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Pyongyang Travel Resources

Pyongyang Travel Resources

Pyongyang Pyongyang, North Korea Travel Guide

Essential Preparations Timeline

A chronological approach manages the various steps involved in organizing your journey.

Planning Stages

Your journey to Pyongyang involves several important steps spanning months.

1

Three+ Months Ahead

Tour & Visa Research

Research approved tour operators (e.g., Koryo Tours). Begin visa process through your operator.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport maintains at least six months of validity beyond your return date.

Medical Documentation

Gather any medical documentation for prescription medications you carry.

2

One Month Prior

Payment & Insurance

Finalize all tour payments. Obtain comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads) covering North Korea.

Flight Arrangements

Purchase international flights to your transit city (typically Beijing or Vladivostok).

Digital Downloads

Download offline translation apps and any other useful digital content for your trip.

3

One Week Before

Final Packing

Complete your packing with climate-appropriate and culturally respectful clothing.

Document Check

Confirm all documents: passport, separate paper visa, tour itinerary, flight tickets.

Home & Contacts

Inform family or friends of your itinerary. Note limited communication while in the DPRK.

Essential Reservations

Your travel company handles all internal bookings, but your participation requires certain advance actions.

Tour & Flights

  • Required Tour Package: Book this well-regarded in advance.
  • International Flights: To transit city (e.g., Beijing).
  • Visa Application: Your tour provider handles this process.
  • Provide all required documents promptly to your operator.

Pre-Visit Insights

DPRK Context

  • Political Context: Understand the political landscape.
  • Cultural Norms: Familiarize yourself with local customs and restrictions.
  • Visitor Accounts: Read previous visitors' stories for diverse perspectives.
  • Learn about the history and ideology of the DPRK.

Home & Bank Preparations

Ensure a smooth departure by attending to home and financial matters.

Home Security

  • Secure your home: Lock windows and doors, put on alarms.
  • Arrange for pet care if you have animals.
  • Suspend mail or newspaper delivery if away for an extended period.
  • Ensure home appliances are turned off or unplugged.

Financial Planning

  • Pay any bills due during your absence.
  • Advise your bank of your travel for transit city card use.
  • Have small denominations of foreign currency ready.
  • Remember local banking for tourists is not possible.

Emergency Access

  • Leave a copy of your itinerary and contacts with a trusted person.
  • Ensure digital access to important documents via cloud storage.
  • Consider a VPN for secure internet access in your transit city.
  • Create a checklist for final pre-departure tasks.

Arrival Procedures in Pyongyang

A structured approach to your arrival ensures a smooth transition into your tour.

Initial Arrival Steps

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs

    Upon landing at Pyongyang Airport or Station, proceed through immigration and customs.

  • 2
    Meeting Your Guides

    Meet your guides at the designated point. They hold a sign with your name or group.

  • 3
    Document Access

    Have your original passport and separate paper visa readily accessible for verification.

Orientation & Questions

  • Listen carefully to guides' instructions. They provide rules and expectations.

  • Hotel & Schedule

    Note your hotel's name and location, and review the daily schedule provided.

  • Initial Inquiries

    Ask initial questions about immediate surroundings or upcoming activities.

Practical Arrival Details

Currency & Purchases

Employ foreign currency (Euros, USD, RMB) for personal purchases.

Guides can facilitate exchange at your hotel or designated shops.

Arrival Transport

Transportation from your entry point to accommodation comes pre-arranged.

Your guides and driver escort you directly to your hotel.

Customs Declaration

Declare any electronics or valuables as required by customs on entering.

Follow all declaration procedures carefully as instructed by your tour guides.

Guide Collaboration

Your guides are your main resource for all arrival steps and questions. Collaborate closely for a smooth entry.

Preparing for Departure from Pyongyang

Strategic planning for your departure ensures a smooth exit and continuation of your journey.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase desired souvenirs from designated tourist shops before your departure day.
  • No international shipping services exist for tourists in North Korea; Carry all purchased items.
  • VAT refund procedures not applicable for visitors in North Korea.
  • Check with your guides for any specific restrictions on items you wish to take out of the country.

Departure Logistics

  • Get there early for departure formalities. Allow 2-3 hours for flights, 1 hour for trains.
  • Confirm onward travel from your transit city (Beijing or Vladivostok) back to your home country.
  • Ensure all necessary documents for your international return journey are readily accessible.
  • Pack last-minute items and settle any outstanding hotel bills for drinks or additional services.

Exit Regulations

Adherence to departure guidelines ensures a smooth and compliant exit from the DPRK.

Restrictions

  • Do not attempt to export any unauthorized materials, including state propaganda not specifically sold as souvenirs.
  • Avoid discussing political or sensitive topics at the airport or border crossings.
  • Be prepared for thorough customs checks; follow all requests.
  • All media devices may undergo inspection upon departure.

Transitioning Home

  • Reflect on your unique travel experience and insights gained.
  • Reconnect with family and friends, sharing your journey responsibly.
  • Process and organize photos and notes from your trip.
  • Consider sharing your mindful travel insights with others.

Successful Departure

Organized packing can simplify your return journey. Explore Eagle Creek for travel organization tools.