Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for North Korea?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to North Korea
A visa is required to enter North Korea and must be arranged through the North Korean embassy before travel. Tourists can normally only visit as part of an officially organised tour, and independent travel is not permitted. North Korea borders have been largely closed to general entry since 2020, and travellers should contact the nearest North Korean embassy to confirm current border status before making any arrangements.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
North Korea does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest North Korea embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official North Korea government page →
Pyongyang Region
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting North Korea
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter North Korea
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Book an appointment at a North Korea embassy or consulate. There is no online pathway for this route, so the appointment is the application.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Reconsider Travel
UK FCDO: Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Updated 2025-12-10
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your North Korea eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering North Korea
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to North Korea. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
North Korea uses KPW. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →