Japan visa requirements for North Korean citizens
Japan is not letting in north korean citizens at the moment.
PRK
North Korea
JPN
Japan
Not allowed to enter
Entry is closed to this passport.
- Visa
- Not allowed
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for North Korean citizens in Japan
North Korean citizens cannot enter or transit through Japan
- North Korean citizens cannot enter Japan.
- No transit, even staying on the same aircraft for the same flight.
What to do
Japan is not admitting travellers on this passport. Check the official government source for exceptions.
Ways into Japan
Visit visa-free if you qualify, or get a visa before travel.
eVisaDirect online tourist eVisaTourists living in listed places can apply online if they need a visa.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Check local fees and exemptions
- Processing
- 5 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Check your local embassy's eVisa checklist.
- Apply on the official portal and upload your documents.
- Follow the result and payment instructions.
- Show the live visa notice when travelling.
Documents required
- Ordinary passport
- Face photo
- Documents on your local checklist
- Live in AU, BR, KH, CA, SA, ZA, TW, GB or US; citizenship differs.
- Processing usually takes 5 working days; show the live notice, not saved copies.
eVisaAgency tourist eVisaTourists in listed places apply through an approved agency if they need a visa.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Local visa fee plus agency charges
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Check which approved application service covers where you live.
- Submit the required tourist documents through that service.
- Follow the instructions and show your live visa notice.
Documents required
- Ordinary passport
- Documents on your local checklist
- Live in HK, IN, ID, MO, MN, KR, SG or AE; citizenship differs.
- Show the live visa notice; screenshots, printouts and saved PDFs are not accepted.
Visa requiredSingle-entry tourist visaThis visa is for tourists who cannot enter Japan visa-free.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Check local fees and exemptions
- Processing
- 5 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Read your local Japanese embassy's tourist checklist.
- Prepare your form, photo and required documents.
- Apply through the required local service.
- Collect the result and pay any fee.
Documents required
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Photo
- Documents on your local checklist
- Processing usually takes 5 working days; delays are possible.
- Stay only as long as approved, up to 90 days; no paid work.
Sources (36)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa and entry overview
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Short-term visa exemptions
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar passport registration waiver
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: JAPAN eVISA eligibility
- Official JAPAN eVISA application portal
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Fees from 1 July 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Processing times
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visa validity
- Japan Embassy in the United States: Short-term visa applications
- Japan Embassy in the United States: Indian multiple-entry visa requirements
- Japan Embassy in the United Kingdom: General visa information
- Japan Embassy in India: Visa applications and current fees
- Japan Consulate in Seattle: Visitor and transit questions
- Japan Embassy in Singapore: Passport validity, transit and entry questions
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Work and long-term visa categories
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Student visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Occupational working visas
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Intra-company transferee
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Entertainer
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Skilled labour
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Highly Skilled Professional
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Specified Skilled Worker
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Technical Intern Training
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Dependent family stays
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Spouse or child of a Japanese national
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Spouse of a permanent resident
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Medical Stay visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Working Holiday programmes
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Digital Nomad visa
- Immigration Services Agency: Digital Nomad and family nationality lists; official indexed text read
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: J-Find
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Long stay for sightseeing and recreation
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Cultural Activities
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Training
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Pre-entry tuberculosis screening
- Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening: Official scope and implementation questions
Trips to Japan
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from North Korea
- Plugs A BAdapter needed
- MoneyJPY ¥
- TimeSame timeSame as home
- DrivingOn the leftLook right first
- LanguageJapanese
- Emergency110 police119 ambulance
Planning your Japan trip
Best time to go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for most visitors. March–April brings cherry blossoms; early autumn can bring typhoons to southern Japan.
- Cherry blossomsMarch–April brings Japan's famous cherry blossoms, along with festivals and celebrations.
- Autumn coloursAutumn leaves can be as impressive as the spring blossoms, with more comfortable temperatures than summer.
- Temples and gardensJapan's temples and gardens show its long cultural traditions, often beside modern buildings.
- Akihabara, TokyoThis is one of the best places to shop for anime, manga comics and video games.
Scams to watch for in Japan
- Street touts and inflated bar billsSomeone on the street urges you to enter a bar or club. Once inside, you may face very high entry charges or drink prices. Tokyo's Roppongi and Kabukichō have specific warnings about this. Some hostess bars in Hiroshima's Nagarekawa may also overcharge. Staff also approach visitors outside host and hostess bars around Kyoto's Kiyamachi, though overcharging there is not specifically described.
- Pickpocketing in crowdsSomeone takes money or valuables from your pocket or bag in a crowd. It happens sometimes despite Japan's low crime rate.
- Theft in traveller bars and hangoutsBelongings can be stolen in traveller bars and hangouts. The exact theft method is not specified.
About Japan
Japan is an East Asian island country of four main islands and thousands of smaller ones.
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Money
- Japanese yen (¥)
- Languages
- Japanese
- Time zone
- UTC+09:00
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +81
Other Asia passports
Going to Japan
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Japan with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Is entry to Japan restricted for North Korean citizens?
North Korean citizens cannot enter or transit through Japan. North Korean citizens are refused entry and transit through Japan. The transit ban applies even if they stay on the aircraft and continue on the same flight.
Do north korean citizens need a visa for Japan?
Japan is not letting in north korean citizens at the moment.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help north korean citizens enter Japan?
We have no record of Japan relaxing its rules for north korean citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do japanese citizens need a visa for North Korea?
Japanese citizens need a visa for North Korea, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Asia passports get easier entry to Japan?
Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel Macau, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Japan are easier for north korean citizens?
Macau, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Armenia Bangladesh, and 3 more let north korean citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Japan?
Japan is not admitting travellers on this passport. Check the official government source for exceptions.
What money is used in Japan?
Japanese yen (¥). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Japan?
Japanese.
How strong is the North Korea passport?
It ranks #97 and reaches 33 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck