Why Indians should head to North Korea this winter for the ultimate unconventional holiday

In winters this year, right in time for the holiday season, North Korea is gearing up to reopen limited international tourism¡ªyes, you read that right, it¡¯s not a drill! Nearly five years after closing its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, two tour companies linked to the secretive state have confirmed that travel to the country is back on. For those eager to explore one of the world¡¯s most isolated nations or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure, this could be the ultimate, albeit unconventional, holiday destination.

Beijing-based Koryo Tours and Shenyang-based KTG Tours both announced online on Wednesday that tour groups will soon be allowed to visit Samjiyon, a mountainous city claimed to be the birthplace of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

While exact tour dates are still pending, Koryo Tours confirmed that tourism to Samjiyon, and possibly the rest of North Korea, will officially resume in December 2024.

The company also mentioned that itineraries and more details will be finalised in the coming days and weeks.

Can Indians travel to North Korea?

Yes, Indians can travel to North Korea. Indian passport holders are eligible to apply for a North Korea visa, which has a processing time of 15 to 20 days and a fee of USD 50.

Credit: Freepik

Two types of visas are available:

Tourist Visa: Ideal for Indian passport holders visiting North Korea for tourism, sightseeing, or seeing friends and relatives.

Business Visa: Ideal for those attending business meetings, exhibitions, or conferences in North Korea.

Credit: Canva

According to tour operator ¡®BTW Visas,¡¯ the following requirements must be met for a North Korean visa:

Genuine Traveler: You must have a valid reason for traveling to North Korea.

Financial Capability: You must have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.

Reason to Return: Strong ties to your home country are required to ensure you will return after your visit.

Good Character: A clean criminal record is necessary, and a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) may be required.

Good Health: You must meet the minimum health standards set by the authorities.

To learn more about the experience of traveling to North Korea, check out the video below by a traveller named Nick, who goes by the name 'Indigo Traveller' on social media. Nick visited North Korea in 2018 and described his experience as 'surreal' and 'overwhelming.' He documented his journey in a series of videos on YouTube, one of which is featured here:

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