North Korea entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorised tour operator, and visas are issued only for pre-organised tours. As of 2026, independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | North Korea requires a visa for all foreign visitors. Apply through a North Korean embassy or an authorized travel agency — independent tourist travel is not permitted. Your application must include a detailed itinerary and be submitted at least 4 weeks before departure.Check visa info | 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 requirement, but airlines and immigration officers may enforce it — carry a passport with at least 6 months remaining to avoid boarding issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a fixed departure flight before you travel. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or tour confirmation | North Korea requires all foreign visitors to stay in government-approved hotels and be accompanied by guides. Your travel agency will provide a confirmation letter — carry a printed copy. Independent accommodation is not allowed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (EUR, USD, or CNY) to cover your stay — credit cards are not accepted in North Korea. Immigration may ask for proof of funds, though enforcement is rare. Bring at least $100 USD per day for meals and incidentals. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You must be part of a guided tour at all times. You cannot explore on your own. Your guide will accompany you everywhere.
Visa through tour operator only
You cannot apply for a North Korean visa directly. All applications go through an authorised tour operator. Choose one with experience handling Swedish passports.
What happens at the border
1
Book a tour with an authorised operator
You must join a guided tour. Choose a reputable operator that handles North Korean visas. They will send you the application form and instructions.
2
Submit your visa application
Fill out the form your operator provides. Include your passport details, travel dates, and a passport photo. The operator submits it to the North Korean embassy (usually in Beijing or Stockholm).
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You will receive a visa approval number or a physical visa sticker. Keep this with your passport.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
On arrival, go through immigration. Have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. They may ask for your hotel address. The process is straightforward but slow — expect a queue.
5
Follow tour itinerary
You must stay with your group and guide at all times. Independent movement is not allowed. Your guide handles all logistics.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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 stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
For frequent visitors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Swedish passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| 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
Swedish passport holders transiting through North Korea must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
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.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in southern areas; consider prophylaxis if visiting rural regions.
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 permits. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for SE 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. It is arranged through your tour operator.
Typically 2–4 weeks from when your tour operator submits the application. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by operator and embassy, but expect around €50–€100. Your tour operator will include this in the tour price or charge separately.
No. Your tour operator handles everything. You just fill out forms and send your passport details. The visa is usually issued as a sticker or a separate document.
No. Extensions are not available for tourists. You must leave on the date your tour ends.
You will not be allowed to enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew it before you apply.
Not officially, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands. Some tour operators may require it.
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.