Getting to North Korea requires booking through an approved tour operator. You cannot simply buy a ticket and turn up. The two most established operators for Western visitors are Koryo Tours (Beijing-based, since 1993) and Young Pioneer Tours (also Beijing-based, budget-oriented). Both arrange visas, flights or train tickets, guides, accommodation, and the entire itinerary. Several smaller operators also exist.
By Air
Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ) is the only point of entry by air. Air Koryo, the national carrier, operates flights from Beijing (daily when services are running) and from a handful of other destinations. Air China has also operated the Beijing–Pyongyang route. Flying time from Beijing is about two hours.
Air Koryo has a mixed reputation — long waits, older aircraft, limited in-flight service — but the experience is perfectly adequate for a short hop from Beijing. The fleet is a mix of Soviet-era and more recent Russian-built aircraft.
By Train
The Beijing–Pyongyang international train is one of the classic ways to enter North Korea, and arguably the better choice for those who want to savour the arrival. The journey takes around 24–26 hours, departing Beijing Station and crossing into North Korea at Dandong on the Chinese side and Sinuiju on the North Korean side. The train runs four times weekly. Border formalities are thorough — expect a long stop at the crossing for passport, luggage, and electronic device inspection.
In March 2026 the international passenger train service resumed after a six-year suspension. Check current schedules with your operator.
By Sea
There are international ports at Nampo, Wonsan, and several others, but passenger ferry services for tourists are not currently operating.
Entry Requirements
All visitors need a visa arranged in advance through their tour operator. The DPRK does not stamp passports — you receive a separate entry permit that is collected on departure. South Korean nationals cannot enter. US passport holders have been banned from visiting since September 2017, with very limited exceptions requiring special passport validation.
All bags and electronic devices are searched on entry and departure. Remove anything that could be considered politically sensitive, pornographic, or religious in nature.