North Korea entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting North Korea: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- Yes - apply before travel
- Vaccines
- 3 recommended, 4 to consider
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the North Korea embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for North Korea
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements, including for China if you are travelling through China. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visas
British passport holders normally need a visa to enter.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - North Korea · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to North Korea
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
-
2 weeks before travelTyphoid Recommended
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3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
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4 weeks before travelJapanese Encephalitis Consider
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
-
Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - North Korea · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in North Korea
The UK government does not list North Korea as requiring a UK International Driving Permit (IDP). If you plan to drive, check with the embassy of North Korea and your car-hire company before you travel.
North Korea travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for North Korea from the UK?
Yes - British passport holders normally need a visa to enter North Korea. Apply before you travel and check the UK government's foreign travel advice for the latest requirements.
What vaccines do I need for North Korea?
No vaccines are listed as required for North Korea, but Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria, Typhoid are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
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