North Korea entry requirements for Pakistan 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
Pakistan passport holders need a visa to visit North Korea. You must arrange your visa through an authorized travel agency — independent applications are not accepted. Plan well ahead, as the process involves coordination with North Korean authorities and your tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply through North Korean authorities | You need a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through a North Korean embassy or a designated travel agency that handles DPRK visas. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most applications go through a recognized tour operator. Expect a lengthy processing time and strict documentation requirements.Government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the 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 immigration may enforce it. Carry a photocopy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket when entering North Korea. Immigration checks this at the border. Book your exit flight before arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your tour operator showing where you will stay. North Korean authorities may ask for this upon arrival. Print a copy to show at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay, as credit cards and ATMs are not available for foreigners. A rough guideline is $100–$200 per day for tours and expenses. Immigration rarely asks, but having cash avoids problems. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of a guided tour at all times. Independent travel is not permitted. Your tour operator will arrange your itinerary, accommodation, and transportation.
Cash is king
North Korea does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or traveler's cheques. Bring all the cash you'll need in USD or EUR. You can exchange money at official banks or hotels, but rates are poor.
Medical evacuation is your only option
Medical facilities in North Korea are limited and may not meet international standards. For serious conditions, evacuation is the only option. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
What happens at the border
1
Choose an authorized tour operator
Find a travel agency that specializes in North Korea tours. They will handle your visa application and itinerary. Most operators require you to book a guided tour — independent travel is not allowed.
2
Submit your visa application
Your tour operator will submit your application to the North Korean embassy or consulate. You'll need to provide passport details, a passport photo, and a completed application form. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa confirmation number or a physical visa sticker. Your tour operator will give you the details. Keep this document with your passport.
4
Fly to Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Most flights arrive from Beijing (PEK) or Shenyang (SHE). At immigration, present your passport, visa, and return ticket. You'll be asked where you're staying — have your hotel or tour itinerary ready.
5
Complete immigration and customs
After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Declare any electronics, cash over $10,000, or restricted items. You'll be met by your tour guide outside the arrivals hall.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for Pakistan holders. Must be arranged through a North Korean embassy or authorized tour operator.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent visitors.
work visa
Work Visa for North Korea
1 year, renewable
Varies; typically employer-sponsored
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa for North Korea
1 year, renewable
Varies; tuition fees apply
For foreign students enrolled at Kim Il-sung University or other approved institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at the North Korean embassy. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, subject to approval and additional documentation. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is strictly penalized; avoid by adhering to visa validity. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
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
Pakistan holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if not leaving the airport. 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are present; avoid crowded indoor spaces.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most areas, but prophylaxis may be recommended for rural travel.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in urban areas, but consider prophylaxis if traveling to rural regions near the border.
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, North Korea
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and a letter of invitation.
Practical information for PK 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. All Pakistan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at Pyongyang airport or any land border.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
A single-entry tourist visa costs about €50 (approx. $55 USD). A multiple-entry visa costs about €80 (approx. $88 USD). Fees are payable at the North Korean embassy.
Tourist visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a work or student visa before traveling. Overstaying results in a fine of €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), up to a maximum of €200.
Overstay fines are strictly enforced — €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), capped at €200. You may also face questioning or detention. Avoid overstaying at all costs.
Yes. Pakistan holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if not leaving the airport. No visa-free transit is permitted.
Bring your passport with the visa, a printed return ticket, your hotel or tour itinerary, and proof of funds (cash in USD or EUR). Immigration may ask for any of these.
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.