North Korea visa requirements for American citizens in 2026
Checked 1 Sep 2026
No changes since 1 Sep 2026
Entry requirement
Entry restricted
Purpose
Tourism
Different passport? See North Korea visa requirements for all nationalities ↗
Conditions for entry — required on every route
These apply whether you enter visa-free, on a visa on arrival, or on an e-Visa. Airlines can deny boarding if they're not met.
Passport validity
valid for the proposed duration of your stay
Vaccinations
certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
How to enter
American passport holders travelling for tourism should use the route below to enter Korea, Democratic People's Republic of.
1
Restricted
Currently, access to Korea, Democratic People's Republic of is limited for American citizens. Entry restrictions are in place, attributed to: TODO.
ENTRY
Restricted
PURPOSE
Tourist
Further notes
- U.S. passports holders must obtain a special passport validation from the U.S. federal government before travel. Such validations are only ever issued if travel is in the interests of US national security.
- United States citizens require a visa when traveling to North Korea; as there is no North Korean diplomatic mission in the United States, US citizens must obtain a visa from a diplomatic mission in a third country.
- U.S. secretary of state Rex Tillerson authorized a ban on American travel to North Korea that went into effect in August 2017, following the death of Otto Warmbier, a US student who was detained in North Korea and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster.
- The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit North Korea for any reason due to the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for North Korea from United States?
No, American citizens cannot travel to North Korea due to restrictions.
Do American citizens need a visa for North Korea in 2026?
No, American citizens cannot travel to North Korea due to restrictions.
Can American citizens travel to North Korea?
No, American citizens cannot travel to North Korea due to restrictions.
What is the maximum length of stay in North Korea with Restricted for American citizens?
The maximum length of stay in North Korea with Restricted is not specified. American citizens must leave the country within the specified period.
What happens if a American citizen overstays their visa in North Korea?
Travelling to North Korea is restricted for American citizens. Ensure to follow the regulations and avoid any travel violations.
How long must my passport be valid to enter North Korea?
North Korea requires a passport valid for valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
Do I need any vaccinations to enter North Korea?
North Korea states: certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
About North Korea
- Official
- Democratic People's Republic of Korea
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Currency
- North Korean won
- Language
- Korean
- Calling code
- +850
- Population
- 25,950,000
- Region
- Asia · Eastern Asia
Last checked 1 Sep 2026 ·
Entry rules can change at short notice — always confirm with the official source before you travel.