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North Korea

A visa must be obtained from the relevant North Korean delegation before departure.

Reviewed by TripminuteFrench passport · tourism · short stayInformation reviewed on August 9, 2026
The 30-second summary
DocumentPassport and North Korean visa whose validity dates strictly cover the stay.
EntryVisa required

A visa must be obtained from the relevant North Korean delegation before departure.

DurationThe stay is limited to the visa dates; stays over 24 hours must be registered, usually by the hotel.
Key warningAll travel is formally advised against; France has no embassy there and consular assistance is extremely limited.

Before you book

This block covers the standard case stated above. If your situation differs, open the consular source directly.

Document

Passport and North Korean visa whose validity dates strictly cover the stay.

Entry

A visa must be obtained from the relevant North Korean delegation before departure.

Duration

The stay is limited to the visa dates; stays over 24 hours must be registered, usually by the hotel.

Vaccines and health

Recommendations depend on age, health, stopovers, regions and season.

In addition to routine vaccines, hepatitis A and itinerary-specific protection often need discussion with a travel medicine professional.
  • Assess hepatitis A/B, typhoid and rabies according to trip length, food exposure and areas visited.
  • Review Japanese encephalitis or malaria protection for relevant rural stays.
  • Use strong mosquito protection and seek medical advice for fever after returning.

Driving locally

An international driving permit is a translation: it never replaces your valid French licence.

Rules vary by province or stay length. Check the official summary before renting a vehicle.

Service-Public · international permit

Documents to prepare

  • Required identity document and a separate copy
  • Authorisation, visa or QR code available offline
  • Return ticket and first accommodation address
  • Medical insurance and assistance number
  • Prescriptions and medicines in original packaging
  • French licence and any required supporting permit

What can change the answer

Dual nationality or residence permitTransit through border controlMinor travelling alone or with one parentWork, internship, volunteering or a longer stayEmergency, damaged or nearly expired passportControlled medication or specialist equipment

Frequently asked questions

Is a visa or authorisation required?

A visa must be obtained from the relevant North Korean delegation before departure.

Which vaccines should I consider?

In addition to routine vaccines, hepatitis A and itinerary-specific protection often need discussion with a travel medicine professional.

Is a French driving licence sufficient?

Rules vary by province or stay length. Check the official summary before renting a vehicle.

When should this information be checked again?

Check once before any non-refundable purchase, then again 48 to 72 hours before departure. The destination authorities and carrier retain the final say.