---
title: North Korea visa for citizens of Costa Rica
description: Citizens of Costa Rica need a visa for North Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/north-korea/costa-rica
lastModified: 2026-06-26
---

# North Korea visa for citizens of Costa Rica

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

- **Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- **Completed visa application form** (Identity): Form provided by the embassy or travel agency
- **Passport-sized photographs (2)** (Identity): White background, 35x45mm
- **Invitation letter from a North Korean travel agency** (Supporting): Must be arranged through an authorized tour operator
- **Detailed travel itinerary** (Travel): Including flight bookings and hotel reservations
- **Proof of hotel booking** (Travel): Confirmed by the travel agency
- **Round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): Showing entry and exit from North Korea
- **Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation** (Supporting): Minimum coverage of $50,000
- **Bank statements for the last 3 months** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for the trip
- **Employment letter or proof of occupation** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave
- **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially for travel to other countries
- **Sponsor letter (if applicable)** (Financial, optional): If someone else is funding the trip
- **Police clearance certificate** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for certain applicants
- **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [North Korea visa for every passport](/visa/north-korea)
- [Every destination for Costa Rica passport holders](/visa/passport/costa-rica)