North Korea Passport Rules for UK Travellers
Quick answer: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea, and its borders have been closed to general entry since 2020. Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay and you need a visa.
North Korea travel requirements at a glance
Valid for your stay
Visa required
Closed to general entry since 2020
Organised tours only
Official source: GOV.UK North Korea entry requirements.
Passport rules: quick summary
- FCDO advises against all but essential travel
- Passport valid for your stay
- Visa required
- Borders closed to general entry
Passport validity for North Korea
GOV.UK says your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in North Korea.
If you travel through China, make sure your passport also meets China's requirements.
Visas
You must have a visa to enter North Korea. Send applications and enquiries directly to the North Korean Embassy in the UK.
Tourists can normally only travel as part of an organised tour. Independent travellers need a sponsor and permission from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Borders and customs
North Korea's borders have been closed to general entry since COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. Contact the North Korean Embassy for the latest rules.
You must register any mobile phone at the border and leave GPS devices with customs. Media deemed subversive will be confiscated and could lead to severe penalties.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need 6 months on my passport for North Korea?
No. GOV.UK says your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. FCDO advises against all but essential travel.
Do I need a visa for North Korea?
Yes. Apply directly to the North Korean Embassy in the UK.
Is North Korea open to tourists?
Borders have been closed to general entry since 2020. Contact the North Korean Embassy for the latest restrictions.