Korea North Planning & Practical Guide

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Korea North, with at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. Ensure no Israeli stamps or visas in the last 10 years, as this can lead to immediate denial.

Photocopies of your passport are required for tour applications, and originals must be presented upon arrival in Pyongyang.

Visa Process Overview

All visitors require a tourist visa, obtained exclusively through approved tour agencies like Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours. There are no visa-free entries, and visas are typically single-entry valid for the duration of your guided tour.

The visa fee is around €50-€100, included in tour packages, with processing taking 1-2 weeks after approval from DPRK authorities.

Application Documents

Submit a scanned passport photo page, a passport-style photo, and a completed application form via your tour operator. Background checks may include employment details and travel history to ensure no political sensitivities.

Journalists, government employees, or those with dual nationalities face additional scrutiny and may be denied entry without explanation.

Border Crossings & Entry Points

Most tourists enter via Pyongyang International Airport (FNJ) or by train from Beijing/Dandong overland. Air Koryo flights from Beijing or Vladivostok are common, with strict customs checks upon arrival including device inspections.

Overland entry involves a 4-5 hour train journey from China, where visas are stamped on arrival after group processing.

Health & Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, covering medical evacuation (up to €100,000 recommended) due to limited healthcare facilities. COVID-19 protocols may still apply in 2026, including PCR tests within 72 hours of departure.

Vaccinations for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and routine shots are advised; carry all medications with prescriptions, as pharmacies are scarce.

Extensions & Restrictions

Visa extensions are rare and only possible through your tour operator for exceptional reasons, requiring additional fees of €50+. Overstays result in fines or detention.

Tours are fixed itineraries; deviations are not allowed, and all photography is monitored by guides.

Book Flights Early

Find the best deals to Beijing (for connections to Pyongyang) by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.

Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, and opt for group flights organized by tour operators.

Eat Like a Local

All meals are included in tours, featuring local dishes like kimchi and bibimbap; avoid extras by sticking to provided options, saving up to 50% on incidental costs.

Request vegetarian or special diets in advance to avoid surcharges; hotel bars offer affordable local beer at €2-3 per bottle.

Group Tour Discounts

Join larger group tours (10+ people) for reduced per-person rates, often €200-300 less than private tours, including all internal transport.

Off-peak travel (avoid April/October holidays) can lower tour prices by 20-30% with fewer crowds.

Free Attractions

Tour itineraries cover major sites like the Kumsusan Palace and Juche Tower at no extra cost, providing authentic experiences without additional fees.

Many propaganda sites and monuments are free-entry, maximizing value from your all-inclusive package.

Cash Only Strategy

Credit cards and ATMs are unavailable; bring crisp €50/€100 or USD bills for exchanges at hotels, avoiding worn notes which are rejected.

Exchange only what you need, as rates are fixed by the state and better than black market risks.

Tour Package Bundles

Choose multi-day packages that include extensions to sites like Mount Paektu for €500-800 total, covering transport and guides to avoid piecemeal costs.

It pays for itself by bundling entries, meals, and logistics that would otherwise add up quickly.

Clothing Essentials

Pack conservative, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees to respect local customs; include long-sleeved shirts, pants, and scarves for women. Layers are key for variable weather, with woolens for chilly evenings even in summer.

Avoid jeans, t-shirts with slogans, or revealing outfits, as they may offend guides or lead to restrictions during visits to sacred sites.

Electronics

Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F, 220V), power bank for blackouts, and a simple camera (DSLRs scrutinized); smartphones are allowed but monitored, so back up data. Download offline maps and language apps before arrival, as internet is restricted.

USB drives with Western media are prohibited; stick to personal devices without sensitive content to avoid confiscation.

Health & Safety

Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal meds, plus prescriptions for any conditions. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and water purification tablets are essential for rural excursions.

Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer, as hygiene facilities vary; avoid tap water and stick to bottled provided by tours.

Travel Gear

Pack a lightweight daypack for guided walks, reusable water bottle (filled at hotels), quick-dry towel, and small notebook for notes (pens provided). Bring multiple passport photocopies and a money belt for securing cash, as theft is rare but pockets are checked.

Comfortable walking shoes are vital for extensive sightseeing; include a hat and gloves for outdoor monuments.

Footwear Strategy

Choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes for urban tours in Pyongyang and hiking in areas like Mount Kumgang; avoid high heels or sandals due to uneven paths and long marches.

Waterproof boots are recommended for rainy seasons or rural visits, ensuring comfort for 10,000+ steps daily on concrete surfaces.

Personal Care

Include travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste) as local brands are limited; add lip balm, moisturizer for dry air, and a compact umbrella or poncho for sudden showers. Biodegradable items are preferable for environmental respect in protected areas.

Feminine products and contact lens solutions should be packed, as availability is inconsistent outside major hotels.

Spring (March-May)

Mild weather of 10-20°C with blooming cherry blossoms in Pyongyang, ideal for outdoor parades and garden visits with fewer international tourists. Tours focus on cultural festivals like the Pyongyang Marathon in April.

Expect variable rain but comfortable temperatures for exploring monuments without summer heat.

Summer (June-August)

Warm and humid at 25-30°C, peak season for Mass Games performances and beach trips to Wonsan, though heavy rains may disrupt schedules. Great for Arirang Festival in August with vibrant displays.

Higher tour prices and crowds, but lush landscapes enhance rural excursions like Kaesong.

Autumn (September-November)

Best overall with crisp 15-25°C weather, golden foliage in mountainous areas, and harvest festivals showcasing local agriculture. Ideal for hiking in Paektu and extended DMZ tours.

Lower humidity and clear skies make it perfect for photography of grand architecture.

Winter (December-February)

Cold snaps of -5 to 5°C with possible snow, budget-friendly for indoor sites like museums and ice skating in Pyongyang. Fewer tours run, but unique experiences like New Year's celebrations occur.

Prepare for heating limitations in hotels; great for those seeking a stark, wintry view of the capital.