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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do North Korea citizens need a visa for Japan?

Visa required

North Korea citizens need a visa to enter Japan. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
North Korea → Japan
Embassyapply

Everything for your trip to Japan

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North Korea vs Japan: passport comparison

North Korea

9

visa-free countries

Global rank: #186 · mobility 67.8

Japan

116

visa-free countries

Global rank: #24 · mobility 168.8
8

countries both North Korea and Japan can enter visa-free together

North Korea + Japan: passport compatibility

34%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where North Korea and Japan travel together — by entry type:

8 both visa-free
22 both visa on arrival
23 both e-visa / eTA
13 both need a visa
131 access differs

Where North Korea and Japan can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Both visa-free (8)

Sort by max stay or the destination's passport strength (tap a header), and filter by region.

Only North Korea is visa-free (1)

How the entry rule changed: North Korea → Japan

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The North Korea → Japan rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

4passports gained easier entry to Japan
0passports saw Japan tighten its rules
1rule changes for the North Korea passport, 1 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

Japan: good to know

Tokyo

Capital

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Currency

Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)

Time zone

+81

Calling code

A, B

Power plug

100V / 50–60Hz

Voltage

Left-hand

Driving side

Where else North Korea goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Japan

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do North Korea citizens need a visa for Japan?
North Korea citizens need a visa to enter Japan. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — North Korea or Japan?
The Japan passport is stronger: 116 visa-free countries versus 9. Global rank: North Korea #186, Japan #24.
Where can North Korea and Japan citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 8 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Japan?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between North Korea and Japan?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

North Korea passport ranking

Where else the North Korea passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport