United Arab Emirates passport → North Korea

North Korea visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (Single Entry)

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for North Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 7 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	14–30 days
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient balance

How to apply

1
Contact an authorized travel agency
North Korea requires all tourists to book through a licensed tour operator.
2
Submit required documents to the agency
Provide passport, photos, application form, and other supporting documents.
3
Agency forwards application to North Korean embassy
The agency handles submission to the nearest embassy (e.g., Beijing).
4
Pay visa fee
Fee is paid to the agency or embassy; amount varies.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
6
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Visa is usually stamped on passport or issued as a separate document.
7
Travel to North Korea with the tour group
You must enter and exit with the organized tour.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages
Original passport required for visa stamping.
Completed visa application form
Form provided by the embassy or travel agency.
Passport-sized photographs (2 recent, white background)
Size 35x45mm.
Copy of UAE residence visa (if not UAE citizen)
Optional
Only for non-UAE nationals residing in UAE.

Travel

Travel itinerary (flight bookings and hotel reservations)
Must be confirmed by a travel agency.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking in North Korea)
Usually included in the tour package.

Financial

Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
Must cover the entire stay in North Korea.
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Show sufficient funds for the trip.
Visa fee payment receipt
Fee varies; paid to embassy or agency.

Employment

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

Supporting

Invitation letter from North Korean travel agency or sponsor
Arranged through an authorized tour operator.
Self-addressed courier envelope (if applying by mail)
Optional
For return of passport.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of $2,000 USD

Bank statements
Salary slips

Sufficient funds to cover the tour cost and personal expenses.

Good to know

North Korea visa applications are highly restrictive; approval is not guaranteed.
Travel is only possible through an authorized tour operator.
UAE citizens may need to apply through the North Korean embassy in a third country (e.g., China).
Visa fees and processing times are subject to change without notice.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use the latest form from the agency.

Lack of confirmed tour booking

Ensure your travel agency provides a confirmed itinerary and invitation.

Insufficient passport validity

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

Previous travel to South Korea or other sensitive countries

Disclose all travel history; some countries may affect eligibility.

FAQ

Do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for North Korea?

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates need a visa for North Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (Single Entry).

How long can citizens of the United Arab Emirates stay in North Korea?

Up to 7 days.

How long does North Korea visa processing take?

Typically 14–30 days.

What documents do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need for North Korea?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages; Completed visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (2 recent, white background); Travel itinerary (flight bookings and hotel reservations); Invitation letter from North Korean travel agency or sponsor; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking in North Korea); and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for North Korea?

At least 6 months.

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