South Africa
North Korea
North Korea visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
South African citizens need a visa for North Korea, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- North Korea visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
Which North Korea visa?
North Korean missions in South Africa
- Embassy of North Korea in Pretoria
Waterpoort Street 958, Pretoria
North Korea has 1 mission in South Africa, with its embassy in Pretoria.
North Korean citizens travelling to South Africa
North KoreaSouth Africa Visa required South Africa visa for citizens of North Korea
Travel advice for North Korea
- US State Department Level 4: Do not travel
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) Advises against all but essential travel to the whole country
- 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.
South African citizens planning a trip to North Korea can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the US State Department rates North Korea at Level 4, do not travel (updated 28 April 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all but essential travel to the whole of North Korea (updated 10 December 2025) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for North Korea (updated 13 October 2026).
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in North Korea
How long South African citizens may stay in North Korea is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How South African citizens apply
In South Africa, applications go to the North Korean embassy in Pretoria, or to a visa centre acting for North Korea; fees, documents and processing times are published by North Korea.
North Korea’s neighbours for South African citizens
Russia admits South African citizens visa-free. China requires South African citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
North Korean citizens travelling to South Africa
North Korean citizens need a visa for South Africa, obtained before travel. The rule is the same in both directions between South Africa and North Korea.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for North Korea?
South African citizens need a visa for North Korea, obtained before travel.
Where is the North Korean embassy in South Africa?
The North Korean embassy in South Africa is in Pretoria.
Do North Korean citizens need a visa for South Africa?
North Korean citizens need a visa for South Africa, obtained before travel.
Can South African citizens enter North Korea visa-free?
No; South African citizens need a visa for North Korea 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.