Visa to North Korea (DPRK) — how to apply, cost, terms

​Visiting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a unique and rigorously regulated experience. Below is up-to-date information on how to obtain a visa, what types of visas exist, how much it costs, and what residents of Germany and other EU countries should consider.

Yes — citizens of Germany and most EU countries need a visa to enter North Korea. According to the visa policy of the DPRK, tourists require a mandatory preliminary permit, which is issued through a travel agency accredited by the State General Bureau of Tourist Guidance.

Who needs to apply for a visa to the DPRK?

• Tourists: all tourist trips must be organized by a licensed tour operator — individual trips are prohibited.
• Journalists / photographers / media: for a trip related to work (journalism, media), a special media visa is required, which cannot be obtained through a regular travel agency.
• Working and NGO staff: working in the DPRK requires a work visa, sponsored by the North Korean side, and additional coordination with ministries.
• Students / trainees: student visas are possible (e.g., for participation in exchange programs or language courses), but they are rarely issued and require an official sponsor (university, organization) inside the DPRK.
  

Here are the main types of visas that may be relevant:

• Tourist visa: This is the most common type for foreign visitors. Often issued in the form of a "tourist card" or a separate insert, rather than a usual visa in the passport. It can be single-entry for the duration of the tour.
• Journalistic / media visa:  Media representatives require separate permission, issued by the ministries of North Korea.  Such applications often undergo stricter scrutiny.
• Work visa: Requires an employment contract and sponsorship from the North Korean side.
• Student visa: Requires confirmation of enrollment, sponsorship from the educational institution, coordination with North Korean authorities.
  

• Generally, there is no visa-free entry for tourists from the EU: official permission through an agency is required.
• Exceptions are extremely limited and mainly concern diplomatic or official passports.
• Special zones like Rason (Rason) are sometimes referred to as "special economic zone", but this does not mean a full visa-free regime: permission and approval through agencies are required.
  

To apply through a tour operator, you will typically need:

• Valid foreign passport, valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure date.
• Copy of passport + color passport format photo (usually 35×45 mm, light background).
• Completed visa application form.
• Travel itinerary / tour confirmation from the agency (program, hotels, transport).
• Certificate from the place of work or employment confirmation, possibly financial documents.
• Medical insurance is mandatory.
  

Visa processing in North Korea is carried out through licensed travel agencies, and the cost depends on the type of visa. Usually, the price includes the consular fee, agency service charges, and possible additional expenses for urgent processing.

It is important to consider that the cost may vary depending on the method of document submission and the need for additional services such as expedited processing or obtaining a visa sticker in the passport.

1. Contact our agency, send a copy of your passport, photo, and fill out the form.
2. The agency submits an application to the DPRK on your behalf through the State Tourist Bureau.
3. Get your visa before the tour starts.
4. If desired, get a visa sticker (sticker) in your passport.
5. Check and receive all documents 4–6 weeks before the tour (exact timings vary).
   

• Visas through agencies: mandatory route — you cannot get a visa to North Korea on your own.
• Passport stamp: often the visa is not placed in the passport, but is issued as a separate tourist card or insert.
• Special zones like Rason: when visiting such areas there may be differences — there are passport stamps, but a pass is still required, issued through an agency.
• Safety and culture: briefings from the agency are mandatory before the trip to understand the strict local rules of conduct.