PassportSouth Africa

Trip checklist: North Korea

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Visa requirement

South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to North Korea.

Permitted stay

Not published. Set by the visa and tour itinerary.

Before you go

  • 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).

  • Passport validity

    Valid for the whole stay; check with your tour operator, especially if transiting China (UK FCDO).

  • 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.

  • Proof of funds

    Not published. Foreign currency must be declared on arrival; US dollars and euros are most widely accepted (UK FCDO).

  • Accommodation or invitation

    Organised tour, or a sponsor plus Ministry of Foreign Affairs permission (UK FCDO).

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • Transit

    Usually via China (Beijing or Dandong) or Russia (Vladivostok). Check Chinese transit rules (UK FCDO mentions transiting China).

  • Confirm with the embassy

    Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

Research sources

  1. 1. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-korea
  2. 2. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-korea/entry-requirements
  3. 3. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens

From doineedavisa.co.za/north-korea. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.