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South Africa passport → North Korea

North Korea visa for citizens of South Africa

Embassy / VFSTourist visa

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

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

Key facts

Entry routeEmbassy / VFS · Tourist visa
How to applyIn-person at an embassy or visa center
EntriesSingle entry
Passport validityAt least 6 months
Onward or return ticketRequired
Proof of fundsBank statements for the last 3 months

How to apply

  1. 1

    Contact the Embassy of North Korea in Pretoria or the nearest diplomatic mission

    Inquire about current visa procedures and required documents, as North Korea does not have an embassy in South Africa.

  2. 2

    Prepare all required documents

    Gather valid passport, application form, photos, itinerary, hotel booking, flight booking, bank statements, employment proof, travel insurance, and any additional documents.

  3. 3

    Submit application in person or by mail to the designated embassy

    North Korean visa applications are typically processed through the embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., China) or the North Korean consulate in Beijing.

  4. 4

    Pay visa fee (if applicable)

    Fees vary and are paid at the embassy in cash or bank transfer; exact amount to be confirmed.

  5. 5

    Await processing

    Processing time may take several weeks; no standard timeline published.

Documents checklist

Travel

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages

  • Travel itinerary

  • Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from North Korean travel agency

  • Round-trip flight booking

Financial

  • Bank statements for the last 3 months

Employment

  • Employment letter or proof of student status

Supporting

  • Completed visa application form

  • Passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)

  • Travel insurance valid for North Korea

  • Copy of previous visas (if any)

    Optional

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Not specified

  • Bank statements for the last 3 months

Good to know

  • Visiting North Korea as a South African citizen is highly restricted and not recommended due to political tensions and safety concerns.
  • Tourist travel to North Korea is only possible via organized tours, and independent travel is not permitted.
  • South African passport holders must obtain a visa before travel and cannot get a visa on arrival.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete application or missing documents

Double-check all required documents before submission.

Passport validity less than 6 months

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

Travel not through an authorized tour operator

Use a recognized travel agency that handles North Korean tours.

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for North Korea?

Citizens of South Africa 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 South Africa need for North Korea?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; Completed visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background); Travel itinerary; Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from North Korean travel agency; Round-trip flight booking; and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for North Korea?

At least 6 months.

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