Nampo North Korea Travel Guide
Visa Required: All foreign visitors, with rare exceptions, need a visa to enter North Korea.
Application Process: Visas are not applied for straight by individual travelers. A state-approved tour operator facilitates the entire application. You book an all-inclusive tour, and the operator submits your visa application to the DPRK embassy or consulate.
Visa Fees: Vary by nationality and processing urgency. These fees are usually paid to your tour operator as part of the general package.
Immigration: Upon arrival at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), thorough immigration and customs checks occur. Officials inspect electronic devices. Tourists hand over passports to guides immediately after clearing immigration; guides retain passports for the trip duration.
All travel is controlled and guided.
Access to particular locations, including industrial facilities like those in Nampo, depends on approval and inclusion in your pre-approved itinerary. No deviation from this itinerary.
Your tour operator secures all permits for sites included in your package, confirming a smooth visit.
Vaccinations are recommended.
North Korea does not officially need specific vaccinations for entry.
Consult a travel health clinic for personalized tips on typical travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A and b, Typhoid, Rabies) well in advance.
Unique financial considerations.
All foreign tourism operates through pre-paid, all-inclusive guided tours. Independent budgeting is not applicable.
Tourists generally employ foreign currency (EUR, CNY, USD) for purchases. North Korean Won is not for tourist transactions.
A standard tour package covers accommodation in state-run hotels, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), transportation within North Korea (private tour bus, train if specified), the services of English-speaking guides, and all entrance fees to attractions, including the West Sea Barrage. Visa processing fees are frequently a part of the package.
Your personal spending money is for souvenirs, additional beverages (beyond those included with meals), or snacks purchased at shops for tourists. Carry foreign currency (EUR, CNY, USD) in small denominations.
€1,5FROM 12 to €3,000+ for 4-7 days (excludes international flights to gateway city).
Euros (EUR), Chinese Yuan (CNY), US Dollars (USD) for tourist purchases.
Individual charges for hotels, meals, or transport are not disclosed; they are bundled.
Not customary, but a simple "thank you" gift or sum for guides/drivers is appreciated.
Pre-guided tours for a fee make broad savings irrelevant. Control souvenir spending.
Travel to Nampo, like all of North Korea, involves restricted access to healthcare and independent movement. Preparation and adherence to guidelines are very important.
While specific vaccinations are not officially required for entry, certain recommendations contribute to your health.
Awareness and prevention are crucial for common travel-related illnesses.
Though for the most part safe, understanding potential natural risks is wise for any travel.
Flooding: Can occur during the summer monsoon season (July-August) due to heavy rainfall. This potentially impacts transport or access to some areas. Your tour operator monitors local conditions.
Typhoons: Attainable during late summer and early autumn. These could result in intense winds and heavy rains. Your tour provider monitors weather and adjusts plans if needed for your protection.
Mainly during the monsoon season, heavy rains can lead to localized flooding.
Carry waterproof outerwear for protection.
Travel plans may adjust if roads are affected.
Late summer and the beginning of autumn could result in strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Your tour operator monitors forecasts and safety.
Follow all instructions from your guides during adverse weather.
The risk of significant earthquakes is not high. Air the quality differs in industrial zones.
Consider a face mask if you have respiratory sensitivities.
No specific earthquake preparedness is needed for tourists.
| Category | Coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Emergencies | Hospitalization, seeing a physician, medications. | Very important owing to scarce local facilities. |
| Emergency Medevac | Transport to appropriate healthcare center outside North Korea. | Specifically important for serious medical cases. |
| Trip Cancellation or interruption | Covers non-refundable costs if trip is cut short or canceled. | Good to have for unexpected changes. |
