North Korea•AsiaTransit Visa (통과비자)
At a Glance
3-4 weeks
Not confirmed
Check the official source
Determined by the itinerary of the mandatory guided tour
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Short-stay visa for travelers passing through Pyongyang briefly en route to another destination.
The Transit Visa is a specialized entry permit designed for international travelers whose journey requires a brief stopover in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) while en route to a third destination. Established to manage the movement of foreign nationals within the country's strictly controlled borders, this visa fills the gap for those who are not entering for tourism, work, or official duty but must pass through Pyongyang's transit facilities. It ensures that all transient visitors are accounted for and remain within the authorized transit zones as dictated by DPRK immigration protocols.
This visa is intended for travelers with confirmed onward travel arrangements who require a short-stay authorization. The ideal applicant is a passenger with a valid passport and a confirmed booking of a mandatory guided tour package, as independent transit is generally not permitted. It is distinctive because it is typically bundled with the cost of a mandatory guided tour package, ranging from $50 to $150 USD, and is managed entirely by authorized travel agencies that coordinate directly with the North Korean authorities to secure the necessary entry permissions.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Confirmed booking of a mandatory guided tour
Proof of onward travel (confirmed flight or train tickets)
Completed DPRK visa application form
Recent passport-style photograph
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (6 months validity).
Confirmed onward flight or train tickets.
Visa for the destination country.
Completed visa application form.
Passport-sized photographs.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows legal transit through North Korea
- Visa is often issued on a separate document, avoiding stamps in your passport
Worth Knowing
- Independent travel is not permitted; you must be on a guided tour
- Journalists and certain media professionals are generally non-qualifying for standard transit/tourist visas
- Entry requirements are subject to strict government control and can change without notice
Application Process
Book a mandatory guided tour through an authorized travel agency
Submit required documents (passport copy, photo, application form) to the agency
Agency submits application to the North Korean Foreign Ministry for approval
Receive the visa (often as a separate document or 'tourist card') via the agency before entry
Related visas
More visas in North Korea
- Visitor Visa
Tourist
- Work Permit Visa (노동허가비자)
Work
- Business/Official Visa (공무비자)
Business
Transit visas in other countries
- Crew Member
United States
- Bridging visa D (BVD) - Prospective Applicant
Australia
- Transit Visa - Single Entry
Azerbaijan
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