North Korea visa requirements for Singaporeans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Singaporeans visiting North Korea

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

  • Passport with validity of more than 6 months from the intended date of exiting the country. The passport must have two blank pages.
  • Correctly completed visa application form which has been appropriately signed by the applicant.
  • Two passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) with a white background. 
  • Bank statement from the last 3 months which that applicant has a steady and continuous flow of funds.
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage. The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.

North Korea Visa for Singaporeans

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 4 to 5 working days 180 days
Business visa 4 working days 180 days

General Requirements for North Korea Visa

  • Passport with validity of more than 6 months from the intended date of exiting the country. The passport must have two blank pages.
  • Correctly completed visa application form which has been appropriately signed by the applicant.
  • Two passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) with a white background. 
  • Bank statement from the last 3 months which that applicant has a steady and continuous flow of funds.
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage. The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Travel itinerary.
North Korea Tourist visa North Korea Business visa

North Korea Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The North Korean tourist visa is available to Singaporeans traveling to North Korea for tourism purposes.
  • All visitors (except citizens of South Korea) traveling to North Korea for tourism purposes require prior authorization from a travel agency registered with the State General Bureau of Tourist Guidance.
  • Visitors are prohibited from taking Korean money out of the country.
  • If you try to enter North Korea without required travel documents, you may be denied entry, fined, detained, arrested, or imprisoned.
  • If you plan to enter and depart North Korea through China without multiple Chinese visas in your passport or with Chinese visas that expire before you depart North Korea, you may not be able to exit North Korea.
  • Individuals cannot use a passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without a special validation from the Department of State.
  • Educate yourself about North Korean law. The North Korea legal system is an instrument of state power and not an independent branch of the government.
  • 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 Singapore after your stay expires should be provided. For example, a return ticket.
  • The following are considered criminal acts in North Korea:
    • Entering North Korea without proper travel documentation.
    • Possessing material, printed or digital including e-book readers, DVDs, USB drives, documents, literature, audio and video files that is critical of or hostile to North Korea.
    • Carrying out religious activities, including activities that may be construed as such, like leaving behind religious materials, either intentionally or unintentionally
    • Unauthorized interacting with North Koreans.
    • Taking unauthorized photographs.
    • Having unauthorized conversations with North Koreans.
    • Traveling without authorization even for short distances.
    • Exchanging currency with an unauthorized vendor.
    • Shopping at stores not designated for foreigners.
    • Bringing pornography into the country.
  • All electronic and multimedia devices including USB drives, CDs, DVDs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Internet browsing histories, and cookies are subject to search for banned content.
  • Personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.
  • If  DPRK authorities permit you to keep your mobile phone when you enter the country, it will not function unless you use the DPRK mobile service, which will enable DPRK authorities to monitor your calls.  GPS-trackers and satellite phones are not allowed.

North Korea Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The North Korean business visa is for Singaporean business travelers.
  • 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 in North Korea 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 in North Korea 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 a proof of means of accommodation while North Korea.
  • Proof of the incentive of returning to Singapore 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.

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 Singapore

Location

Address

Singapore

North Korean Embassy in Singapore --- High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road #15-01 Singapore 179094 Singapore

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embdprk@singnet.com.sg

(+65) 6265 9766

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit North Korea as a tourist?

Foreigners are allowed to travel to North Korea; only South Koreans and journalists are routinely denied, although there have been some exceptions for journalists.

Are phones allowed in North Korea?

North Korea has an adequate telephone system. In 2008 there were about  1.18 million fixed lines available. However, most phones are only installed for senior government officials.

Is alcohol legal in North Korea?

North Korea has a lively beer brewing culture in spite of the country's isolation. Nevertheless, beer and soju are the two most common alcoholic drinks in the country

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.