North Korea entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through a specialized travel agency that handles all North Korea tours — independent travel is not permitted. As of 2026, all visits must be part of an organized tour.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a visa through the North Korean government portal at naenara.com.kp. The process involves submitting a detailed itinerary, passport copy, and a letter of invitation from a North Korean travel agency. Expect the application to take several weeks — start at least 2 months before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport will ask for proof of a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready — they rarely accept digital copies on phones. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | You need a confirmed hotel booking for every night of your stay. North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels — your travel agency will handle this. Carry a printed confirmation from the hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors in North Korea. Bring at least $200 USD per day in cash for meals, tips, and incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot travel to North Korea as a solo tourist. All visits must be part of an organized, guided tour. Your itinerary is fixed — you cannot wander off on your own.
Internet and phone restrictions
Internet access is heavily restricted in North Korea. Most hotels have no public Wi-Fi, and mobile data is not available for tourists. If you need connectivity, arrange an eSIM before you go — but expect very limited access.
Medical care is extremely limited
Hospitals in North Korea are basic and may not have modern equipment or medications. A serious injury or illness could require evacuation to China, which is expensive and slow. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorized operator
Find a travel agency that specializes in North Korea tours. They will handle your visa application and itinerary. Popular operators include Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours, and Lupine Travel.
2
Submit visa documents to your operator
Provide your passport scan, a passport-sized photo, and a completed visa application form. The operator will submit to the DPRK embassy in Beijing or directly in Pyongyang. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, the operator will send you a visa confirmation number or a physical visa (if issued in Beijing). You'll also get your tour itinerary and hotel details.
4
Fly to Beijing or Shenyang, then to Pyongyang
Most tours depart from Beijing (Air Koryo) or Shenyang. You'll fly to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. On arrival, proceed to immigration with your passport and visa document.
5
Go through immigration in Pyongyang
At the airport, join the foreigner queue. Present your passport, visa, and return ticket. Immigration officers may ask your hotel name and tour guide contact. Keep your visa document safe — you'll need it on departure.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days (typically)
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€80 (approx. $90 USD)
Must be arranged through an authorized travel agency; itinerary is strictly controlled.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; must be arranged through a travel agency. | ~€80 (approx. $90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstays are extremely rare and penalties are severe; avoid at all costs. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation30%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Canada passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, as there are no visa-free transit arrangements.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; only consume bottled or boiled water and thoroughly cooked food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and limited healthcare increase risk; consider masks in crowded areas.
TuberculosisModerate risk
TB is prevalent; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel; consult a travel clinic.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Practical information for CA 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 have a visa approved before you travel. The only exception is for pre-arranged group tours where the operator handles the visa in advance — but you still need the visa document or confirmation number before boarding your flight to Pyongyang.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the time your tour operator submits the application. Some operators offer expedited service for an extra fee, but plan for at least 3 weeks to be safe.
The visa fee is usually included in your tour package. Standalone visa costs range from €50 to €80 (about CAD 75–120), but the tour operator's handling fee adds to that. Total visa-related costs are typically CAD 150–300.
No. You apply through your tour operator. They submit your documents to the DPRK embassy in Beijing or directly in Pyongyang. You never need to visit an embassy yourself.
Denials are rare for Canadian citizens, but can happen if your application has errors or if you have a history of journalism or activism related to North Korea. Your tour operator will usually refund the visa fee minus a processing charge. You can reapply with corrected documents.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave on the date specified in your itinerary. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to arrange a new tour and visa from scratch.
Your valid passport, your visa document (or visa confirmation number), and your return ticket. Immigration officers may also ask for your hotel name and tour guide contact. Keep everything in your carry-on.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.