North Korea Visa RequirementsFor India passport holders
Indian citizens need a visa to visit North Korea (DPRK), but independent tourism is not permitted. All foreign visitors — including Indians — must join an organized government-approved tour. Entry costs approximately $100 for the visa plus significant tour expenses. Travel to North Korea requires careful consideration of the risks involved.
India passport holders require a visa to enter North Korea.
Apply through a DPRK-authorized tour operator rather than directly at a North Korean embassy. The tour operator handles the visa process. The Korean (North Korean) Embassy in New Delhi may issue visas for official or diplomatic visits, but tourist visas are practically handled through operators. The visa fee is approximately $100. Tourists travel in groups with assigned government guides at all times. Itineraries are fixed and straying from them is not permitted.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
India to North Korea: What You Need to Know
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) has one of the most controlled tourism systems in the world. Independent travel is not allowed for any foreign national. All visitors must book through a government-authorized tour operator — most Indian visitors would book through international agencies (Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours) that arrange DPRK visas and supervised itineraries. India and North Korea maintain diplomatic relations, and Indian passport holders are not automatically banned as some nationalities are (US citizens are currently prohibited from tourist travel). However, all travel is strictly monitored.
How to Get There
The most common routing from India to North Korea is: New Delhi (DEL) → Beijing (PEK) → Pyongyang (FNJ) via Air Koryo (the DPRK state airline). Air Koryo operates flights from Beijing to Pyongyang. Some tours also enter via Dandong, China, by train across the Yalu River border.
Money & Banking
North Korea uses the North Korean Won (KPW), but foreign tourists typically use euros, Chinese yuan, or US dollars for purchases in tourist shops and hotels. Cards are generally not accepted. Bring sufficient cash in small denominations. The North Korean Won is not convertible and may not be taken out of the country.
Practical Tips
North Korea is one of the world's most secretive and isolated countries. Tourists see a carefully curated version of the country. Common stops include: Pyongyang (Kim Il-sung Square, Mangyongdae birthplace, Kumsusan Palace), the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and the countryside. Photography is restricted in many locations. Any criticism of the government is strictly forbidden. The Indian government does not issue specific travel bans on North Korea but does urge travelers to exercise extreme caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians visit North Korea?
Yes, technically — India and North Korea have diplomatic relations and Indian passport holders are not banned. However, only group tours through authorized agencies are permitted. No independent travel is allowed.
How do I get a North Korea tourist visa as an Indian citizen?
Apply through a DPRK-authorized tour operator such as Koryo Tours or Young Pioneer Tours. The operator handles the visa process. You cannot apply independently at the North Korean embassy for tourist visits.
How much does it cost to visit North Korea from India?
The visa costs approximately $100. Tour packages vary widely but typically start around $1,000–2,000 USD for a week-long standard tour, excluding flights from India to Beijing and then Pyongyang.
Is it safe for Indian citizens to travel to North Korea?
North Korea carries significant risks. Western governments advise against travel. While Indian nationals are not specifically targeted, the lack of consular access, strict surveillance, and unpredictable political environment create real risks. Consider carefully before booking.
What currency should I bring to North Korea?
Euros, Chinese yuan (RMB), or US dollars are accepted in tourist shops and hotels. North Korean Won is not given to tourists for exchange. Bring cash — credit and debit cards are not accepted.