Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Pyongyang, Korea, North

1. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Visa

Obtain a visa for travel to Pyongyang from the DPRK embassy or approved tour agencies.

Tour Agency Required: Travelers must arrange their trip through registered tour operators.
Strict Controls: Visitors are closely monitored and controlled during their stay in the DPRK.
Limited Destinations: Travel is usually limited to specific areas, such as Pyongyang and its surrounding regions.

A letter of invitation is required for DPRK visa applications. Tour agencies arrange this.

Specific Requirements: Invitation letters must include travel dates, planned destinations, and personal details.
Limited Availability: Invitation letters may not be available for certain dates or periods.
Non-Transferable: Invitation letters are non-transferable and only valid for the named individual.

The processing time for a DPRK visa can vary from a few days to several weeks.

Variable Processing Time: Processing times may change based on embassy workload and the tour operator.
Rush Services Available: Expedited processing can be arranged for an additional fee.
Advance Planning Required: Plenty of time should be allowed for visa applications to ensure timely approval.

A passport with at least six months validity beyond the planned stay is required.

Minimum Validity: Passports should have a minimum validity of six months.
Blank Pages: Travelers need at least one blank page in their passport for the visa.
E-Passports Accepted: Electronic passports (e-passports) are accepted for DPRK visas.

Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background are required for the visa application.

White Background: Photos must be taken against a white background.
Recent Photos: The photos should be recent (taken within the past six months).
No Glasses or Headwear: Photos should not show the applicant wearing glasses or headwear (except for religious reasons).

Copies of the bio-data page and previous visas are often required for the DPRK visa application.

Bio-Data Page Copy: A copy of the bio-data page of the passport is needed.
Previous Visa Copies: Copies of previous visas, if any, should also be provided.
No Original Documents Required: Applicants do not need to submit original documents.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers visiting the DPRK.

Coverage Amount: The minimum coverage amount required may vary.
Repatriation Covered: Policies must include coverage for repatriation in case of emergency.
No Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions should not be excluded from the policy.

Find the DPRK embassy contact information for visa applications and inquiries.

Multiple Embassies Available: There are DPRK embassies in several countries.
Embassy Hours: Embassy hours may vary; check before visiting.
Language Support: Embassies typically provide support in English, but other languages may be available.

Research tour operator reviews to ensure a safe and reliable experience.

Past Customer Experiences: Reviews can help gauge the quality of service provided by tour operators.
Licensing and Regulation: Make sure your chosen operator is licensed and follows local regulations.
Transparency: Check for transparency in pricing, itinerary, and any additional fees.

Understand the group size for your tour to plan accordingly.

Typical Group Sizes: Group sizes in the DPRK can range from a few travelers to several dozen.
Private Tours Available: Private tours may be available for an additional cost.
Shared Expenses: Shared expenses, such as accommodation and meals, are common in group tours.

All travelers must be accompanied by a local guide at all times.

Knowledgeable Guides: Local guides can provide valuable insights about the DPRK culture and history.
Language Assistance: Guides usually speak English, but other languages may be available.
Regulated Movement: The guide will help ensure travelers comply with local regulations.

Internet access is limited and international calls are heavily monitored.

Limited Internet Access: Internet access is restricted to public areas with government-controlled connections.
Monitored Calls: International calls are subject to monitoring and can be expensive.
Local SIM Cards Limited: Local SIM cards may not be available for tourists, or have limited functionality.

Photography is allowed in some areas, but restricted in others.

Prohibited Areas: Certain military and government facilities are off-limits to photography.
Permission Required: Permission may be required for taking photos of locals or official buildings.
Digital Storage Devices Scanned: Digital storage devices, such as cameras and phones, may be scanned at border crossings.

Understand the customs regulations and be prepared for border control inspections.

Declare All Items: Travelers must declare all items upon arrival and departure.
Prohibited Items: Items such as pornography, religious materials, and political literature are prohibited.
Strict Inspections: Baggage inspections may be thorough; allow extra time for this process.

Have emergency contacts and resources available in case of unexpected situations.

Embassy Support: Contact the DPRK embassy for assistance in case of emergencies.
Tour Operator Contacts: Keep tour operator contacts on hand for support during your trip.
Travel Insurance Providers: Contact your travel insurance provider for medical and emergency assistance.