North Korea entry requirements for Taiwan 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
Taiwan 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. As of 2026, independent tourism is not permitted.
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 consulate in your country — there is no online application. Processing takes weeks and requires an invitation from a North Korean travel agency.Visit 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 minimum validity beyond departure is required by North Korean law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the border. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | North Korean authorities require you to stay in government-approved hotels. Have your hotel booking confirmation ready — it shows your itinerary and sponsor details. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your entire stay — credit cards and ATMs do not work in North Korea. A few hundred dollars per day is realistic for meals, guides, and souvenirs. Immigration rarely checks, but your tour agency will. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-arranged guided tour. All movements are supervised by government guides. Book only through reputable operators.
Visa is a sticker in your passport
The visa is a physical sticker placed in your passport by the DPRK embassy. It is not an e-visa. Your passport will be sent to the embassy for processing.
What happens at the border
1
Choose an authorized tour operator
You must book a guided tour with a company approved by the DPRK government. They handle your visa application and itinerary. Popular operators include Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours.
2
Submit visa application and documents
Your tour operator will send you a visa application form. Fill it out, provide a passport photo, and send a copy of your passport. The operator submits everything to the DPRK embassy in Beijing or another designated office.
3
Receive visa approval and travel to North Korea
Visa processing takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. You'll fly into Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) from Beijing or Shenyang. At immigration, present your passport with the visa, and your tour guide will assist.
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan 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 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional processing fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
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
Taiwan passport holders transiting through North Korea require a transit visa, even if not leaving the airport.
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
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and other diseases from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are present.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in some southern areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Contact your tour operator for assistance.
Practical information for TW 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 before you arrive. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Taiwan passport holders. Your tour operator arranges the visa in advance.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned travel date. Your tour operator will give you a timeline.
Visa fees vary by tour operator and embassy, but expect around €50–€80 (approximately NT$1,700–NT$2,700). This is usually included in your tour package.
No. Your tour operator handles everything. You only need to send them your documents. The visa is issued as a sticker in your passport.
No. All foreign tourists must be part of a guided tour. You will be accompanied by two guides at all times. Independent travel is not allowed.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you and may help with a reapplication. You'll lose the visa fee but not the full tour cost if you cancel early.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks 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.