Yes, North Korean citizens can be issued passports. These travel documents, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea passport, exist to facilitate international travel for those permitted to leave the country.
What is a North Korean Passport?
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea passport (Korean: 조선민주주의인민공화국 려권), often simply called a North Korean passport, is the official document that may be issued to citizens of North Korea. Its primary purpose is to allow its holder to travel internationally.
Key Characteristics
- Official Name: Democratic People's Republic of Korea passport.
- Common Name: North Korean passport.
- Purpose: Enables international travel for North Korean citizens.
- Issuance: The phrasing "may be issued" suggests that the acquisition of these passports is highly regulated and not a universal right for all citizens.
Purpose and Issuance of the DPRK Passport
While passports are a standard document for international travel worldwide, their role and accessibility in North Korea are distinct. The existence of these passports confirms that the North Korean state does provide its citizens with official identification for leaving and re-entering the country, but this process is tightly controlled.
Implications of "May Be Issued"
The specific wording "may be issued" highlights the restrictive nature of international travel for most North Koreans. Unlike many countries where passports are readily available to all citizens upon application, the issuance of a North Korean passport is typically contingent upon government approval. This means that only specific individuals or groups authorized by the state are likely to receive one.
For more information on the document, you can refer to the details on the North Korean passport.
Table: North Korean Passport at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Democratic People's Republic of Korea passport |
| Common Name | North Korean passport |
| Purpose | International travel |
| Recipient | North Korean citizens |
| Issuance Conditions | Highly controlled; "may be issued" implies state authorization is required |
