North Korea entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
UK passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through a recognised tour operator — independent travel is not permitted. As of 2026, all applications are processed via Pyongyang, so allow at least 4–6 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Tourist visa required | North Korea requires a visa for all foreign visitors. You must apply through a government-authorised tour operator — independent tourism is not permitted. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but your tour operator handles the actual visa submission.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. There is no formal 6-month validity rule, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Your tour operator will usually arrange this as part of the package. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | You will stay at government-designated hotels as part of your tour. Your tour operator provides the accommodation confirmation — carry a printed copy for immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your tour package and any incidental expenses. Credit cards are not accepted anywhere in North Korea. ATMs do not exist for foreign visitors. | Recommended |
Independent travel is not allowed
You must be part of an organised tour. You cannot travel alone or book your own accommodation. Your tour operator will arrange all logistics and a guide will accompany you throughout your stay.
Keep documents accessible
Immigration at Pyongyang Airport may ask to see your visa confirmation, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Keep printed copies or clear screenshots on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorised operator
Find a recognised tour operator that handles North Korea trips. They will guide you through the visa application process, collect your documents, and submit everything to the North Korean authorities. Expect to pay a tour fee that includes visa processing.
2
Submit your visa application
Complete the visa application form provided by your operator. Include a recent passport photo and a clear copy of your passport bio page. Your operator will send it to Pyongyang for approval. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive your visa confirmation
Once approved, you'll get a visa confirmation document (usually a PDF). Print it and carry it with your passport. You'll present this at immigration when you arrive in North Korea.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At the airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. An officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After stamping, you'll collect your luggage and exit.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 (extendable rarely)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Must be arranged through an authorized tour operator; itinerary is tightly controlled.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Rarely granted; requires strong justification and prior travel history.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 30 days (extendable rarely)
Validity3 months
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean entity; subject to strict approval.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Experts
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies; employer typically covers fees
For professionals employed by North Korean organizations or joint ventures. Requires government approval and sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa for Language or Academic Study
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For foreigners enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance from a recognized institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders; payable at embassy or via authorized tour operator. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Rarely issued; requires strong justification. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are extremely rare and must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. | €30 (~$33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD); overstay may lead to detention and deportation. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
Previous visa violations20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. No visa-free transit is permitted.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in some southern regions; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and limited healthcare increase risk; consider masks in crowded areas.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low for tourists; prophylaxis is generally not recommended, but use insect repellent in rural areas.
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 Control Office
Munsu-dong, Taedonggang District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
All visa extensions and permits must be processed here; expect delays and strict scrutiny.
Practical information for GB 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 before travel through an authorised tour operator. On-arrival visas are not available for UK passport holders.
Typically 2–4 weeks, but allow 4–6 weeks to be safe. Your tour operator submits the application to Pyongyang, and processing times can vary.
Visa fees are usually included in your tour package. Expect to pay around £50–£100 for the visa itself, plus the tour operator's handling fee. Total tour costs vary widely.
Transit without a visa is not permitted. You must have a visa even if you're only changing planes in Pyongyang.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. Your stay is fixed to the dates on your visa and tour itinerary.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you of the reason. You may reapply, but there's no guarantee of approval. Most operators will refund the visa fee minus a small admin charge.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. However, routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio) are recommended. Check with a travel health clinic before your trip.
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.