North Korea entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Argentine passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through a designated travel agency well in advance — independent tourism is not permitted. All visits in 2026 are strictly guided and pre-arranged.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | North Korea requires a visa for all foreign visitors. Apply through a North Korean embassy or a designated travel agency — there is no online application portal. Processing takes several weeks and requires an invitation from a North Korean tour operator.Check official portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. Airlines and immigration officers check this strictly — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport always ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | You must have a confirmed hotel booking or tour itinerary for your entire stay. North Korea requires all foreign visitors to be accompanied by guides — your tour operator handles accommodation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire trip — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors. Most tours require full payment in advance, but bring extra for incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must join a guided tour. Independent travel is illegal. Your guides will accompany you everywhere — including meals, sightseeing, and even bathroom breaks in public areas.
Visa is tied to your tour
Your visa is valid only for the dates and itinerary of your booked tour. You cannot change plans or extend your stay. If you miss your group, you'll be escorted out of the country.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
Contact an authorized North Korea tour operator (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). Choose your tour dates and itinerary. The agency will handle your visa application.
2
Submit visa documents
Provide your passport copy, passport photo, and completed visa application form to the tour agency. They submit it to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or Pyongyang for approval.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. The agency will notify you once the visa is issued. You'll receive a visa number or a physical visa sticker (depending on your departure point).
4
Fly to North Korea
Most flights arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) from Beijing (PEK) or Shenyang (SHE). At immigration, present your passport and visa. You'll be met by your guide.
5
Follow guided itinerary
You must stay with your guide at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. Your guide handles all logistics — accommodation, meals, and transport.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Argentine passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted and must be arranged through a tour operator. | €30 (~$33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
No return ticket20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through North Korea
Transit visa required
Argentina passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, as there is no visa waiver for transit.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and other infections from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses are present.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in some rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for long stays.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pyongyang
Immigration Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Contact your tour operator for assistance.
Practical information for AR travellers
Country basics
CapitalPyongyang
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors cannot drive in North Korea; driving is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Money
CurrencyNorth Korean won (KPW)
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h
vs Los Angeles+17h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European two-pin plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. You must obtain a visa in advance through an authorized tour agency. On-arrival visas are not available for Argentine passport holders.
Typically 2–4 weeks from the time your tour agency submits the application to Pyongyang. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
Visa fees are included in your tour package. Expect to pay around €50–€80 for the visa itself, plus the tour cost (usually €400–€800 for a 4–7 day trip).
No. Your tour agency handles everything remotely. You only need to submit digital copies of your documents. The visa is either emailed as a number or affixed to your passport at the airport.
No. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by two guides at all times. You cannot leave the hotel or deviate from the itinerary alone.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour agency will inform you and usually offer a full refund minus a small processing fee. You can reapply after 6 months.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Some tour operators require proof of insurance before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.