---
title: United Kingdom visa for citizens of North Korea
description: "Citizens of North Korea need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: £100. Processing: 15 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-kingdom/north-korea
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United Kingdom visa for citizens of North Korea

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.*

Official application site: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa

## 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

- **Current passport** (Travel): Valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank page.
- **Previous passports** (Travel): Provide all previous passports to show travel history.
- **Passport-sized photograph** (Travel): 35mm x 45mm, white background, not older than 6 months.
- **Application confirmation letter** (Supporting): Printed after online submission.
- **Biometric appointment receipt** (Supporting): Provided after attending the visa application centre.
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel, optional): Flight and accommodation bookings for planned stay.
- **Proof of accommodation** (Travel): Hotel reservation or invitation letter from host.
- **Proof of funds** (Financial): Bank statements for the last 6 months or payslips.
- **Employment letter** (Employment): From employer stating role, salary, and approved leave.
- **Leave approval letter** (Employment, optional): If employed, confirming your leave dates.
- **Sponsor letter** (Supporting, optional): If someone else is funding the trip, a letter from them and their proof of funds.
- **Academic history letter** (Employment, optional): If studying, a letter from educational institution confirming enrollment.
- **Birth certificate or family details** (Supporting, optional): To prove family ties if required.
- **Police registration certificate** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa)

## More

- [United Kingdom visa for every passport](/visa/united-kingdom)
- [Every destination for North Korea passport holders](/visa/passport/north-korea)