North Korea: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to North Korea.
Not published. Set by the visa and tour itinerary.
Visa required before travel, and tourists can normally only enter on an organised tour. North Korea's borders have been closed to general entry since 2020; the UK FCDO says limited tourism has restarted but not all passenger routes have resumed. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel.123
Travel advice
Travel not advised
The UK advises against all but essential travel to North Korea. The situation can change quickly and without warning.
We show UK and US government advice because they publish detailed, regularly updated assessments. Checked 5 October 2026.
Read the full advice: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Before you travel
Length of stay
Not published by official sources
Purpose of visit
Tourism only as part of an organised tour. Independent travellers need a sponsor and permission from North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Passport validity
Valid for the whole stay; check with your tour operator, especially if transiting China (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
How to apply
Through a specialist tour operator, who arranges the visa with North Korean authorities, or directly with a North Korean embassy. Fees and processing times not published.2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Where South Africans apply
Not published by official sources
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Not published by official sources
Proof of funds
Not published. Foreign currency must be declared on arrival; US dollars and euros are most widely accepted (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Accommodation or invitation
Organised tour, or a sponsor plus Ministry of Foreign Affairs permission (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
North Korea requires a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a yellow fever transmission risk country (UK FCDO). North Korea is not a risk country, so South Africa does not require a yellow fever certificate when you return directly.2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Arrival forms
Stays over 24 hours must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, usually by the hotel. Mobile phones must be registered; GPS devices are surrendered at the border; religious, anti-government or pornographic material is confiscated (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Extending your stay and overstaying
Not published by official sources
Transit
Usually via China (Beijing or Dandong) or Russia (Vladivostok). Check Chinese transit rules (UK FCDO mentions transiting China).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
What changed
Sources
Other government
Official advice from other governments
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
- 3Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.