North Korea passport → United Kingdom

United Kingdom visa for citizens of North Korea

Embassy / VFSStandard Visitor Visa

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

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Standard Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15 days
Government fee	£100
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements or payslips covering the last 6 months

How to apply

1
Complete online application
Apply on Gov.uk website and pay the visa fee.
2
Attend biometric appointment
Visit a UK Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and photograph.
3
Submit supporting documents
Upload documents online or bring them to the appointment.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 working days.
5
Receive decision
Your passport will be returned with the visa vignette or refusal letter.

Documents checklist

Travel

Current passport
Valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank page.
Previous passports
Provide all previous passports to show travel history.
Passport-sized photograph
35mm x 45mm, white background, not older than 6 months.
Travel itinerary
Optional
Flight and accommodation bookings for planned stay.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservation or invitation letter from host.

Financial

Proof of funds
Bank statements for the last 6 months or payslips.

Employment

Employment letter
From employer stating role, salary, and approved leave.
Leave approval letter
Optional
If employed, confirming your leave dates.
Academic history letter
Optional
If studying, a letter from educational institution confirming enrollment.

Supporting

Application confirmation letter
Printed after online submission.
Biometric appointment receipt
Provided after attending the visa application centre.
Sponsor letter
Optional
If someone else is funding the trip, a letter from them and their proof of funds.
Birth certificate or family details
Optional
To prove family ties if required.
Police registration certificate
Optional
If required by previous travel or nationality.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient for stay (not explicitly stated in source)

bank statements
payslips
sponsor letter

Bank statements must show regular income and sufficient funds to cover the trip.

Good to know

North Korean passport holders may face additional scrutiny or refusal due to political relations.
Visa refusal for earlier applications can affect future attempts.
Incomplete or fraudulent documents will lead to refusal.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear source of income

Provide clear, recent bank statements and proof of employment.

Weak ties to home country (e.g., no job, family)

Submit evidence of employment, family, and property in North Korea.

History of overstaying or visa violations

Disclose previous travel honestly and show compliance with visa rules.

Missing or incorrect documents

Double-check all required documents before submission.

FAQ

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

Citizens of North Korea need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Standard Visitor Visa.

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

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United Kingdom visa cost for citizens of North Korea?

Government fee: £100.

How long does United Kingdom visa processing take?

Typically 15 days.

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

Current passport; Previous passports; Passport-sized photograph; Application confirmation letter; Biometric appointment receipt; Proof of accommodation; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United Kingdom?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa

Sources

gov.uk

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