of companies are approved to run tours to North Korea. Book a tour that matches your dates and interests. The operator will guide you through the visa process.
2
Submit your visa application
Your tour operator will ask for a scanned copy of your passport, a passport photo, and a completed application form. They submit it to the North Korean embassy in your region. Processing takes 4–6 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, the embassy issues a visa number. You may get a physical visa sticker before departure or a visa on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. Your tour operator will tell you which.
4
Travel to North Korea
Fly to Pyongyang via Beijing (Air Koryo) or another approved route. At immigration, present your passport, visa (if not already affixed), and return ticket. The process is straightforward but expect a thorough check.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay15 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay15 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Requires invitation from North Korean entity.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa for Academic Programs
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
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 a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for 6 months. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeNon-refundable processing fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation30%
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
Zimbabwe passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses are common.
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 all original documents.
Practical information for ZW 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
Yes, but only if you have a pre-approved visa number from an authorised tour operator. You don't just show up at the airport. The visa on arrival is a sticker placed in your passport when you land at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
Typically 4–6 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application. Some operators offer expedited processing for an extra fee, but don't count on it. Apply at least 2 months before your trip.
The visa fee is usually included in your tour package. Standalone visa costs vary by embassy but are typically around €50–€80. Your tour operator will tell you the exact amount.
No. All foreign visitors must be accompanied by two North Korean guides at all times. You cannot wander off on your own. Your itinerary is fixed and approved in advance.
It's generally fine. North Korea doesn't deny entry based on previous travel to South Korea or the US. However, US citizens face additional restrictions and must travel on a US passport. Zimbabwe passport holders have no such issues.
No mandatory vaccinations, but routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, hepatitis A/B) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
No. Your visa is issued for a fixed period matching your tour dates. Extensions are not available for tourists.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.