North Korea entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Chilean passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator, and visas are issued only for pre-approved itineraries. As of 2026, independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa (entry permit)You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-approved visa; applications are typically handled by authorized travel agencies. Must be obtained before travel | A visa is required for all travel to North Korea. Apply through a designated tour operator or the North Korean embassy in a third country. No visa on arrival or e-visa is available. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date to avoid denial of entry. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into North Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the visa and border stamps; pages marked 'endorsements' may not count. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask for proof that you will leave the country within the authorized period. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from North Korea. | Required |
| Proof of fundsYou do not need to show bank statements or cash upon arrival, but carry sufficient funds for your stay. Not required | No specific proof of funds is required for entry to North Korea. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit a customs or health declaration before arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry to North Korea. | Not required |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of a guided tour at all times. Straying from the itinerary or attempting to explore on your own can lead to detention or deportation.
Visa issued on arrival
Your visa is often physically issued when you land at Pyongyang airport, not before. Carry the visa confirmation PDF from your operator to show at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorized operator
Contact a DPRK-approved tour agency (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will handle your visa application and itinerary. You cannot travel independently.
2
Submit visa application through operator
Provide your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo. The operator submits the application to the DPRK embassy in Beijing or Pyongyang. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, the operator sends you a visa confirmation (usually a PDF). Print it and carry it with your passport. The actual visa is often issued on arrival in Pyongyang.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Officials may ask for your hotel address. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect 20–40 minutes.
5
Follow your guided itinerary
You must stay with your tour group at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. Your guide will handle all logistics and checkpoints.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months
Cost$100–$200
Requires invitation from a DPRK government-approved organization; not available for tourism.
Diplomatic visa
Max stayVaries
ValidityVaries
CostFree
Only for official government representatives; not applicable to ordinary travelers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, processed via tour operator)Fee varies by tour operator and processing time; paid in advance. | $50–$80 |
| Visa extension (per additional day, if allowed)Extensions are rarely granted and only for pre-approved itinerary changes. | $30–$50 per day |
| Exit fee (included in tour package)No separate exit fee; all costs are bundled in the tour price. | Included |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect visa application30%
Failure to secure an authorized tour operator25%
Previous travel to South Korea or other sensitive countries20%
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
All travelers transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. Transit is only possible on flights that stop in Pyongyang (e.g., Air Koryo).
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic couriers with valid UN laissez-passer may be exempt.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water.
Hepatitis AModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19, influenza)Moderate risk
Limited healthcare capacity; outbreaks possible.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low, but present in some rural areas; antimalarials not routinely recommended.
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
Mansudae Street, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Pyongyang
Passport and Visa Office (at Sunan International Airport)
Sunan International Airport, Pyongyang
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Practical information for CL 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
Yes, a visa is required. You cannot enter without one. The visa is arranged through an authorized tour operator — you cannot apply directly at a DPRK embassy.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
The visa fee is usually between €50 and €80 (about $55–$90 USD), included in your tour package. Your operator will confirm the exact amount.
No. Independent tourism is not allowed. You must join a guided tour organized by an authorized operator. You will be accompanied by guides at all times.
You will not be allowed to board your flight to North Korea. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew it before applying for the visa.
Yes, a confirmed return or onward ticket is required. Immigration may ask to see it on arrival. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy.
Not strictly mandatory, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic, and evacuation can be extremely expensive. Some tour operators may require it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.