Visa policy of North Korea
Policy on permits required to enter North Korea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Visitors to North Korea must obtain a visa from one of the North Korean diplomatic missions.[1]
All visitors holding ordinary passports (except South Korea) must obtain a visa prior to entering North Korea. For tourism purposes require prior authorization from a travel agency registered with the State General Bureau of Tourist Guidance.
Visa policy map
Visa exemption
Since 2014, citizens of China holding ordinary passports visiting only the Tongrim County in a tour group can stay there for up to 2 days.[2] They may also visit Sinuiju for a day trip without a visa.[3]
Non-ordinary passports
Holders of non-ordinary passports issued to citizens of the following countries can enter North Korea without a visa, for a stay up to the duration listed below:[1]
|
Indefinite stay
90 days 30 days
14 days
|
D - Diplomatic passports
O - Official passports
S - Service passports
Visa requirement
South Korea
Citizens of South Korea seeking to visit North Korea cannot use South Korean passports to travel to North Korea. They must instead submit a North/South Korea visitation verification certificate or special authorization as well as a departure card to the North Korean immigration officer at the port of entry and go through immigration inspection in North Korea.[citation needed] No South Korean citizens have legally travelled to North Korea since 2021.[10]
Visitor statistics
Most visitors arriving in North Korea were from the following countries of nationality:
| Country | 2025 | 2024 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Russia[11][12] |  9,985 | 6,469 |  89 | 437 | 3,134 | 2,995 | 4,359 | 4,220 | 4,231 | 3,819 | 6,313 | 6,636 | 8,314 | 4,625 |
 South Korea[10] |  0 | 0 | 0 | 297 | 5,069 | 9,509 | 52 | 14,787 | 132,097 | 129,028 | 76,503 | 120,360 | 116,047 | 130,119 |
