North Korea•Asia

Open

Tourist Visa (관광비자)

Tourist Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €75

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

10 days

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Guided tourism visa requiring booking through a State-authorized travel agency with mandatory local guides throughout the stay.

The North Korean tourist visa is a specialized entry authorization established to facilitate controlled foreign tourism within the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). It is not a standard visa sticker but is typically issued as a 'Tourist Card' on a separate document to avoid stamping the traveler's passport. This system fills the gap of managing and monitoring foreign visitors in a highly restricted environment, ensuring that all tourism remains within the parameters set by the State General Bureau of Tourist Guidance.

This visa is designed for individuals wishing to visit the country for leisure, provided they are not from restricted categories or nationalities. It is exclusively for those who have booked a comprehensive, pre-approved guided tour through a state-authorized travel agency. A distinctive feature of this visa is that it mandates constant supervision by local guides; independent travel is strictly prohibited, and applicants must adhere to a pre-approved itinerary throughout their stay.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

10 days

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must book a guided tour through a state-authorized travel agency.

Independent travel is not permitted.

Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Mandatory adherence to all local rules and guided itinerary.

Journalists and professional photographers are generally prohibited from entering on a tourist visa.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed visa application form (provided by the tour operator).

Copy of passport (digital).

Passport-style photograph (digital or physical depending on the agency).

Tour confirmation/itinerary from the agency.

Employment certificate (often requested).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Comprehensive support from experienced tour operators.
Visa processing is handled entirely by the agency.
Tourist cards often prevent entry/exit stamps from appearing in your actual passport.

Worth Knowing

Strictly guided; no independent movement allowed.
Visa is usually a separate document, not a stamp in your passport.
South Korean passport holders face significant restrictions and cannot use standard tourist visa channels.
Fees vary by agency and location of issuance (typically EUR 50-100).

Application Process

Select a licensed tour operator specializing in North Korea travel.

Submit personal information (name, DOB, nationality, passport details, occupation) to the tour operator.

Provide a digital copy of your passport and a passport-style photograph.

The tour operator submits the application to the DPRK authorities on your behalf.

Receive visa approval notification (usually 2-4 weeks before travel).

Collect the visa (often a 'Tourist Card' or separate paper insert) at a pre-tour meeting in Beijing or another designated location.

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