North Korea entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator, and visas are issued only as part of a guided tour. Independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through a North Korean embassy or consulate before travel. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but visa applications are handled in person at diplomatic missions — start by contacting the North Korean embassy in your region. Processing times vary widely and can take weeks; expect to submit a detailed itinerary, passport copy, and application form.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. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines and immigration officers check that it covers your travel dates. 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. Airlines also enforce this at check-in — you won't board without one. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels, and your tour operator or guide handles bookings. Carry a printed hotel confirmation or tour itinerary showing your accommodation details — border officials may ask for it upon arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreign visitors in North Korea. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but having at least $100–$200 per day in cash ensures you can pay for incidentals and tips. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot travel to North Korea on your own. All visitors must be part of an organized guided tour. Your tour operator controls your itinerary, accommodation, and movement. Straying from the group is not permitted.
Visa sticker collection in Beijing
Most Latvian travelers collect their physical visa sticker at the North Korean embassy in Beijing, China, on the day of their flight or a day before. Your tour operator will coordinate this. Bring your passport and visa confirmation number.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
Choose an authorized tour operator that handles North Korea travel. They will guide you through the visa process and arrange your itinerary. Popular operators include Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours.
2
Submit visa application
Provide your tour operator with a scanned copy of your passport, a passport photo, and your travel dates. The operator submits the application to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or another designated office.
3
Receive visa approval
Wait 2–4 weeks for processing. Once approved, your operator will send you a visa confirmation number. You may need to collect the physical visa sticker at the embassy in Beijing before your flight.
4
Prepare travel documents
Print or save digital copies of your visa confirmation, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them accessible in your carry-on.
5
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
On arrival, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Officers may ask a few questions about your tour. The process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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 (~$55 USD)
Must be arranged through a recognized tour operator; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Requires justification for multiple visits; extension possible.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For foreigners employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval. Limited availability.
student visa
Student Visa for Language or Academic Study
1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$88 USD) per year
For enrollment in approved educational programs, such as Kim Il-sung University. Requires acceptance letter and government clearance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Latvian passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are rarely granted and must be arranged through a tour operator. | €30 (~$33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). | €10 (~$11 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
Latvian passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if not leaving the airport.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 conditions increase risk; consider masks.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in southern regions during summer.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low for tourists, but prophylaxis may be considered for travel to southern areas during 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
Mansudong, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handle visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for LV 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 in advance through an authorized tour operator. On-arrival visas are not available for Latvian passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application. Plan your travel at least a month ahead.
You apply through your tour operator, not directly at an embassy. The operator submits your application to the North Korean embassy in Beijing, China, or to a designated office in Pyongyang.
Visa fees vary by tour operator but typically range from €50 to €100. This is usually included in the tour package price.
Extensions are not permitted for standard tourist visas. You must leave on the date specified in your visa and tour itinerary.
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 may face difficulties leaving.
If you are transiting through Pyongyang and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa. However, transit stays are rare and usually require prior approval from your airline. Check with your carrier.
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.