North Korea entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator. Independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Tourist visa required | You must apply for a North Korean tourist visa through an authorized travel agency — independent applications are not accepted. The visa is a separate document pasted into your passport, not a stamp. Apply through a specialist agency like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours at least 4–6 weeks before travel.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 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 and border officials enforce validity for the entire trip. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket before allowing entry. Your tour operator will usually arrange this as part of the package. Without a booked departure, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking confirmation | You must have a confirmed hotel booking for every night of your stay, arranged through your authorized tour operator. Independent accommodation is not permitted. Carry a printed copy of the booking confirmation from your agency. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash for on-the-ground expenses | Carry enough cash (EUR, USD, or CNY) to cover meals, tips, and souvenirs — credit cards and ATMs do not work in North Korea. Budget around €50–100 per day for extras beyond the tour package. Exchange money only at official banks or hotels. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot enter North Korea without a guided tour. All movements are supervised by government guides. Do not attempt to travel alone or deviate from your itinerary.
Visa processing can be unpredictable
Visa approvals are not guaranteed. Apply well in advance and have a backup plan. Some applications are denied without explanation.
What happens at the border
1
Book through an authorized tour operator
Find a tour operator approved by the North Korean government. They will handle your visa application, itinerary, and all travel arrangements. You cannot enter North Korea without a guided tour.
2
Submit visa application via tour operator
Provide your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo to the tour operator. They submit the application to the North Korean embassy (usually in Beijing). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, you get a visa number or a physical visa sticker. Your tour operator provides a detailed itinerary and contact information for your guide.
4
Fly to North Korea via Beijing or Shenyang
Most flights to Pyongyang depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE). Air Koryo is the national carrier. At the airport, go through immigration with your visa and passport.
5
Arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Your tour guide meets you after customs. Keep all documents handy.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for Iceland holders. Must be arranged through an authorized travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For travelers needing multiple entries. Requires a detailed itinerary and justification.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
For business purposes. Requires an invitation from a North Korean company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at the embassy. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for 6 months. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeNon-refundable processing fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension is rarely granted; fee is per day of extension. | €20 (~$22 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
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
Iceland holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, as there are no visa-free transit arrangements. This applies even for airside transit.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded spaces increase risk; consider masks.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk in urban areas, but present in rural regions during summer.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in summer.
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
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Contact your travel agency for assistance.
Practical information for IS 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. It is arranged through an authorized tour operator and processed by a North Korean embassy (usually in Beijing). On-arrival visas are not available for Icelandic passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays. Your tour operator will guide you on timing.
Visa fees vary by embassy and tour operator, but expect to pay around €50–€100 for the visa itself. Tour packages (including visa handling) start from roughly €1,000 for a short trip.
If you fly via Beijing or Shenyang, you may need a Chinese transit visa depending on your nationality and layover duration. Check with the Chinese embassy. Most Icelandic passport holders can transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying in the airport, but longer layovers require a visa.
No. All foreign tourists must be accompanied by two North Korean guides at all times. You cannot wander alone. Your itinerary is fixed and monitored.
Overstaying is extremely serious. You could be detained, fined, or deported. Your tour operator ensures your visa matches your exact travel dates. Do not deviate from the itinerary.
It is not legally required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation and treatment can be very expensive. Some tour operators may require proof of insurance.
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.