Okay, here is my sharing about the North Korea visa application:
Man, getting a visa for North Korea is quite an experience. I’ve always been curious about the DPRK, so I decided to take the plunge and see if I could actually visit. First thing I did was hit up Google to figure out how to even apply for a visa.
Turns out, you can’t just apply on your own like with most countries. Nope, you gotta go through a tour agency. I found a few that specialized in North Korea tours, and after comparing prices and itineraries, I picked one that seemed legit. I sent them an email, you know, just a casual “Hey, I wanna visit North Korea, what’s the deal?” kind of message.

They got back to me pretty quickly, and we started discussing the details. I chose a tour package that included everything: flights, accommodation, meals, the whole shebang. They handled all the visa paperwork for me, which was a huge relief. I just had to send them a scanned copy of my passport, a photo, and some basic info. Easy peasy.
- Contacted a tour agency that specializes in North Korea tours.
- Chose a tour package that included flights, accommodation, meals, etc.
- Sent the agency a scanned copy of my passport, a photo, and some basic info.
Next, I had to fill out a more detailed application form. This thing was thorough! They asked about my job, my family, my travel history, and even wanted to know if I had any connections to media or religious organizations. I made sure to answer everything truthfully and completely, figuring that honesty was the best policy here.
Then came the waiting game. It took a few weeks, but eventually, the agency contacted me and said my visa was approved! They sent me a scanned copy, and I gotta say, it felt pretty surreal to see my name on an official North Korea visa. The visa process involves the travel agency. It’s important to choose a reputable one to ensure a smooth application.
- Filled out a detailed application form with personal and professional information.
- Waited for a few weeks for the visa application to be processed.
- Received the approved visa from the tour agency.
Finally, the day of the trip arrived. I flew to Beijing first, which is where most tours to North Korea depart from. There, I met up with my tour group and the agency representatives. They gave us a briefing about the dos and don’ts in North Korea, which was super important. Respecting their rules and customs is key.
The next day, we boarded a plane to Pyongyang. Landing in North Korea was a trip. It felt like stepping back in time. We were met by our North Korean guides, who would be with us for the entire trip. They were friendly but firm, and they made sure we stuck to the itinerary.
- Flew to Beijing to meet the tour group and agency representatives.
- Received a briefing about the rules and customs in North Korea.
- Boarded a plane to Pyongyang and met the North Korean guides.
During the tour, we visited all the major sights: the Mansudae Grand Monument, the Juche Tower, the DMZ, you name it. It was a fascinating experience, but also very controlled. We couldn’t just wander off on our own, and we had to be careful about what we said and did.
Overall, getting a visa and visiting North Korea was a unique and eye-opening experience. It’s definitely not your typical tourist destination, but if you’re curious about this isolated country and willing to follow the rules, it’s a trip you won’t forget. Just remember to go through a reputable tour agency, be patient, and respect their way of life. And don’t expect to be posting on Instagram while you’re there – internet access is pretty much non-existent for tourists!
If you are planning a trip to North Korea, feel free to leave a message, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have based on my experience.