---
title: North Korea visa for citizens of South Africa
description: Citizens of South Africa 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/south-africa
lastModified: 2026-06-27
---

# North Korea visa for citizens of South Africa

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 2026-06-27. 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
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for the last 3 months

## How to apply

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. **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. **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. **Pay visa fee (if applicable)** — Fees vary and are paid at the embassy in cash or bank transfer; exact amount to be confirmed.
5. **Await processing** — Processing time may take several weeks; no standard timeline published.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages** (Travel)
- **Completed visa application form** (Supporting)
- **Passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)** (Supporting)
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel)
- **Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from North Korean travel agency** (Travel)
- **Round-trip flight booking** (Travel)
- **Bank statements for the last 3 months** (Financial)
- **Employment letter or proof of student status** (Employment)
- **Travel insurance valid for North Korea** (Supporting)
- **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [North Korea visa for every passport](/visa/north-korea)
- [Every destination for South Africa passport holders](/visa/passport/south-africa)