North Korea is a country under a dictatorship, offering limited accessibility to travelers. However, some regions like Pyongyang allow restricted tourism, where one can catch a glimpse of the nation's culture through guided tours.
CapitalPyongyang
Population25,000,000
Official language(s)Korean
CurrencyWon
Time zoneUTC+9
When traveling to North Korea, always follow the guide's instructions, and keep in mind that personal freedoms are highly restricted.
North Korea (DPRK) does not generally offer visa-free tourist entry for most visitors; tourism is usually arranged through approved group tours with a visa or permit issued in advance. Visa requirements and permitted length of stay vary significantly by nationality, so check both your tour operator and your own government’s travel advice before departure. Electronic travel authorizations such as ESTA, K-ETA, UK ETA, or eTA are not generally applicable to entry into North Korea, and there is no widely used online pre-arrival immigration/customs registration system in regular operation. Paper arrival cards and customs forms may be used depending on the port of entry and the operator’s procedure, so follow the instructions given by your travel provider.
Check group-tour documents
Tourist entry to North Korea is usually handled as an escorted group itinerary, and you must present the pre-issued visa or permit together with your passport. Walk-in, independent entry at the airport is not the normal process.
Fill out arrival and customs forms
If arrival cards and customs declarations are required, they are often completed on paper at the checkpoint. High-value electronics, medicines, and printed materials may be checked separately, so fill in the forms accurately and follow the instructions given.
Baggage and belongings inspection
North Korea tends to inspect import items strictly, and unapproved publications, communications devices, or filming equipment may be restricted. Food items such as meat or fruit may be subject to separate quarantine checks, so confirm what can be brought in.
Receive local rules briefing
After entry, visitors are often briefed on local rules such as movement limits, photo restrictions, and communications use. Tourists usually cannot leave the designated itinerary easily, so it is important to follow the guide’s instructions exactly.
Recheck items for export
Before departure, review souvenirs, publications, electronics, and cash again, because removing some items without approval can cause problems. It is safer to ask the guide first about locally issued materials or anything sensitive.
Exit declarations and baggage checks
On departure, declaration checks and baggage inspections may be carried out similarly to entry. Taking out restricted items can cause delays, so follow the guide’s advice before packing.
Check whether tax refund is available
A general VAT refund scheme for tourists in North Korea is not widely known, so it is better to check receipts and store guidance before buying rather than expecting a refund. If there are duty-free or designated shops, ask about refund eligibility before paying.
Move with the group after exit control
Even after exit control, movement inside the airport usually follows the group schedule, and it is not easy to stay around freely for long. The guide will direct where to wait and when to board, so follow those instructions.