---
title: United States visa for citizens of North Korea
description: Citizens of North Korea need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/north-korea
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United States visa for citizens of North Korea

Citizens of North Korea need a visa for the United States 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
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Required

## How to apply

1. **Complete DS-160 form online** — Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov.
2. **Pay the visa application fee** — Pay the non-refundable fee via authorized payment methods.
3. **Schedule visa interview appointment** — Book an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate (often in a third country for North Korean citizens).
4. **Attend biometrics and interview** — Provide fingerprints and answer questions about your trip.
5. **Wait for visa processing** — Processing may take several weeks; status can be checked online.
6. **Collect passport with visa** — Passport is returned via courier or available for pickup.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay** (Identity): Must have blank visa pages.
- **Completed DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Print form with barcode.
- **Passport-style photograph (2x2 inches)** (Identity): Taken within last 6 months.
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Pay the non-refundable fee before interview.
- **Travel itinerary or flight reservations** (Travel): Round-trip or onward ticket.
- **Hotel reservations or accommodation proof** (Travel, optional): Shows planned stay location.
- **Bank statements covering last 3–6 months** (Financial): Demonstrates sufficient funds.
- **Employment verification letter** (Employment): States position, salary, and approved leave.
- **Pay slips or tax returns** (Financial, optional): Additional proof of income.
- **Invitation letter from U.S. host (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Include host's status and contact.

## Good to know

- North Korean citizens face heightened scrutiny and limited diplomatic access; applications are often processed at U.S. embassies in third countries like Beijing or Seoul.
- Visa denial rates for North Korean applicants are high; strong ties to home country must be demonstrated.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient proof of ties to North Korea** — Provide evidence of employment, family, property, or other commitments.
- **Incomplete or inconsistent application** — Double-check all information and supporting documents for accuracy.
- **Inadequate financial proof** — Show sufficient funds for the entire stay and return travel.

## FAQs

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

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

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

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay; Completed DS-160 confirmation page; Passport-style photograph (2x2 inches); Visa application fee receipt; Travel itinerary or flight reservations; Bank statements covering last 3–6 months; and 4 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

## More

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