North Korea
United States
United States visa for North Korean citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires North Korean citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- No mission in your country
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
Where North Korean citizens apply for a visa for the United States
United States has no embassy or consulate in North Korea on our records; applications usually go through a mission in a neighbouring country or an online portal.
- Embassy of the United States in Seoul194 km
세종대로 188, 03141 서울특별시
- 364 km
- 687 km
The nearest US missions to Pyongyang are in Seoul, South Korea (194 km from Pyongyang), Shenyang, China (364 km) and Vladivostok, Russia (687 km). Which post accepts applications from residents of North Korea is decided by the United States, so confirm it with the mission or the official visa portal before booking an appointment.
US visas issued to citizens of North Korea
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 0 | 2 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 42 | 51 |
| Total | 42 | 53 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 0.0% | 33.3% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 53 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of North Korea, the 195th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Diplomatic and official visas (A, G) made up 96%, visitor visas 4%. That is 26% more than in fiscal year 2024 (42).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of North Korea received 21, 22% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 33.3% for citizens of North Korea in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 0.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of North Korea anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in North Korea.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to North Korea
United StatesNorth Korea Visa required North Korea visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from North Korea to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long North Korean citizens can stay in the United States
How long North Korean citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How North Korean citizens apply
The United States has no embassy or career consulate in North Korea. North Korean citizens apply through a mission of the United States accredited to North Korea from abroad; the official visa portal of the United States names the right place.
The United States’ neighbours for North Korean citizens
Canada and Mexico require North Korean citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to North Korea
US citizens need a visa for North Korea, obtained before travel. The rule is the same in both directions between North Korea and the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Do North Korean citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires North Korean citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Is there an embassy of the United States in North Korea?
No. The United States has no embassy in North Korea. The nearest US embassy is in Seoul, South Korea, 194 km from Pyongyang.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for North Korea?
US citizens need a visa for North Korea, obtained before travel.
Can North Korean citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; North Korean citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.