Russia Visa RequirementsFor North Korea passport holders
North Korean citizens can travel to Russia in limited circumstances. Russia and North Korea maintain a strong bilateral relationship that has deepened significantly in recent years. However, ordinary North Korean citizens are still subject to strict DPRK state travel controls.
North Korea passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
North Korean citizens authorized by the DPRK state to travel to Russia can do so through official diplomatic channels. Russia requires all foreign nationals to have appropriate visas; North Korean official travelers work through diplomatic processes. North Korean workers deployed to Russia under state-to-state labor agreements travel through official channels.
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
North Korea to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia and North Korea have deepened their strategic partnership significantly since 2022, with North Korea reportedly supplying arms and munitions to Russia for use in Ukraine. North Korean workers have been deployed to Russia in larger numbers. Russia has moved away from supporting UN sanctions against North Korea and has blocked new sanctions resolutions. Despite this alliance, ordinary North Korean citizens cannot travel to Russia without state authorization. Only approved workers, officials, students, and diplomats can travel.
How to Get There
Russia has become one of the few countries increasing engagement with North Korea. North Korean workers deployed to Russia are state-selected and cannot choose to go independently.
Money & Banking
Russia-North Korea financial relations operate outside the Western-sanctioned financial system. Russia has been accused of facilitating sanctions evasion for North Korea. North Korean workers in Russia remit funds through state-controlled channels.
Practical Tips
Unauthorized departure from North Korea is treated as a serious crime. The strengthened Russia-North Korea relationship has increased authorized travel opportunities for state-approved individuals, but this does not change the situation for ordinary citizens.