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Transit Visa (통과비자)
VisasNorth KoreaTransit Visa (통과비자)
North KoreaNorth Korea•Asia
Open

Transit Visa (통과비자)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

3-4 weeks

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Determined by the itinerary of the mandatory guided tour

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

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

1

Book a mandatory guided tour through an authorized travel agency

2

Submit required documents (passport copy, photo, application form) to the agency

3

Agency submits application to the North Korean Foreign Ministry for approval

4

Receive the visa (often as a separate document or 'tourist card') via the agency before entry

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