North Korea entry requirements for Cyprus 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
Cyprus passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through a designated travel agency, as independent tourism is not allowed. All visa applications are processed by the North Korean embassy in a third country, typically Beijing or Moscow.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requiredYou must obtain a visa from a North Korean embassy before departure; no visa on arrival or e-visa is available. Apply before travel | A visa is mandatory for all Cypriot citizens traveling to North Korea. Apply at the North Korean embassy in a country where you have legal residence, as there is no North Korean diplomatic mission in Cyprus. Processing can take several weeks. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. 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 sticker and border stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou do not need to show proof of onward travel, but it is advisable to have one for your own planning. Not required | No official requirement to present a return or onward ticket upon entry. | Not required |
| Proof of fundsYou are not asked to demonstrate financial means at immigration. Not required | No official requirement to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any pre-arrival declaration. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Cypriot citizens entering North Korea. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou cannot apply for a visa online; you must visit an embassy in person or via a travel agency. Not available | North Korea does not offer an e-visa system. All visa applications must be processed through a North Korean embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No independent travel
You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-arranged guided tour. All movements are monitored. Straying from the itinerary can lead to detention or deportation.
Visa issued on arrival
Your visa approval is sent in advance, but the physical visa sticker is usually placed in your passport when you land at Pyongyang airport. Keep your visa number handy.
What happens at the border
1
Choose a tour operator
You must book a guided tour with an authorised agency. Independent travel is not allowed. The operator will handle your visa application.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator submits your application to the DPRK embassy (usually in Beijing). Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You'll need a passport photo and a completed form.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa number. The actual visa is often issued on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang airport
At immigration, present your passport and visa number. You'll be asked for your return ticket and accommodation address. Keep your phone charged for the eSIM.
5
Follow tour itinerary
You must stay with your guide at all times. Deviation from the itinerary is not permitted. Your guide handles all logistics.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus 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 30 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months
Cost€100–€150
Requires an invitation from a North Korean government-approved organization. Not available for independent business travel.
Diplomatic visa
Max stayVaries
ValidityAs per diplomatic agreement
CostFree
Only for official government representatives. Not applicable for ordinary tourists.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (via designated agency)Paid to the agency; includes processing and courier to embassy. | €50–€80 |
| Tour package fee (mandatory)Covers guide, accommodation, transport, and meals; varies by duration and agency. | €300–€800 |
| Visa extension fee (if applicable)Per extra day; must be arranged through the tour guide. | €30–€50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect visa application30%
Lack of approved tour itinerary25%
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 transit passengers must hold a valid North Korean visa, even if staying airside. There are no visa-free transit programs.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders with prior clearance
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
TuberculosisModerate risk
Higher risk in crowded areas and healthcare settings.
Hepatitis A and EModerate risk
Contaminated food and water are common sources.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food or water, especially outside Pyongyang.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low, mainly in rural areas during summer months. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard tours.
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
Mansudong, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Pyongyang
Passport and Visa Office at Pyongyang International Airport
Sunan District, Pyongyang
Open during flight arrivals/departures
Practical information for CY 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 travel. The actual visa sticker is often issued on arrival at Pyongyang airport, but the approval must be obtained in advance through a tour operator.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe. Your tour operator will guide the timeline.
There is no DPRK embassy in Cyprus. Most applications go through the North Korean embassy in Beijing, China, or the embassy in Moscow, Russia. Your tour operator will submit the application on your behalf.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy. Expect to pay around €50–€100 for the visa itself, plus the tour package cost (typically €800–€1500 for a 4–7 day tour).
No. Independent travel is not permitted. You must be part of an organised tour with a government-licensed guide at all times.
You will not be allowed to enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you could face deportation or detention.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. However, hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
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.