North Korea visa requirements for American citizens in 2026
Checked 1 Oct 2026
No changes since 1 Oct 2026
Entry requirement
Embassy Visa
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.
Registration
Ministry of Foreign Affairs registration — complete it before you travel.
Passport validity
valid for the proposed duration of your stay
Vaccinations
yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
Your options
American passport holders travelling for tourism have the following routes into Korea, Democratic People's Republic of:
1
Embassy Visa
RECOMMENDED
For American citizens looking to travel to Korea, Democratic People's Republic of, securing a visa prior to arrival is mandatory. Please consult the nearest Korea, Democratic People's Republic of embassy or consulate for detailed visa application procedures.
ENTRY
Embassy Visa
PURPOSE
Tourist
2
Restricted
ALTERNATIVE
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
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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?
Yes, a visa is required for American citizens.
Do American citizens need a visa for North Korea in 2026?
Yes, a visa is required for American citizens. Options include: Embassy Visa, Restricted.
Can American citizens travel to North Korea?
Yes, American citizens can travel to North Korea, but a visa is required.
What is the maximum length of stay in North Korea with Embassy Visa for American citizens?
The maximum length of stay in North Korea with Embassy Visa 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?
Overstaying a visa in North Korea can result in fines, penalties, and potentially being banned from entering North Korea in the future. It is important to comply with the length of stay specified with the visa and leave the country within the allotted time.
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.
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: yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
Do I need to complete an arrival card before travelling to North Korea?
Yes — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs registration is mandatory and separate from any visa. Complete it online before you travel; the official form is linked in the entry conditions above.
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 Oct 2026 ·
Entry rules can change at short notice — always confirm with the official source before you travel.