Do I need a visa to North Korea?
For German citizens · ordinary passports, short visits · data updated February 2026
Visa required
Apply before you travel
Yes — German citizens need a visa to enter North Korea, and it must be arranged before travel, typically through an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center.
| Passport | Germany |
|---|---|
| Destination | North Korea |
| Requirement | Visa required |
| Allowed stay | — |
| Data updated | February 2026 |
What this means
A traditional visa means applying in advance: an application form, your passport (usually with six months' validity and blank pages), photos, proof of funds and itinerary, sometimes an invitation letter or an in-person appointment. Allow several weeks; fees and processing times vary widely.
Requirements differ by travel purpose — tourist, business, transit, work, and study visas are separate categories with separate rules. The figures on this page describe ordinary short-visit (tourist) requirements.
Before you travel
- Passport validity: many countries require your passport to be valid 3–6 months beyond your stay, with at least one blank page.
- Start the application several weeks ahead; don't book non-refundable travel before the visa is issued.
- These rules cover short tourist/business visits on an ordinary passport. Work, study, residence, journalism, and diplomatic travel follow different rules.
- Connecting through another country? Check that country's transit rules separately.
Confirm with the official source
We have not curated a verified official portal for North Korea yet. Confirm the current rules with the nearest embassy or consulate of North Korea, or its government immigration website, before booking.
Context worth knowing
The Germany passport can currently reach 160 of 198 destinations with no pre-arranged visa (no visa, visa on arrival, or an online travel authorization) — ranking #5 worldwide by that measure. See everywhere German citizens can travel.
North Korea, in turn, admits 0 nationalities visa-free, 0 with a travel authorization, and offers eVisas to 0 and visas on arrival to 0; 198 need a full visa. See North Korea's rules for every nationality.
Going the other way? For citizens of North Korea visiting Germany: visa required — details for the reverse route.
Quick answers
Do German citizens need a visa for North Korea?
Yes — German citizens need a visa to enter North Korea, and it must be arranged before travel, typically through an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center.
How do German citizens apply for a North Korea visa?
Through North Korea's embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center, before travel. Expect an application form, photos, proof of funds and itinerary, and possibly an interview. Start several weeks ahead.
Can I work or study in North Korea with this?
No. Everything on this page describes short tourist or business visits. Employment, study, residence, and journalism require the appropriate visa or permit arranged in advance, whatever your nationality.
Where do I confirm the current rules?
With North Korea's embassy or consulate, or its official immigration website. Our data was last updated February 2026 and rules change without notice.
Check another route
Same trip, other passports
US citizens · UK citizens · Canadian citizens · Indian citizens · Australian citizens · French citizens · Filipino citizens · Mexican citizens · Chinese citizens · Nigerian citizens · Pakistani citizens · Brazilian citizens
More destinations for German citizens
France · Spain · United States · Italy · Turkey · Mexico · United Kingdom · Greece · Japan · Thailand · Portugal · China
Before you rely on this
This page is general information, not legal advice, and doineedavisa.to is not a government agency. Visa and entry rules change without notice and can differ with your travel purpose, travel history, dual citizenship, residence permits, or documents like diplomatic passports. Confirm the current rules with the destination's embassy, consulate, or official immigration website before booking travel.