Costa Rica passport → North Korea

North Korea visa for citizens of Costa Rica

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for North Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Not yet cross-checked · Last checked 2026-06-26. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Entries	Single entry
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Arrange a guided tour through an authorized North Korean travel agency
Contact a recognized agency to obtain an invitation letter and book the tour.
2
Complete the visa application form
Fill out the form provided by the embassy or travel agency accurately.
3
Gather all required documents
Collect passport, photos, invitation, itinerary, insurance, bank statements, and employment letter.
4
Schedule an appointment at the North Korean embassy
Contact the embassy (e.g., in Mexico City or Beijing) to book a personal submission slot.
5
Submit application in person at the embassy
Bring all documents and pay the visa fee; biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be taken.
6
Wait for visa processing
Processing time varies; check with the embassy for estimated duration.
7
Collect passport with visa
Return to the embassy in person or arrange for courier if allowed.
8
Prepare for travel
Ensure you have all documents for entry; note that North Korea requires strict adherence to tour itinerary.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form
Form provided by the embassy or travel agency
Passport-sized photographs (2)
White background, 35x45mm

Travel

Detailed travel itinerary
Including flight bookings and hotel reservations
Proof of hotel booking
Confirmed by the travel agency
Round-trip flight itinerary
Showing entry and exit from North Korea

Financial

Bank statements for the last 3 months
Showing sufficient funds for the trip
Sponsor letter (if applicable)
Optional
If someone else is funding the trip

Employment

Employment letter or proof of occupation
Stating position, salary, and approved leave

Supporting

Invitation letter from a North Korean travel agency
Must be arranged through an authorized tour operator
Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation
Minimum coverage of $50,000
Copy of previous visas (if any)
Optional
Especially for travel to other countries
Police clearance certificate
Optional
May be requested for certain applicants
Visa fee payment receipt
Paid at the embassy or via bank transfer

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Sponsor letter

Sufficient funds to cover the entire stay and return travel.

Good to know

North Korea visa is highly restricted; travel is not recommended due to safety and political concerns.
All tourists must be accompanied by North Korean guides at all times.
Visa applications are typically processed only through authorized travel agencies.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use the correct form.

Lack of invitation letter from an authorized agency

Ensure the tour operator is officially recognized by North Korea.

Insufficient funds or unclear financial proof

Provide clear bank statements and a sponsor letter if needed.

Passport validity less than 6 months

Renew passport before applying.

Previous travel to South Korea or other sensitive countries

Disclose all travel history; may still be accepted but could raise scrutiny.

FAQ

Do citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for North Korea?

Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for North Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa.

What documents do citizens of Costa Rica need for North Korea?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages; Completed visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (2); Invitation letter from a North Korean travel agency; Detailed travel itinerary; Proof of hotel booking; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for North Korea?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to North Korea

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