Can You Visit North Korea?
Can You Visit North Korea?
Visiting North Korea: Is it allowed?
Foreign tourists are permitted only on guided tours arranged through approved agencies such as Koryo Tours or Regent Holidays. Independent travel is not allowed. Tourist access can change based on the political climate and bilateral relations.
Can Visitors Leave North Korea After Ariving?
Yes. Tourists can leave North Korea after their tour concludes. All exit procedures are managed by the travel agency. North Korean citizens face strict travel restrictions and need state permission to leave or return.
How Do You Travel to North Korea?
- You must book a guided tour through an authorized travel provider.
- Tours typically begin from Beijing by air or train.
- Citizens of certain countries may face restrictions. For example US citizens are currently banned. Other nationalities must follow travel advisories and entry rules.
Required Documents
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- A tourist visa issued by North Korea provided as a separate paper card. It is not stamped in the passport.
- A confirmed tour itinerary.
- Travel insurance covering the entire trip.
- In some cases a health declaration or proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.
- If transiting through China you may need a Chinese transit visa.
How Much Money Do I Need to Prepare to Visit North Korea?
When planning your trip to North Korea, consider these cost components:
1. Tour Package
- Standard guided tours (4–5 nights) typically cost between $1,500 – 2,500 USD per person, covering accommodation, meals, internal transport, entry fees, and a Korean guide.
- Recent budget Rason-only tours cost around $645–745 EUR/USD for 4–5 days.
2. Visa and entry fees
- Tourist visa (as a separate card) usually costs around $50 USD.
- Extra permit fees apply for special zones such as Rason (approx €40 USD).
3. Flights or train tickets
- You pay separately for travel between Beijing (or other Chinese hub) and North Korea. Train and flight costs range from $200–$600, depending on mode and timing.
4. On‑site expenses
- Expect to spend an additional $10–20 per day for things like souvenirs, snacks, local fees, guide/drivers’ tips (about $10–15/day).
- Many trips recommend carrying extra cash in small denominations of USD, EUR, or CNY since ATMs and credit cards are unavailable.
5. Insurance and vaccinations
- Travel insurance typically costs between $50–100 USD.
- Include costs for mandatory or recommended vaccines (yellow fever, hepatitis, etc.).
Vaccination requirements
- A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you arrive from an affected country.
- It is recommended to get routine vaccines such as tetanus and influenza
- It is also a good idea to get travel vaccines such as hepatitis A B typhoid rabies or Japanese encephalitis depending on your itinerary
- Confirm timing with a travel clinic at least eight weeks before departure
Do North Koreans Speak English?
Tourists are accompanied by state assigned English speaking guides. General English skills among the public are rare and interactions outside the tour group are not permitted.
Traveling to North Korea offers a unique but highly controlled experience. You must stay on the approved itinerary follow the guide’s instructions and comply with strict rules at all times.
FAQs
Can you visit North Korea independently?
No. Travel is only allowed as part of a guided tour with an approved agency.
How many days is best to visit North Korea?
Most guided tours run 5 to 7 days, letting you see major attractions like Pyongyang, the DMZ, and Kaesong. Budget extra days if you’d like to explore regions like Rason or the Wonsan-Kalma resort (when open).
How is the weather in North Korea?
Best seasons are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summers (June–September) are warm but can be humid, while winters (November–March) are bitterly cold.
What are the forbidden things in North Korea?
Tourists must avoid photographing restricted sites, disrespecting portraits of leaders, or mingling with locals unsupervised. Even innocuous actions like taking photos of landscapes or bringing a personal Bible can lead to detention.
What is the currency in North Korea?
The official currency is the North Korean won (₩).
