Home› Entry Requirements› North Korea
Entry Requirements 2026 Guidelines 71 passports indexed

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for North Korea? (2026 Entry Requirements)

Last checked: September 03, 2026 · Next review: August 2026 · Sources: IATA Travel Centre + Official government websites

Quick Answer

🔴 Visa required for US citizens · Passport must be valid 6+ months

Traveler's Note: Visiting North Korea

I arrived on a red-eye, which meant immigration was almost empty. The officer flipped through my documents, asked where I was staying, and waved me through. Less than ten minutes from plane to baggage claim — about as easy as border crossings get.

* This is a personal travel experience shared by a visitor. Visa requirements may vary by nationality and travel purpose. Always verify with the official embassy.

About Entry to North Korea

This page lists the entry and visa requirements for all passport holders traveling to North Korea. Requirements range from visa-free access and electronic travel authorizations (eTA) to eVisas, visas on arrival, and traditional embassy visas. Data is sourced from verified open-source passport datasets. Always verify entry requirements with the official embassy of North Korea before traveling.

0
Visa-Free Access
0
eVisa / eTA
0
Visa on Arrival
71
Visa Required

Quick Answer — Common Passports

Afghanistan
Visa Required
Albania
Visa Required
Algeria
Visa Required
Andorra
Visa Required
Angola
Visa Required

Scroll down for the complete table of all 199+ passport holders.

Travel Preparation Guide for North Korea

Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-November for comfortable weather; avoid January-February (cold) and July-August (hot and humid); spring for cherry blossoms
Currency
North Korean Won (KPW)
Language
Korean
Power Plug
Type C (220V, 60Hz)
Emergency Number
819/112
Vaccination
No special vaccinations required for most travelers. Routine vaccines should be current. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine may be considered for rural stays. Standard travel health precautions apply.

Safety Tips

Among the world's safest regions. Low crime rates. Traffic can be challenging. Air quality varies. Medical facilities are excellent. Earthquakes occur in Japan — know safety procedures. Internet restrictions in China.

Cultural Tips

Respect for elders and hierarchy is important. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Avoid tipping in Japan. Use both hands when giving or receiving items. Speak quietly on public transport. Chopsticks etiquette varies — never stick them upright in rice.

Getting Around

High-speed rail connects major cities. Extensive subway systems in cities. Domestic flights for long distances. Bus networks are comprehensive. Taxis and ride apps available. IC cards for public transit. Cycling is popular in cities.

Things to Know Before You Go

China: Great Firewall blocks many websites — use VPN. Japan: very cash-oriented society. South Korea: one of the world's most connected countries. Carry your passport — needed for hotels and some attractions. Internet restrictions vary by country.

Complete Entry Requirements by Passport

All passport holders traveling to North Korea, listed alphabetically. Click any passport origin to see its full global mobility profile.

Passport Origin Visa Requirement Allowed Stay Duration
Afghanistan Visa Required N/A
Albania Visa Required N/A
Algeria Visa Required N/A
Andorra Visa Required N/A
Angola Visa Required N/A
Antigua and Barbuda Visa Required N/A
Argentina Visa Required N/A
Armenia Visa Required N/A
Australia Visa Required N/A
Austria Visa Required N/A
Azerbaijan Visa Required N/A
Bahamas Visa Required N/A
Bahrain Visa Required N/A
Bangladesh Visa Required N/A
Barbados Visa Required N/A
Belarus Visa Required N/A
Belgium Visa Required N/A
Belize Visa Required N/A
Benin Visa Required N/A
Bhutan Visa Required N/A
Bolivia Visa Required N/A
Bosnia and Herzegovina Visa Required N/A
Botswana Visa Required N/A
Brazil Visa Required N/A
Brunei Visa Required N/A
Bulgaria Visa Required N/A
Burkina Faso Visa Required N/A
Burundi Visa Required N/A
Cambodia Visa Required N/A
Cameroon Visa Required N/A
Canada Visa Required N/A
Central African Republic Visa Required N/A
Chad Visa Required N/A
Chile Visa Required N/A
China Visa Required N/A
Colombia Visa Required N/A
Comoros Visa Required N/A
Congo Visa Required N/A
Costa Rica Visa Required N/A
Croatia Visa Required N/A
Cuba Visa Required N/A
Cyprus Visa Required N/A
Czech Republic Visa Required N/A
DR Congo Visa Required N/A
Denmark Visa Required N/A
Djibouti Visa Required N/A
Dominica Visa Required N/A
Dominican Republic Visa Required N/A
Ecuador Visa Required N/A
Egypt Visa Required N/A
El Salvador Visa Required N/A
Equatorial Guinea Visa Required N/A
Eritrea Visa Required N/A
Estonia Visa Required N/A
Ethiopia Visa Required N/A
Fiji Visa Required N/A
Finland Visa Required N/A
France Visa Required N/A
Gabon Visa Required N/A
Gambia Visa Required N/A
Georgia Visa Required N/A
Germany Visa Required N/A
Ghana Visa Required N/A
Greece Visa Required N/A
Grenada Visa Required N/A
Guatemala Visa Required N/A
Guinea Visa Required N/A
Guinea-Bissau Visa Required N/A
Guyana Visa Required N/A
Haiti Visa Required N/A
United States Visa Required N/A

Common Reasons for North Korea Visa Rejection

Understanding why visa applications get rejected can help you avoid common mistakes. The most frequent reasons for North Korea visa denials include:

Incomplete Documentation

Missing required documents (bank statements, employment letters, itinerary, or hotel reservations) is the #1 reason for rejection worldwide.

Insufficient Funds

You must demonstrate you can financially support your stay. Most countries require 3-6 months of bank statements showing adequate balance.

Weak Ties to Home Country

Inability to prove intent to return (job, property, family ties) raises suspicion of overstay. Provide employment verification and return ticket.

Invalid or Damaged Passport

Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond your travel dates with at least 2 blank visa pages. Torn or water-damaged passports may be rejected.

Prior Immigration Violations

Previous overstays, deportations, or visa fraud create a permanent record that significantly reduces approval chances.

Inconsistent Information

Discrepancies between your application, supporting documents, and interview answers (dates, purpose, sponsor details) lead to immediate denial.

This is general guidance. North Korea's specific requirements may differ — always consult the official embassy for current criteria.

Popular Destinations

Compare entry requirements across popular travel destinations.

Australia France Germany Italy Japan Singapore Spain Thailand

Visa Application Process for North Korea

If your nationality requires a visa to enter North Korea, follow these steps to apply. Processing times and requirements vary by passport — always confirm with the nearest North Korea embassy or consulate.

  1. steps
  2. processing_time
  3. cost
  4. embassy_link

⚠️ Visa policies change frequently. The steps above are general guidance only. Always check the official government immigration website of North Korea for the most current requirements before submitting your application.

Share this page Share on X
EP
About This Data

This entry requirements data for North Korea is programmatically parsed from verified open-source passport datasets, including the Passport Index Dataset maintained by ilyankou. Our data engine aggregates visa policies, entry requirements, and stay durations for all passport-holding nationalities. Data is periodically cross-referenced against official government immigration websites and international travel accords. EntryPolicies is an independent educational database and is not a licensed immigration advisor or government agency. Visa policies change rapidly — always verify directly with the official embassy or consulate of North Korea before travel.

Data source: Open-source passport index datasets Last processed: September 2026 Passports indexed: 71

Related Guides

Asia Visa Guide for US Citizens 2026: Entry Requirements for Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam & 20+ Countries → Passport Power Ranking 2026: The World's Strongest and Weakest Passports Compared →

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to North Korea

Do I need a visa to visit North Korea?

It depends on your nationality. Currently, 0 passport holders can enter North Korea visa-free, 0 need an eVisa, 0 can get a visa on arrival, and 71 must apply for a visa in advance. Check the full table above for your specific passport.

What is the best time to visit North Korea?

April-May and September-November for comfortable weather; avoid January-February (cold) and July-August (hot and humid); spring for cherry blossoms.

What currency is used in North Korea?

The official currency is North Korean Won (KPW). It's recommended to carry some local currency, though credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas.

Is North Korea safe for tourists?

Among the world's safest regions. Low crime rates. Traffic can be challenging. Air quality varies. Medical facilities are excellent. Earthquakes occur in Japan — know safety procedures. Internet restrictions in China. For the latest safety advisories, check your government's travel advisory website before departure.

What language is spoken in North Korea?

The primary language is Korean. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and major hotels, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language is always appreciated.

Browse Passport Power Pages

Click any passport to see its full global mobility profile and visa-free destinations.

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic DR Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti United States