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North Korea Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

China citizens need a DPRK sticker visa (not an e‑visa) for North Korea — apply via a DPRK‑approved travel agency or DPRK embassy in China; typical processing is 5–7 working days after submission.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity must be at least 6 months beyond planned entry date and contain at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • There is no universal online DPRK visa form; the tour operator or DPRK embassy will provide the official visa application form and invitation letter.
  • Financial proof: there is no fixed bank statement requirement published; some operators may request proof of funds or sponsor letter; DPRK visas for tourism are usually tied to a tour package.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: confirmed hotel/accommodation for entire stay and return/onward air or train ticket; itinerary should match hotel bookings.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport photos (size 35x45 mm) with plain white background.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics submission is not typically required; documents are reviewed by the DPRK authorities.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (DPRK) — usually for group tours; official name: Tourist visa for DPRK; typical validity: 30 days from entry; max stay: commonly 5–7 days in standard packages; entry: single-entry; approximate fee: around USD 60.
  • Business visa (DPRK) — official name: DPRK Business visa; typical validity: 60 days from issue; max stay per entry: up to 30 days; entry: single-entry; approximate fee: USD 120–180.
  • Official/Work visa — official name: DPRK Official/Work visa; typical validity and stay depend on assignment; entry: single- or multiple-entry as arranged; approximate fee: USD 150–300 depending on mission.
  • Student visa — official name: DPRK Student visa; for study with a DPRK institution; validity and stay depend on course length; entry: single-entry typically; approximate fee: USD 60–120.

Application process

  • How to apply: Sticker visa (not e‑visa)
  • How to apply: Use a DPRK-approved travel agency in China or apply through the DPRK embassy/consulate in China.
  • For official guidance and any announced changes, consult the DPRK's official visa portal: https://www.korea-dpr.com/
  • Steps: 1) Choose a DPRK-approved operator in China and obtain a confirmed itinerary and hotel bookings; 2) Your operator will arrange an invitation letter or official DPRK tour invitation; 3) Submit passport, photos, itinerary, hotel bookings, return flight tickets, invitation letter, and any required documents to the DPRK embassy or through the operator’s submission channel; 4) Pay visa fee and any service charges; 5) Wait for visa approval; 6) Collect passport with visa and travel to DPRK.
  • Documents checklist: valid passport (at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages), 2 passport photos (35x45 mm, white background), completed visa application form provided by the operator or embassy, confirmed travel itinerary and hotel bookings, invitation letter from a DPRK tour operator, return/onward flight ticket, payment of visa/processing fees; business or student visas may require invitation or admission letters from North Korean entities.
  • Payment method: visa fee payable in USD or RMB at the embassy; agency service fees may apply and are typically paid in RMB or USD to the operator; some operators issue a combined package price.
  • Processing time: standard processing is about 5–7 working days after all documents are submitted; allow extra time during peak seasons; there is generally no official express service.
  • Approval notice: approval is delivered as a visa stamp pasted into the passport or an authorization letter from the embassy; ensure passport is available for collection.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (approx): USD 60 for tourist visas; USD 120–180 for business visas; other categories vary (USD 60–300 depending on assignment).
  • Agency/service fee: typically USD 40–120 depending on operator and included services.
  • Total cost estimate: commonly around USD 100–220 for a tourist visa package plus any travel package costs; combined with accommodation and tours, total trip price varies widely.
  • Local currency: if paying in RMB, ensure exact amount in yuan per operator’s instructions; USD is widely accepted at some embassies.
  • Standard processing time: 5–7 working days after submission of all documents; peak periods may extend to 10–14 days.
  • Express/priority option: generally not publicly offered for DPRK visas; confirm with your operator; some agencies may offer expedited handling as part of a premium package.

Tips for China travelers

  • Plan well in advance: start the visa process at least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date due to limited processing capacity and coordination with DPRK tour operators.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: missing invitation letter or incorrect tour itinerary; passport validity or blank pages not meeting DPRK requirements; photos not meeting size/background; discrepancies between documents (dates, names); applying outside a DPRK-approved channel.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: DPRK visas are not processed through VFS/BLS in China; use a DPRK-approved travel agency or directly through the DPRK embassy/consulate as instructed by your operator; ensure you are dealing with genuine agencies to avoid scams.
  • Travel advisories: check your government travel advisories for North Korea and ensure awareness of restrictions for Chinese nationals; comply with DPRK rules on photography, interactions with locals, and movement limitations.
  • Extension options: extensions inside North Korea are limited; if available, extensions must be handled by the DPRK authorities via your tour operator and may require additional visa processing and fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.