Destinations / North Korea
Driving in North Korea as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. North Korea accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What North Korea expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 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 | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| 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?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. North Korea accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does North Korea accept?
North Korea recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in North Korea ask for one?
No tourist car rental exists; transport is state-controlled.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.