How to get a North Korea visa from South Africa
Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for South African passport holders travelling to North Korea.
Visa types & fees
1 visa option for travelling to North Korea.
Tourist visa
Processing time8-15 days
Validity90 days
Fee (approx.)$1,057
Application requirements
Documents South African applicants need to provide.
- A valid national passport with at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages for stamps. A photocopy of the passport is also required.
- Two passport photographs.
- A copy of identification document is required.
- Photocopy of a valid travel document.
- The applicant’s birth certificate or marriage certificate.
- A bank statement dating back to at least three months from the application period.
- A proof of continuous flow of income and that you will be able to cater for yourself during your time in the country.
- Return flight ticket to South Africa
Visa type details
Tourist visa
- The North Korea tourist visa is issued to people who want to enter North Korea for tourism and research purposes.
- The visa is issued on a separate paper (tourist card) and not on your passport.
- Because North Korea is bordered to the North West by China, travelers may have to connect to North Korea through China.
- To get into North Korea, tourists must join either a group tour or a private tour. Individuals are not allowed to go into Korea on their own or even process their visa by themselves. They are to be accompanied by tour guides whether in groups or as individuals.
- Rules and regulations laid down by the state for foreigners must be duly followed to avoid harsh treatments.
- All tourists groups have to be approved and guided.
- The tour group is responsible for getting your approved visa at the North Korea consulate in your country.
- Note that interactions between foreign tourists and local people are controlled. Locals of North Korea also do not appreciate foreigners taking their pictures without their consent.
- It should be noted that journalists are not given free access to information in the country except on special occasions that would be highly scrutinized by military officers.
- Sometimes, the North Korea border officials confiscate cell phones of visitors only to return them on their departure date.
- Tourists are strongly advised to have a valid travel insurance before setting out to North Korea.
- The tourist visa is so far the only visa that can be processed for entry into North Korea.
Where to apply
North Korea embassy & visa application centers in South Africa.
Pretoria
Address890,Arcadia Street, Arcadia, 0083, Private Bag X920,Pretoria,South Africa.
Phone(+27) 12 452 1500
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Frequently asked questions
Is the South African Passport admissible in North Korea
Yes, South African passports are admissible in North Korea.
Are there stringent regulations for foreigners in North Korea
The system in North Korea is a thoroughly controlled one. There are regulations on movement in the country and there are measures put in place to ensure these regulations are followed. These regulations also apply to foreigners on tour. There are military officers around every city in the country that monitor people’s movements.
Are there sights to see in North Korea
There are a lot of sights to see in North Korea. From museums to monuments and to traditional structures.
Is it easy to do business in North Korea
North Korea is a communist state and every organisation in the country is state-owned. It will be difficult and likely impossible to own or control a business in North Korea. Private co-operations would not be allowed to function in North Korea.
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest North Korea visa
requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.