North Korea Visa Requirements

Select your passport above to see entry requirements for North Korea.

🇺🇸 For a United States passport

Here's what a United States passport holder needs to know about entering North Korea.

We don't have a confirmed maximum stay length for North Korea yet — this is exactly the kind of detail that can change, so check the official source below before you travel. We don't have a confirmed processing time on file for this one. If you're in a hurry, it's worth checking the official portal directly, since e-visa turnaround can vary by season and by how busy the consulate is.

The fee isn't confirmed on our end yet — it isn't clearly stated on the official government page we checked, or it may vary depending on how you apply. Please treat any fee you see quoted elsewhere (especially from third-party visa resellers) with caution, and confirm the real government fee via the official source link below before paying anyone.

One more thing worth knowing: U.S. passports holders must obtain a special passport validation from the U.S. federal government before travel. Such validations are only ever issued if travel is in the interests of US national security. United States citizens require a visa when traveling to North Korea; as there is no North Korean diplomatic mission in the United States, US citizens must obtain a visa from a diplomatic mission.

This falls under our guides.

Frequently asked questions

Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?

We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.

Before you travel — checklist

Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to North Korea — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
Start your visa application process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
Note this specific requirement for North Korea: U.S. passports holders must obtain a special passport validation from the U.S. federal government before travel. Such validations are only ever issued if travel is in the interests of US national security. United States citizens require a visa when traveling to North Korea; as there is no North Korean diplomatic mission in the United States, US citizens must obtain a visa from a diplomatic mission.
Check whether North Korea requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to North Korea, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
This page's details for North Korea are still pending full verification — confirm everything directly with an official government source before finalising your plans.