North Korea entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must apply through a recognised tour operator — independent travel is not permitted. All visas are arranged as part of an organised tour, and processing can take several weeks, so plan well ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a visa through a North Korean embassy or consulate before travel. Ireland has no diplomatic representation in North Korea — you typically apply via the DPRK embassy in London or Beijing. Processing can take weeks and requires an invitation letter from a North Korean travel agency.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by North Korean law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity for transit connections. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport strictly check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. You cannot enter North Korea without proof of departure — this is non-negotiable. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary showing where you will stay each night. North Korean authorities require all foreign visitors to be accompanied by guides and stay in designated hotels. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash (EUR or USD) or a bank statement. Credit cards are not accepted in North Korea — you must pay for everything in cash. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot travel to North Korea on your own. You must join an organised tour. Your movements will be strictly controlled, and you will be accompanied by guides at all times.
Travel insurance is essential
Medical facilities in North Korea are basic. Evacuation to China can cost thousands of euros. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation and treatment in a foreign country.
What happens at the border
1
Book an authorised tour
You must join a guided tour with a recognised operator. Independent travel is illegal. Your tour operator will handle the visa application process.
2
Submit visa application through tour operator
Your operator will ask for a copy of your passport, a completed application form, and a passport photo. They submit it to the DPRK embassy or consulate. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa confirmation
Once approved, you'll get a visa confirmation document. The actual visa is usually stamped into your passport on arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket ready. Officers may ask a few questions about your tour itinerary.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and meet your tour guide outside the arrivals hall. You'll be escorted throughout your stay.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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 stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Requires invitation from North Korean entity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Irish passport holders; subject to change. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application35%
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
A transit visa is required for Ireland holders transiting through North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and other diseases from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are present.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in some rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern areas; no prophylaxis recommended for most travelers.
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Rason
Rason Immigration Office
Rason Special Economic Zone
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the Rason area.
Practical information for IE 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. All Irish passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You cannot get a visa on arrival — it must be arranged in advance through an authorised tour operator.
You cannot apply directly. You must book a tour with a recognised operator (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will submit your application to the DPRK embassy in Beijing or another designated office. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
Visa fees vary by tour operator but typically range from €50 to €100. This is usually included in the tour package price. Check with your operator for exact costs.
Your stay is determined by your tour itinerary. Most tours last 5–10 days. Extensions are not available for independent travellers.
Overstaying is extremely serious. You could be detained, fined, or deported. Your tour operator will ensure your itinerary matches your visa validity. Do not deviate from the schedule.
No. There is no visa-free transit for North Korea. Even if you're just changing planes, you need a visa. All foreign visitors must have a pre-arranged visa.
The Irish government advises against all travel to North Korea due to the unpredictable security situation and lack of diplomatic representation. If you do go, you must follow your tour guide's instructions at all times.
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.