A sample of filling out an application for a visa to the DPRK. The procedure for obtaining visas to the DPRK

Democratic People's Republic of Korea - this is how the familiar abbreviation of the DPRK is deciphered, denoting the most closed, militarized and mysterious country modern world. Many consider it a fragment of the USSR, which retained far from its best moments.

Geographically, the state is located on the northern side of the Korean Peninsula. It is washed by the Japanese and Yellow Seas, borders on Russia, South Korea and China. The country attracts not only with its mysterious Asian-Soviet entourage, but also with the almost untouched nature of the mountainous regions, healing springs and mud, clean beaches and unique natural parks.

Given the general militarization of the state, the visa regime for entry is very strict, with a high percentage of refusals. To spend the summer bathing in sulfur springs, you need to take care of obtaining a visa at least a few months before your vacation.

Types of visas and required documents

A visa to North Korea for Russians is issued mainly as part of a group. The intermediary is usually a major tour operator. With an individual appeal to the embassy, the risk of refusal to issue a permit increases significantly. At the same time, a single traveler will be required to pay for the services of a personal guide and be present everywhere only with him.

To apply for a visa you will need:

original and copy of the passport with a validity period equal to the expected time of stay in the country plus six months;
one application form;
letter of guarantee from the tour operator (voucher);
certificate of employment indicating the length of service, current position, duration of vacation, accrued salary.

Important! In addition to the above package, you must provide a receipt - confirmation or guarantee, where the traveler certifies that he is entering for the purpose of tourism and promises to use the received multimedia materials (video, photo) only for personal purposes.

For a work visa, you must additionally prepare:

confirmation letter from the employer;
information about the guarantee assets of the applicant;
information about the workplace, estimated income.

At the discretion of the consular officer, an interview may be scheduled.

Similar requirements and restrictions apply to all the closest neighbors of the Russian Federation, including Belarusians and Ukrainians. The Embassy of the DPRK is represented only in Moscow and representative offices Far East. Entry permits are issued not only to Russians, but also to foreigners.

The cost of a visa ranges from 10-60 dollars, depending on the type, size of the group and other features.

Additional paperwork for the child

The list of documents for a minor differs little from the classical requirements of most countries. To cross the border you need:

original and copy of passport, birth certificate;
2 copies photo size 3.5*4.5, standard background;
certificate of employment (place of study, class or course, specialty);
one power of attorney to travel with the father or mother, or two if the trip will be without legal representatives;
a letter of guarantee on payment of expenses at the expense of parents;
additionally: death certificates of legal representatives, confirmation of the status of a single mother or single father, form No. 25.

Embassy of North Korea in Moscow

Visa free travel

A visa to the DPRK is required in most cases. However, there are exceptions to the strict rules. There is a region in North Korea with special status, which has a more progressive and mobile economy. The authorities of the country are interested in the inflow of investments in this area, therefore, they take conservative, but quite effective incentive measures.

We are talking about Rason - two cities - Sonbon and Rajin, located on the border with the Russian Federation (Khasan district). For a trip to these settlements, a visa-free border crossing procedure applies. It is only necessary to obtain a permit issued through special accredited organizations and travel agencies.

From time to time, the issue of simplifying the procedure for visiting the country for Russian citizens was considered at the international level, but there are no significant progress in the negotiations as of March 2018.

Now the visa-free regime is available to holders of diplomatic and official documents.

Common reasons for rejection

The embassy considers the application within a month and after the expiration may refuse without explanation. It is also possible to return directly at the airport or at customs. With an enviable frequency, a negative result is observed in the following cases:

solo travel;
incomplete or unreliable set of documents (no letter of guarantee);
there are doubts about the purpose of the visit (not tourism and not work);
there are doubts about solvency;
entrance by private car.

There are no official restrictions on professions, but without comment, a photographer, journalist, etc. can be denied a tourist pass.

The presence in the passport of stamps and visas of "unfriendly" DPRK countries, such as Israel, the USA, the EU states, does not affect the decision of the embassy to issue a visa.

Customs regulations

North Korea follows international rules in terms of controlling the movement of personal belongings and cargo. Similarly, other countries cannot be transported dangerous substances. Without licenses and certificates, it is impossible to transport weapons, animals and plants, antiques and art products.

Journey into the past of the Russian Federation is interesting idea for a large number of people, because the forbidden is very attractive. Issuing a visa to such an unusual North Korea is a little more difficult than to other countries. Until recently, it was completely impossible to get into the territory of this state. For a person who wants to see the USSR with his own eyes, but did not find this state at a conscious age, a trip to the DPRK will be a place of fulfillment of desires. Many believe that this place uses the model of Stalinism, only more perfect.

This branch in tourism appeared quite recently, because a few years earlier this was impossible to do. Not to say that the influx of tourists is very large, but there are many restrictions.

There are two options for how to travel in this direction:

Group tour. One of the most common forms of tourism in the DPRK. The tour operator makes the necessary document immediately to all the people in the group. But not every company selling tours will be able to carry out such a procedure, since this is done only with the agreement of the DPRK Foreign Ministry. Only after approval will the tour operator be able to offer its customers trips to this country.
Individual tour. It will cost much more than a group one. This is due to the fact that there will always be a guide next to the tourist. Even during an evening walk. Of course, there are advantages, for example, it becomes possible to determine your own tourist route. Also, a special person will tell all the information to only one traveler.

rules

Some rules look strange, but you must follow them. The main laws that most concern tourists and remain relevant in 2020:

Until 2013, phones were confiscated at customs. Even the most common and simple means of communication were banned, despite the lack of a camera in them. In addition, even after the removal of this restriction, it is impossible to use cellular phones. In this state, there simply are no roaming programs, so the device will be constantly “turned off”.
Various portable gadgets, such as laptops or tablets, can be imported. But there will still be no Internet access, because according to the rules of this country, tourists do not have Internet access.
The rules regarding photographic equipment have been relaxed a bit lately. Now you can import various equipment, but its quantity will be limited.
However, problems with foreign exchange are just flowers. A tourist, before his departure, will have to declare the available funds that he wants to enter into the territory of the DPRK. But this also takes into account Money does not stop. In order to leave the territory of this state without any problems, the traveler will have to confirm each purchase with a sales or bank check.
The export of the national currency is prohibited. If customs officials find such money, they will simply be confiscated without the possibility of exchange for another currency.
In restaurants, you do not need to leave a tip, if you want to thank someone, then it is better to make a gift. The main thing is that he was not from the USA.
Do not photograph technologies and objects associated with defensive power.

Registration

Many tourists think about how to get a visa to North Korea. Checkout this document alone in such a country is impossible. Any such transactions will be made only through the travel agency. However, if you think about the situation from the side of an ordinary traveler, it is even more convenient. The bulk of the cases are handled by professionals, which greatly facilitates some operations. All you need to do to a person who applied to a travel agency:

collect a set of papers necessary for registration of a ticket;
pay for the services of a travel agency, according to a pre-agreed price list.

A visa to North Korea does not have any specific price tag, much will depend only on the company that the client applies to. It is worth noting that the average price for such a service is $40.

Travel for children

For children, there are rules regarding the issuance of permission to enter this country:

it is necessary to enter the child in the passport if he is not yet 14 years old;
original birth certificate, a copy will not work;
the questionnaire is signed by the parents;

If only one of the parents travels with the child, then the second must write a power of attorney and be sure to certify it with a notary.

A visa to the DPRK for citizens of Russia is a dream come true, because most of the obligations are assumed by the travel agency. However, you must be prepared for a ban on entry and all sorts of restrictions within the state.

Visa for citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine

For the Russians, this task is much easier, because Belarusian travel agencies do not cooperate with the North Korean Foreign Ministry, while in Russia there is such a practice. The direction does not attract tourists in any way, which is why the dialogue between the two countries in this area is not developing. However, for Belarusians there is an opportunity to visit this place, but it is impossible to do it on your own. The most promising solution in such a situation is to apply to a neighboring state, and it is best to go directly to Moscow.

For Ukrainians and Kazakhstanis, such a trip does not differ in terms of the difficulty of registration from neighboring countries. For citizens of Ukraine, such a process is much easier, as there are firms offering such services. It remains only to pay a certain amount of money. For citizens of Kazakhstan, everything is more difficult, because obtaining and issuing a permit is as difficult as for Belarusians.

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North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world. The Russian neighbor keeps its borders locked for residents of many states. Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang can be called friendly. However, for citizens of the Russian Federation, there are still no benefits when traveling to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. However, soon the Russians may not need a visa to North Korea.

North Korea is a closed power in East Asia. It is located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. In 2020, travelers who are interested in natural attractions, historical monuments and a socialist atmosphere will need a visa to North Korea. At the same time, in the future, North Korean visas for our compatriots may be canceled.

In May 2016, Pyongyang proposed that Russia gradually switch to a visa-free regime. It is difficult to say whether the initiative will be implemented in practice. No specific dates are given.

A similar proposal was made in 2014. But since then there has been no progress on this issue. Therefore, for now, those wishing to visit a closed East Asian country will have to stock up on entry documents. Only holders of service and diplomatic passports enter North Korea without a visa. But only on condition that the voyage lasts no more than 3 months.

Where do visas

Only the diplomatic missions of the republic issue a paper allowing entry. Visa centers there is no socialist state in the Russian Federation. Diplomatic missions are located:

In Moscow (North Korean embassy).

Embassy of the DPRK in Moscow: st. Mosfilmovskaya, 72

In Vladivostok (in April 2016, the DPRK Consulate General moved here from Nakhodka)
In Khabarovsk (Consulate of North Korea).

Consulate of the DPRK in Khabarovsk

It is allowed to apply for a visa:

Or on your own.
Or through a travel company accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the East Asian country.

As a rule, entry into the northern territory of the Korean Peninsula is allowed as part of an organized group. Visas in the passports of the participants of the trip are pasted at the point of departure.

What does a North Korean visa look like?

The documents

Visa Application. Filled in Russian. If desired, information can be entered in English or Korean.

Sample visa application form

Color photograph 35 by 45 mm.
International passport:
- Valid for 3 months from the end of the tour.
- Plus a copy of the pages with personal data.
Certificate from the employer in Russian indicating the position.
Entry and exit documentation (to be filled in on the way).
For a child are served:
- Passport of a young traveler or information about the child in the parent's passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Power of attorney to leave (if the child travels with only one parent or with a third party).

The cost of an entry document is from 10 to 60 US dollars. The price depends on the place of obtaining the visa. The term for consideration of the application is up to 1 month.

Visit to the Free Economic Zone Rason

Rason is a region used by Pyongyang to test economic innovations. The district occupies the cities of Rajin and Seonbong (combining their names and gave the name to the special zone). Rason is located near the borders of the Chinese province of Jilin and the Khasan region of the Russian Federation.

To visit Rason (without trips to other regions of the DPRK), a visa to North Korea is not needed. A special permit is issued for entry. It can be obtained through a number of accredited travel agencies. Agencies offer group and individual tours. An individual visit will cost 3 times more than a collective one.

View of the city of Rajin

Nuances of entry into the DPRK

There are rail and air links between North Korea and the Russian Federation. It is impossible to enter the East Asian state by car. In addition, foreigners do not rent cars.

It is important to remember that it is unrealistic to get into the DPRK from South Korea and vice versa. And when traveling through China, you will need a double or transit with stops in Beijing for a maximum of 72 hours (there) and 24 hours (back).

Note to tourists

Only with special permission is it allowed to import and export:
- GPS-devices and means of communication. At the points of entry to the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, all mobile phones. It is important to remember that there is no international roaming in a socialist country. If necessary, it is allowed to purchase a tourist SIM card with access to international communications.
- It is allowed to bring in cameras and portable computers, but there is no access to the Internet for foreign tourists.
- Stitching and cutting objects.
- Items of cultural and historical value.
- Plants.
- Pets. An international veterinary certificate and a document with notes on the vaccinations delivered to the pet are required. At the same time, veterinary services are available only in Pyongyang.

Map of North Korea

There is an acute shortage of drugs in local pharmacies. It is recommended to take the necessary drugs with you on a trip.
You should have enough cash with you. Foreigners are not allowed to pay in local currency. Internationally oriented hotels and shops accept US dollars, euros and Chinese yuan. Bank credit cards VISA, MasterCard and other cards of international payment systems are not accepted.
Many areas of the republic are closed to the public. Outside the capital of the state of Pyongyang, it is allowed to move only accompanied by guides-interpreters.
Before photographing any objects, it is advisable to consult a guide.
Journalists (regardless of citizenship) are not entitled to visit a socialist power without special permission.

The presence of an American or Schengen visa in the passport does not affect the receipt of an entry document to the DPRK. Likewise, a North Korean visa does not affect the registration of the right to enter the United States, Europe and South Korea.

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) is a state that ranks 98th in the world in terms of territory and 51st in terms of population (more than 24 million people live here). Every year a small number of tourists from this country come to Russia to see the sights or to visit exhibitions.

To obtain a visa, a North Korean must apply to. Before visiting the consulate, you need to receive an invitation, medical insurance for a visa and fill out an online application form on the website of the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Exist the following types visas and purposes of visiting Russia:

- sightseeing, event tourism;
- signing an agreement, visiting an international exhibition;
- meeting with relatives who have citizenship of the Russian Federation, but a tourist visa is also suitable for this;
- work in a Russian company;
- for short trips

Comparison of length of stay and visa costs:

* – a visa can be valid for up to 1 year, but it is possible to stay in Russia continuously for no more than

Some tour operators issue tourist invitations to customers via the Internet in within 5 minutes on their own forms. Moreover, in each such invitation must be two parts:

Tourist voucher, indicating that you have bought a tourist package to Russia.
Tourist acceptance confirmation- a request to the consulate to issue a visa to a foreign citizen.

The documents contain the name and details of the company that invited the foreigner, the passport details of the tourist, the Russian cities and hotels where the tourist plans to stay during his trip, the planned dates of the trip and the number of visas required for its implementation.

Since North Korea is a migration-prone country, the presence of a tourist invitation is not a guarantee that a foreigner will receive a visa to Russia. In addition to this paper, he will need other documents confirming the purpose of the trip to the Russian Federation. After submitting these documents, the foreigner will be checked at the embassy in order to receive fines for violation visa regime and cases of expulsion from Russia during his past visits. If no such cases are found, the visa will be issued for the period specified in the tourist invitation, not exceeding 30 days. A tourist visa can be single or double entry.

To come to Russia to conduct market research, search for business partners, participate in auctions, or to achieve other business goals, a North Korean citizen should collect documents for obtaining a business visa. At the same time, he cannot do without a business invitation, which must be issued by the party in the Russian Federation that is interested in his arrival.

In addition to business trips, such a visa is very attractive for a longer (up to 90 days) continuous stay in Russia. A business visa is deprived and, at the same time, you can continuously stay in Russia 3 times more than tourist visa.

If a foreigner has all the necessary documents and there are no reasons for refusing to issue a business visa, it will be issued for a citizen of North Korea within the time limits established by the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy. The validity of such a visa can be from 30 days to 1 year. According to the multiplicity of such visas are divided into single, double, multiple.

To obtain a business visa, business invitation to Russia is required. For North Koreans there are different types business invitations, they all have their pros and cons:

To receive an invitation to Russia on the letterhead of the GUMV of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the inviting party must submit an application and wait 7 to 21 business days(depending on the multiplicity of the visa for which an invitation is issued). During this time, a check will be carried out on the basis of the information provided about the foreigner, and if facts of violation of the visa regime by the foreigner during his last visit to Russia are revealed, an invitation will not be issued for him. If the check does not show any violations, then an invitation will be received, which the person interested in the arrival of a foreigner will have to send to North Korea.

An electronic invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Telex) is an encrypted message that is transmitted via a special communication channel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to Russian embassies abroad. To issue an invitation by Telex, the inviting party will need 7 to 21 business days. After that, there will be no need to send any papers to the North Korean businessman: it will be enough to tell him the Telex number.

A private visa to Russia is needed for those North Koreans who are going to come to Russia to visit their relatives. To obtain such a visa, they will need a number of documents, among which there should be a guest invitation. The execution of this document must be undertaken by a person living in Russia who is ready to host a citizen of North Korea.

To do this, a Russian citizen who wants to see a foreigner as a guest must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs at his place of residence and apply for a guest invitation, attaching a receipt for payment of state duty and some other documents. It will take about 30 days to issue a guest invitation, during which the verification of the provided data and an interview with the inviting person will be carried out.

Having a guest invitation and other necessary documents in hand, a citizen of North Korea will be able to obtain a private visa valid for up to 90 days at the Consular Section of the Russian Embassy, which will be single or double entry.

If the check reveals any reasons to refuse to issue a guest invitation, then the inviting party will be issued a refusal with a written indication of the reasons. If there are no obstacles to issuing a guest invitation, the form with all the necessary data, signatures and seals will need to be sent to the invited person in North Korea. At the same time, the inviting party must take into account that it is she who is responsible for providing the invited foreigner with housing, timely registering him for migration and making sure that he leaves the Russian Federation before the expiration of the visa.

A citizen of North Korea who wants to work in Russia must obtain a work visa for himself. To do this, he must find an employer company in Russia that will issue a work invitation and work permit for him, which can take a lot of time.

Having received these documents from Russia, the North Korean will be able to submit them to the Russian consulate and receive a visa valid for 90 days. This time should be enough for him to enter Russia, timely migration registration, employment and extension of the work visa for 1 year or 3 years (depending on the qualifications of the foreigner).

If a North Korean works for the same employer, he will be able to renew his visa for another year every year. If he wants to change his employer, then he will have to leave Russia for a while, receive documents from the new employer and apply for a work visa again. Those who have work visas can live in Russia for the entire duration of their validity without leaving the country. But since work visas are multiple, there are no restrictions on the number of entries into Russia.

The employer must ensure that the foreign worker extends the visa on time. If an employee violates the visa regime, he will be expelled from the Russian Federation, and a large fine will be imposed on the company. That is why it will not be easy for a foreigner to change an employer. To do this, he must leave Russia and apply for a visa again, on the basis of a work invitation issued for him by a new employer.

North Koreans wishing to stay in Russia for a short period of time can do so using e-visa. This kind visa document, according to which citizens of North Korea can come to the Russian Federation and stay on the territory of Russia from 1 to 8 days.

This visa format was introduced as an experiment that continues to this day. To obtain an electronic visa, citizens of North Korea do not need an invitation, but only a digital photograph and a completed application form on the Foreign Ministry website. By e-visa a North Korean can only visit the Far Eastern District and the Kaliningrad Region.

Consulates of Russia in North Korea are located in the following cities: