Destinations / North Korea
Driving in North Korea as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. North Korea drives on the right, but independent driving by tourists is not permitted; all travel is on guided, state-arranged transport.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What North Korea expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 119 |
| Top speed limit | Restricted — foreign self-drive not permitted |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in KPW. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Drive on the right (not applicable to tourists). |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Independent driving is prohibited. |
| Local practice | All movement is guided. |
| Roads | Roads outside Pyongyang are sparse. |
On the road in North Korea
At the pump
Tourists never buy fuel; petrol is scarce, rationed and routed to state and official users, with very few public stations. Foreign visitors have no access to retail fuelling.
After a crash
There is no tourist-driving accident procedure because visitors do not drive; in any incident you remain with and follow your assigned guides, who handle authorities. Western governments warn that consular help is extremely limited (the Swedish embassy acts as protecting power for some nations).
Sources: youngpioneertours.com · travel.gc.ca · travel.state.gov
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in North Korea?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. North Korea drives on the right, but independent driving by tourists is not permitted; all travel is on guided, state-arranged transport.
Which translation format is used for North Korea?
North Korea uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in North Korea ask for a translation?
No tourist car rental exists; transport is state-controlled.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for North Korea?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.