North Korea visa requirements for Gambians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Gambians visiting North Korea

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a North Korean Visa.

  • A Gambian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) taken in white background.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

North Korea Visa for Gambians

Facts about North Korea

North Korea is just the place to go to if you are looking to disconnect from the world. The country is regarded as the world’s most isolated nation. The internet and much of the 21st century is still quite unknown to the people living in the country. Tourists visiting North Korea have to make significant compromises as they will be accompanied by two employed guides at all times and hear a biased account of history. If you are patient and have a knack for things like this, this is the ideal destination.
 
Every year, the country receives between 4,000 to 6,000 Western tourists. The average number of foreign visitors in the country every year is 200,000. Concerted efforts are being made to ensure the number of people who visit the country reaches one million.
 
Foreigners are not allowed to take Korean money out of the country. There used to be restrictions on the interaction between foreign tourists and local people. However, those restrictions have been relaxed slightly in recent times. Disruptive behavior by tourists is not tolerated, this can lead to the imprisonment and torture of tourists.
 
South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied entry into North Korea. Only nationals of Singapore and Malaysia are allowed entry into North Korea on normal passports without a visa.

Types of North Korea Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 90 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days

General Requirements for North Korea Visa

  • A Gambian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) taken in white background.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
North Korea Tourist visa North Korea Business visa

North Korea Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The North Korea tourist visa is issued to Gambians who are visiting North Korea for tourism purposes.
  • It is not possible to travel to North Korea independently; you must join a group tour or a private tour.
  • All tourists must be on an approved and guided tour with an authorized tour operator.
  • Your travel agency is required to provide for your accommodation while in North Korea.
  • During your time in North Korea, you are not allowed to enroll in one of the academic institutions.
  • If the applicant is employed, a letter from the applicant’s employer introducing the employer and stating the job position the applicant is holding in the company. The duration and purpose of the trip should be stated in the letter.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate. They should also provide a notarized consent signed by both their parents.
  • A document that shows you will return to your country after your stay expires should be provided. For example, a return ticket.
  • Foreigners on this visa are not allowed to engage in business activities or work while they are in the country.
  • Tourists are not allowed to take pictures. You can face long imprisonment if you are caught taking pictures.
  • You are not allowed to wander alone as you can face deportation once you are caught doing so.
  • Journalists and those of political status are not allowed entry into North Korea.
  • A trip to North Korea can be challenging. Gambians are expected to abide by all the rules or face serious consequences.

North Korea Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The North- Korean business visa is for business-oriented travelers who want to improve the relationship between themselves and their partner in North Korea.
  • With this visa, foreigners are free to negotiate and sign business contracts with their partners in the country.
  • Foreigners on this visa can attend conferences, trade fairs, and business summits.
  • An official letter of invitation from the host company is required. The letter should be written on the company’s letterhead and be signed by an authorized signatory.
  • Certificate of Business Registration of the inviting company should be submitted with the other necessary documents.
  • If the host company or the applicant’s employer is going to take responsibility for the applicant’s expenses, it should be stated in the business letter.
  • If the host is not covering expenses, proof of your travel insurance must be provided. This must show that your entire expenses during your stay will be covered.
  • Proof of previous business dealings between the two companies should be provided, if any.
  • Proof of group travel should be provided if you are traveling in a group.
  • Travelers should provide proof of means of accommodation while North Korea.
  • Proof of the incentive of returning to your country must be provided. For example; your original marriage certificate or the original of your child’s birth certificate would suffice.
  • Foreigners are not allowed to talk with the locals of North Korea, you might face deportation if you are caught doing so.
  • Gambians are not permitted to receive payment for the services they render in North Korea.
  • Gambians should make sure they abide by the rules provided or face serious consequences.

North Korea Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (USD)

Business visa

60.00 (USD)

North Korea Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Gambia

Location

Address

Banjul

Japanese Honorary Consulate General in Banjul, Gambia -- Escritorio Bissau da Embaxaida Alema Edificio SITEC Bairro de Ajuda/ 2 a fase rua José Carlos Schwartz C.P. 82 Banjul Gambia

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(+220) 422 3213

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to travel to North Korea?

In principle, any person is allowed to travel to North Korea. Only South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied, although there have been some exceptions for journalists.

Is internet banned in North Korea?

Internet access is not generally available in North Korea. Only some high-level officials are allowed to access the global internet. In most universities, a small number of strictly monitored computers are provided. Other citizens may get access only to the country's national intranet, called Kwangmyong.

What is the drinking age in North Korea?

The legal drinking age in North Korea is 18 but no one seems to care about that. It is normal for children to go shopping on errands for their parents so shop keepers will sell them alcohol without any hesitation.

Can you work with a tourist visa in North Korea?

If you hold a North Korean tourist visa which allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days, you are not permitted to take up paid employment in the country.