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Schengen Visa for North Koreans

Complete guide for North Korea citizens seeking a Schengen visa

North Koreans require a Schengen Visa for short stays in Europe. Apply through the embassy of your main destination no later than 6 weeks before travel.

Visa Type
Schengen (C)
Cost
€80
Processing
15-45 days
Max Stay
90 days in 180
Passport Rank
#187 of 199

Visa Statistics & Passport Strength

The North Korea passport ranks #187 out of 199 globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 38 countries. Since Europe's Schengen Area requires a visa for North Korean citizens, thorough documentation is key. In 2024, Schengen consulates processed 30000 applications from North Koreans, with a refusal rate of 10. To boost your approval odds, ensure your financial documents, travel insurance, and cover letter are well-organized and detailed.

Photo by Thomas Evans on Unsplash
Visa Cost
€80

€40 for children 6-12, free under 6

Processing
15-45 days

Apply at least 6 weeks early

Application
In person

Embassy, consulate, or VFS Global

Refusal Rate
10

Based on 2024 data

Essentials for your Schengen visa

Required documents and travel basics for North Koreans

  • Visa photo & docs

    35x45mm photos, passport validity, full document checklist

    See requirements

  • Book your appointment

    €80 — 15-45 day processing

    Application guide
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  • Mobile data eSIM

    Stay connected across all 30 Schengen countries

    Check Plans

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Document Checklist for North Koreans

  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years)

  • Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)

  • Completed Schengen visa application form

  • Travel insurance with minimum €30.000 coverage

  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)

  • Return flight reservation

  • Proof of financial means (bank statements from last 3 months)

  • Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Select your main destination

    Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time.

  2. 2

    Prepare documents

    Passport, photos, insurance, flight/hotel bookings, bank statements, cover letter.

  3. 3

    Book appointment

    Schedule at embassy, consulate, or VFS Global. Book early — slots fill fast.

  4. 4

    Submit & wait

    Attend in person, submit documents. Processing takes 15-45 days.

2024 Visa Statistics for North Koreans

Refusal Rate
10
Applications
30000
Passport Rank
#187

Visa Guides

Requirements

Full document checklist

Cost Breakdown

Fees by age & type

Cover Letter

How to write one

Travel Insurance

Required for visa

Visa FAQs for North Koreans

How much does a Schengen visa cost for North Koreans?
€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.
How long does processing take?
15-45 days. Plan to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before travel. Some countries offer express processing.
Can I visit multiple countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa is valid for all 30 Schengen countries within its validity period. Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, or — if equal — the country of first entry.
Which embassy should North Koreans apply at?
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that is your main destination. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first. Many countries use VFS Global or TLS Contact as external service providers.
What if my Schengen visa application is denied?
You will receive a written explanation of the refusal reason. Common reasons include not enough financial proof, lack of travel insurance, or incomplete documents. You can submit a new application once issues are resolved, or appeal the decision within the timeframe specified in the refusal letter.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for North Koreans?
The Schengen visa refusal rate for North Koreans was 10 in 2024, based on 30000 applications. {refusalTip}

Travel Checklist for North Koreans

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)

  • Schengen Visa submitted

  • Travel insurance (min. €30.000 coverage)

    Get covered

  • eSIM for mobile data in Europe

    Get Saily

  • VPN for public WiFi security

    Get NordVPN

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Want a multi-year stay instead of a 90-day visa?

Schengen visas cap you at 90 days in any 180-day window. A Digital Nomad Visa from one of 12 European countries unlocks 12 to 60 months of residence, with a clearer path to permanent residency.

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