North Korea entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorised tour operator; independent tourism is not permitted. As of 2026, visas are processed by the DPRK embassy in Beijing or via your tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through the North Korean embassy or a designated tour operator — independent tourism is not allowed. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most visa arrangements are handled by authorized travel agencies in Beijing or Pyongyang.Check visa info | 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 border officials enforce validity for the entire trip. Carry a photocopy of your passport 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. You must have a booked flight out of North Korea before you arrive. Tour operators usually handle this as part of your package. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to be accompanied by guides from a state-approved tour company. Your hotel booking and itinerary are arranged by your tour operator — carry a printed copy of your accommodation confirmation and tour schedule. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash in euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan to cover your stay — credit and debit cards are not accepted anywhere in North Korea. ATMs do not exist for foreigners, and you cannot exchange money freely. Budget at least €50–100 per day for meals, tips, and souvenirs. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of an organised tour at all times. You cannot wander alone, take photos without permission, or deviate from the itinerary. Your guide will accompany you everywhere.
Visa is tied to your tour
Your visa is valid only for the specific dates and itinerary arranged by your tour operator. If you change your plans, you need a new visa.
What happens at the border
1
Book with an authorised tour operator
Find a DPRK-approved tour operator (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will guide you through the visa process and arrange your itinerary.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator will send you a visa application form. Fill it out and return it along with a passport photo and a copy of your passport data page. They submit it to the DPRK embassy in Beijing.
3
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa number or a physical visa sticker. Your tour operator will confirm. Keep the visa details with your passport.
4
Fly to Pyongyang
Most flights arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ). At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Expect a brief interview.
5
Follow tour itinerary
You must stay with your tour group at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. Your guide will handle all logistics.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must be arranged through a recognized travel agency.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple visits; requires justification for multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean organization; limited availability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders; payable at embassy or via authorized agency. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity; subject to approval. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted and must be arranged through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 (approx. $220 USD); overstay can lead to detention and deportation. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel purpose25%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, as there are no visa-free transit arrangements.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; drink only bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Poor air quality and limited healthcare increase risk; consider masks in crowded areas.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in some southern regions; prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low overall, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to rural areas, especially in the south.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pyongyang
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Department
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and permits; all requests must be made through a guide or agency.
Practical information for NZ 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 you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for New Zealand passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the time your tour operator submits the application to the DPRK embassy in Beijing. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy. Expect to pay around USD 50–100 for the visa itself, plus your tour operator's service fee. Check with your operator for exact costs.
No. Your tour operator handles the entire visa process. You submit documents electronically or by mail. The only in-person step is when you fly to Pyongyang.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave on the date specified in your visa. Your tour operator will confirm your departure.
Overstaying is taken very seriously. You could be detained, fined, or banned from future travel. Always leave on time.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Most tour operators require proof of insurance.
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.