North Korea

The Land of Mystery
and Mountains

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North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia renowned for its unique political system, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. Home to iconic landmarks like the Juche Tower in Pyongyang, the ancient Koguryo Tombs, and the sacred Mount Paektu, North Korea offers a blend of historical sites and natural wonders. The country's culture is deeply rooted in Korean traditions, reflected in its art, music, and cuisine featuring dishes like kimchi and cold noodles.

Known for its secretive nature and limited tourism, North Korea presents a captivating, albeit controversial, destination for those interested in experiencing a society largely isolated from the outside world. The country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Complex of Koguryo Tombs and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong, showcase its rich historical legacy.

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Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into North Korea.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in North Korea. For U.S. citizens, passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through North Korea unless specially validated by the U.S. Department of State due to a travel ban in effect since 2017, renewed annually.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No nationalities are universally exempt from visa requirements for North Korea. However, citizens of China holding ordinary passports can visit Tongrim County in a tour group for up to 2 days or Sinuiju for a day trip without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering North Korea, typically through a North Korean diplomatic mission after approval from the government in Pyongyang. Tourists must also have prior authorization from a registered travel agency.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a North Korean visa is required unless specific exemptions apply (e.g., for Chinese citizens in Tongrim or Sinuiju).
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a North Korean visa is required unless exempt.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; a North Korean visa is required unless exempt.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter North Korea using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers except in specific cases (e.g., South Korean citizens use a North/South Korea visitation verification certificate).

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (tourist visa, issued as a tourist card or separate paper). Typically single-entry, with validity up to 90 days; extensions are rare and require government approval.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 30 days (e.g., diplomatic, official purposes). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Important Links

  • Official North Korean visa information: https://www.mofa.gov.kp/ (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Visa regime information: Contact the North Korean Embassy in your country (e.g., in the UK).
  • Travel agency registration: Required through agencies like Koryo Tours (https://koryogroup.com/).

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Tourist stays are typically limited to 30 days and are strictly controlled by tour operators and government authorities.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; such visas are rarely issued to tourists and require special government approval. Travel to most areas outside designated tourist zones (e.g., Rason Special Economic Zone) is heavily restricted.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as North Korea has maintained strict border controls since 2020, though limited tourism (e.g., to Rason) resumed in 2025.
Driving Menu

Driving in North Korea

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, North Korea does not have toll roads. Major highways, such as the Pyongyang-Wonsan Highway, are state-managed and toll-free, though access is heavily restricted for foreigners.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; there are no toll roads in North Korea.

Driving in North Korea

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat occupants, though enforcement is inconsistent.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60-80 km/h
    • Highways: 80-100 km/h (e.g., Pyongyang-Wonsan Highway)
  • Road conditions vary; major highways like Pyongyang-Wonsan are paved and in good condition, but rural roads can be hazardous, often unpaved, and prone to flooding during the rainy season (late June to August). Foreigners are generally not permitted to drive and must rely on local drivers provided by tour operators.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized in North Korea; foreigners are not allowed to drive independently, and transportation is arranged by tour operators or authorities.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: North Korea does not use a vignette system; there are no toll roads or vignette requirements.
  • Road Safety: Driving is not an option for tourists, as travel within North Korea is severely restricted. Police checkpoints at town entries often require documentation, and transportation is typically provided by tour operators. Major highways are monitored, and rural roads can be dangerous due to poor conditions and lack of signage.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is not accessible for tourists; mobile phones with GPS capabilities may be confiscated at the border. Tour operators provide navigation, and physical maps are recommended as a backup, though access to detailed maps is limited.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 119 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire), though response times and availability vary.

Useful Links

Currency Menu

North Korea Currency

The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean Won (KPW).

  • Note: Foreigners are not permitted to use KPW and are required to use foreign currency for transactions.

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000 KPW
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 chon; 1 KPW
  • Symbol: ₩ (often written as KPW)

Currency Exchange

  • It is illegal to import or export the North Korean Won. Foreigners must use foreign currency, primarily the Euro, US Dollar, or Chinese Yuan, which are widely accepted.
  • Exchange services are not available for tourists; transactions are handled through tour operators, hotels, or state-run shops, which often charge in foreign currency. ATMs are not available, and banking facilities are extremely limited.

Payment Methods

  • Cash in foreign currency (Euro, USD, Chinese Yuan) is the only method of payment for foreigners; prices in KPW are converted at official exchange rates for billing.
  • Credit/debit cards are not accepted, and international mobile payments are unavailable due to lack of infrastructure.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use is not an option in North Korea.
  • Carry ample cash in Euro, USD, or Chinese Yuan for all transactions; change in foreign currency may be unavailable, so bring small denominations.
  • Currency conversion is difficult and tightly controlled; the KPW is not convertible outside North Korea (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 900 KPW at official rates, but market rates vary significantly).
  • For current exchange rates, official rates are set by the government, but practical rates are determined by tour operators or local vendors.
Laws Menu

Legal Essentials for Traveling in North Korea

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in North Korea, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty. Even small quantities can lead to severe charges, with no leniency for foreigners.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is permitted in designated areas (e.g., hotels, restaurants for tourists); public intoxication can lead to detention, especially near government sites.
    • Smoking is not banned in most public spaces, but restrictions may apply near government buildings or sacred sites.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Showing disrespect to North Korean leaders (Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un) or the government, including tampering with their images, is illegal and can lead to arrest. Avoid discussing politics or criticizing the regime.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are not recognized and are taboo; public displays of affection may attract legal consequences or detention, as they are seen as violating social norms.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, or anything deemed critical infrastructure. Photographing soldiers, officials, or poverty is prohibited. Always ask permission for portraits of locals, which is rarely granted.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (must be consumed in designated areas; importing alcohol is heavily restricted).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, materials critical of North Korea (e.g., literature, USB drives, DVDs), and non-approved electronic devices (e.g., e-book readers, GPS-enabled devices).
  • Counterfeit goods are illegal, and purchasing them may lead to detention.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Pyongyang Sunan International Airport), though assistance may be limited.

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to your tour operator or hotel management; direct complaints to authorities are not recommended due to risk of misinterpretation.

Beach Access

  • Not applicable; North Korea has beaches (e.g., Majon Beach near Hamhung), but they are not public for tourists, and access is controlled by tour operators.

Key Resources

Safety Menu

North Korea Travel Safety

North Korea poses significant risks for travellers due to strict government control, limited consular support, and potential for detention. Travellers must remain aware of health precautions, restricted travel conditions, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in North Korea.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible at crowded areas like Pyongyang Sunan International Airport or public markets. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon, though tourists are under constant surveillance.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Solo travel is not permitted; all tourists must be part of an organized tour with government-approved guides. Female travelers should dress modestly and avoid isolated areas, though risks are mitigated by constant supervision.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is not permitted for tourists; transportation is provided by tour operators. Local drivers may be aggressive, and rural roads can be hazardous.
    • Avoid night travel (not typically allowed for tourists) due to poor lighting and road conditions.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory but enforcement varies.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled water, which is provided by tour operators.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; food is generally provided by hotels or tour operators and is safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for extended stays).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against mosquito-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis, especially during the rainy season (late June to August).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Mount Paektu at 2,744m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if visiting high-altitude areas.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Medical facilities are basic, even in Pyongyang, with poor hygiene standards. Rural areas lack advanced care. Serious cases may require evacuation to China.
  • Pharmacies: Limited availability; carry essential medications, as supplies are scarce.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as local care is inadequate and evacuation may be necessary.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 119 (works for police, ambulance, and fire, but response may be limited).
  • Ambulance: 119 | Fire: 119 | Police: 119.
  • Tourist Police: Not available; contact your tour operator or hotel for assistance.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Tourists cannot drive; transportation is arranged by tour operators. Ensure your tour operator has insurance coverage for transfers.
  • Hiking: Use government-approved guides for any outdoor activities (e.g., Mount Paektu); independent travel is not allowed, and weather can be harsh.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Show utmost respect for North Korean leaders and symbols; avoid any behavior that could be interpreted as disrespectful, as it may lead to detention.
  • Weather Risks: The rainy season (late June to August) can cause flooding and landslides, disrupting travel. Typhoons in August and September may also pose risks.

Key Links

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Flying to North Korea