North Korea entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. You must arrange this through an authorized tour operator before you travel — independent tourism is not allowed. From 2026, all visits must be part of a guided tour.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to North Korea. Apply through the North Korean embassy or a specialized travel agency that handles DPRK visas. The official government portal is naenara.com.kp, but most applications go through authorized tour operators in Beijing or Pyongyang.Visit government portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Korea. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies. Carry a photocopy of the photo page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Pyongyang check for a confirmed return or onward ticket before allowing entry. Book a fixed departure flight — open-ended tickets are not accepted. Airlines also verify this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels. Have your hotel booking confirmation or tour itinerary ready. Immigration may ask for the name and address of your accommodation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash in euros, US dollars, or Chinese yuan to cover your stay — credit cards are not accepted in North Korea. ATMs are unavailable for foreign cards. Budget at least $100–$150 per day for meals, tips, and incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot enter North Korea without a guided tour. All movements are monitored, and you must stay with your guide at all times. Do not attempt to explore on your own.
Internet and phone restrictions
Internet access is heavily restricted. Local SIM cards may not work for data. An eSIM from a provider like Airalo can give you limited connectivity, but expect very slow speeds and blocked sites.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
Choose a government-approved tour operator that handles North Korea travel. They will apply for your visa and arrange your itinerary. You cannot enter as an independent tourist.
2
Submit visa application
Your tour operator will submit your visa application to the North Korean embassy or consulate. Provide your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Receive visa confirmation
Once approved, you'll receive a visa confirmation document or a separate visa sticker. Keep this with your passport — you'll need to show it at immigration in Pyongyang.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
On arrival, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa confirmation, and return ticket. Officials may ask your purpose of visit and accommodation details. The process is straightforward but can be slow.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed to the arrivals hall. Your tour guide will meet you there. You cannot leave the airport independently.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 stayUp to 30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard tourist visa; must be arranged through a government-approved tour operator.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Rarely issued; requires strong justification and sponsorship.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires invitation from a North Korean government entity or authorized business partner.
work visa
North Korea Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; typically employer-sponsored
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or joint ventures. Requires government approval and sponsorship. Limited availability.
student visa
North Korea Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies; often covered by scholarship
For foreign students enrolled at Kim Il-sung University or other approved institutions. Requires invitation from the university and government approval.
diplomatic visa
Diplomatic Visa
Duration of assignment
Free
For diplomats and official government representatives. Requires official diplomatic note and accreditation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Saudi passport holders; subject to change. | ~€50 EUR (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~€80 EUR (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | ~€10 EUR (~$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
A transit visa is required for Saudi Arabia passport holders to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Contaminated food and water are common; drink only bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
TuberculosisModerate risk
TB is prevalent; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals and consider BCG vaccine if not previously vaccinated.
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 slightly higher in rural southern regions; consider prophylaxis if traveling to those areas.
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
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and sponsor letter.
Sinuiju
Sinuiju Immigration Office
Sinuiju City, North Pyongan Province
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For border crossing issues; limited services, mainly for Chinese border travelers.
Practical information for SA 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 tourists must obtain a visa before travel through an authorized tour operator. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Saudi passport holders.
Typically 2–4 weeks from the date your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy, but expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Your tour operator will include this in your package price.
Transit without a visa is not permitted. You must have a visa even if you are only changing flights in Pyongyang.
Extensions are not available for tourists. Your stay is fixed to the duration of your guided tour. If you need to stay longer, you must arrange it with your tour operator before travel.
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.
Travel to North Korea carries risks due to limited medical facilities, restricted communication, and strict local laws. Always follow your tour guide's instructions and register with the Saudi embassy in Beijing or Seoul before travel.
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.