South Korea:Visa Requirements

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South Korea Visa Requirements Map

South Korea: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The traveler must carry a passport or accepted travel document valid for the entire duration of their stay in South Korea. South Korea's general entry rule does not require the passport to be valid for a specific additional period after the planned stay. However, the traveler must also check whether their own passport-issuing country requires a longer validity for travel abroad.
  • The central official source does not specify an exact number or universal technical requirement for the number of blank pages required in the passport, the passport being biometric, machine-readable, or the use of a specific passport type. No guarantee is given that damaged passports will be accepted. The document used during travel must be valid, legible, and suitable for verifying identity information.
  • The visa-free stay period, permitted number of entries, and scope of activities vary according to passport type, visa-free entry status, and purpose of travel. The traveler must check the permitted period and scope of activities with their own information via Visa Navigator. Visa-free entry cannot be used for paid employment, compensated activity, long-term study, or any other purpose not permitted by the visa-free status.
  • Travelers subject to the electronic travel authorization and without a temporary or permanent exemption must obtain a valid K-ETA approval before boarding the aircraft or vessel. K-ETA exemptions are temporarily applied for some travelers until December 31, 2026. The exemption status is shown individually by the system when passport information is entered during the application.
  • Travelers who do not have a valid K-ETA and do not benefit from entry declaration exemptions must complete the e-Arrival Card. The declaration must be submitted within the three-day period before arrival in the country and no later than before border control. A valid passport, a correct email address, expected arrival date, flight or vessel number, expected departure date, primary accommodation address and contact information in South Korea, purpose of travel, and occupation information must be prepared. Departure flight or vessel number is optional.
  • The e-Arrival Card is free of charge, must be used within 72 hours from the time it is submitted, and is valid for a single entry only. If the traveler does not arrive in the country within 72 hours, they must submit a new declaration. The accommodation address, purpose of travel, or occupation information may be changed before entry control. It is not mandatory to carry a printed copy, PDF file, or screenshot of the confirmation; the border officer can view the declaration electronically.
  • Holders of a valid K-ETA are exempt from submitting an e-Arrival Card. Entry declaration exemptions may also exist for registered foreigners with a residence card, holders of certain group visas, crew members, and other officially designated groups. The exemption must be checked individually via the e-Arrival Card Navigator.
  • For ordinary visa-free entry, a round-trip ticket, hotel reservation, specific amount of financial resources, bank statements for specific months, or travel health insurance are not published as a central and universal requirement for all travelers. These documents may be requested at border control to verify the purpose of travel, stay plan, or intent to depart the country on time.
  • There is no requirement for a COVID-19 test, COVID-19 vaccination certificate, quarantine, or Q-Code in the current general entry regulations. A vaccination certificate is not mandatory for general entry. Health rules may change separately if an epidemic, infectious disease, or special public health measures come into effect.
  • Visa-free entry entitlement, K-ETA approval, or submission of an e-Arrival Card does not guarantee admission to the country. The final decision is made by the South Korean immigration officer at the point of entry.

Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements

  • The K-ETA application must be made only through the official K-ETA website or the official mobile application. The application must be completed and approved before the traveler boards the aircraft or vessel. Applications made after the journey has begun or after arrival in South Korea may not be accepted and may result in entry restrictions.
  • The application requires a valid email address, a passport photo, a copy of the passport's biographical information page, and passport information. Passport information includes first and last name, gender, date of birth, passport number, passport expiration date, nationality, and, if any, personal identification number.
  • The applicant must also declare the purpose of travel, planned accommodation, contact information of the accommodation, expected arrival and departure dates, occupation, and contact information. The system may also request information regarding whether the applicant has previously traveled to South Korea, multiple nationalities, country and place of birth, current residence address, any past name change, whether there are acquaintances in South Korea, accompanying travelers, economic activity, monthly income, and travel to other countries. Planned departure flight number and social media account are among the optional information.
  • The information on the passport page and the information entered in the application must be completely identical. Providing false, incomplete, or untruthful information may result in the application being rejected, cancellation of existing approval, sanctions, or entry restrictions.
  • For K-ETA, a passport photo and an image of the passport's biographical information page are uploaded. The photo's dimensions, background color, file format, maximum file size, and date taken are not precisely specified on the central official explanation page. The current technical criteria shown on the application screen must be followed.
  • The application fee is 10,000 South Korean won. An additional processing fee may be charged for the online payment service. The fee is not refunded even if the application is rejected. Accepted payment cards and methods are determined according to the current options shown on the payment screen.
  • Processing is usually completed within 72 hours or less. The time may exceed 72 hours due to application volume or additional review. No expedited processing service is available. Therefore, the application must be completed well in advance of travel.
  • K-ETA is normally valid for three years. If the passport validity is less than three years, the K-ETA expires at the end of the passport validity. For applications made before July 3, 2023, the validity period is two years. The approval may be used for multiple trips within its validity period; however, the permitted stay for each entry is determined separately from the K-ETA validity period.
  • If the passport is renewed, a new K-ETA application must be made. If the applicant's criminal record or information on communicable disease changes, a new application is required even if the current approval has not expired. If the purpose of travel, accommodation address, contact information, arrival or departure date, or accompanying travelers change, the information must be updated in the K-ETA system.
  • Carrying a printed copy of the K-ETA approval is not mandated by the central official source. However, the traveler should check the application result before travel and be able to access the approval number.
  • K-ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the country. For a person traveling with a valid visa or residence card, the entry status is determined primarily by the conditions on the visa or residence card. The final decision on entry rests with the immigration officer at the border.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The South Korea e-visa system is not a general tourist e-visa system usable for all travel purposes or all applicants. It can only be used for certain short-term and long-term visa statuses that are confirmed as eligible by the Visa Portal. Eligibility may vary according to visa type, inviting institution, educational institution, employer, medical institution, authorized travel agency, or required official recommendation letter.
  • The application is made via the electronic visa form on the Visa Portal. The foreign applicant may apply themselves, or the sponsor or inviting party in South Korea may submit the application on behalf of the applicant. If the application is made by the individual, the sponsor's invitation may need to be verified through the system.
  • The electronic application must include a completed online visa form, scanned images of passport pages, a natural color digital photo of 3.5 × 4.5 centimeters, electronic payment, and digital copies of supporting documents required for the relevant visa status. The file format, pixel dimensions, date taken, and maximum file size of the photo are not precisely specified on the central general page; the current technical instructions on the application screen must be followed.
  • Which passport pages are to be scanned is not specified in detail in the central general explanation. The system requests "scanned images of passport pages." The pages indicated on the application screen or in the applicant-specific document list must be uploaded.
  • The application fee is paid online by credit card. General visa fees are 40 USD for single-entry visas of 90 days or less, 60 USD for single-entry visas of 91 days or more, 70 USD for double-entry visas, and 90 USD for multiple-entry visas. An additional electronic payment and card usage fee may apply. The fee may vary due to reciprocity, international agreements, or special regulations. The fee for rejected applications is not refunded.
  • The additional minimum validity period the passport must have, number of blank pages, how many months of bank statements are required, the minimum amount required in the account, the requirement for travel health insurance and its minimum coverage are not precisely specified in the central official source for all e-visa applications.
  • Invitation, employment contract, official recommendation, university acceptance, medical treatment document, company registration, sponsor's financial documents, or documents proving family ties are submitted only if the relevant visa status requires them. The exact document list is generated after selecting the visa type in Visa Navigator.
  • The application result is checked via the Visa Portal. For approved applications, it is foreseen that the E-Visa Issuance Confirmation document be printed from the system and communicated to the applicant. The document must be kept available for use during travel.
  • The processing time of the e-visa, the last date it can be used, the permitted stay duration, and whether it is single or multiple entry vary depending on the selected visa status. The central general e-visa page does not specify a single processing time or validity period applicable to all applications.
  • The competent authority may request additional documents, identity verification, or other review. The issuance of an electronic visa does not constitute a guarantee of admission to the country.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Applications are made, as a rule, to the South Korean embassy or consulate responsible for the country or region where the applicant resides. Proof of legal status in the country of residence may be required according to the local checklist of the relevant mission. The application may be submitted by the foreigner in person or through an authorized visa agency permitted by the mission.
  • The basic central documents are the visa application form, a valid passport, one natural color photo of 3.5 × 4.5 centimeters, the visa fee, and supporting documents required for the applied status.
  • The application form must be completed in English or Korean, in large and legible letters, fully and accurately. All appropriate boxes must be marked, and if the "Other" option is used, an explanation must be provided. The applicant must date, write their name, and sign at the end of the form. For applicants under 17 years of age, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • The photo must be 35 × 45 millimeters in size, color, taken within the last six months, showing a full front face, and without a hat. The background must be white or off-white. The central application form has a photo area. The digital file format and file size are not specified in the central source unless an online form is used.
  • The form requests first and last name, date and place of birth, gender, nationality, national identification number if any, previous names, other nationalities, and passport information. Passport type, number, issuing country and authority, date of issue, expiration date, and any other valid passports must be declared.
  • The applicant must also declare their address, phone number, email address, emergency contact person, marital status, family information, educational background, occupation, employer or educational institution. Submitting a copy of the national ID card separately depends on the checklist of the relevant mission or visa type.
  • Regarding travel, the purpose, planned duration of stay, expected entry date, address or hotel in South Korea, contact person in the country, previous travels, family members in South Korea, and accompanying family members are reported.
  • In invitation-based applications, the name of the inviting person or organization, date of birth or company registration number, relationship to the applicant, address, and phone number must be written on the form. The format of the invitation letter and whether identification, passport, residence permit, company registration, or financial documents of the inviting party are required vary according to the visa type and mission.
  • On the application form, the estimated travel cost and the name of the person or institution covering this cost, the relationship to the applicant, the type of support provided, and contact information are declared. How many months of bank statements are required and the minimum amount to be held in the account are not precisely specified in the central official source for all consular visa applications.
  • Flight reservation, return or onward ticket, hotel reservation, detailed travel itinerary, employment certificate, payslip, student certificate, company documents, bank statement, invitation letter, sponsor documents, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or documents showing family ties may be required depending on the visa type, purpose of travel, and the mission applied to. These are not universal documents for all applications.
  • Whether an English or Korean translation, notarization, apostille, or consular certification of documents is required varies depending on the country of issuance, document type, and the instructions of the mission. No single certification rule applicable to all documents is published in the central general source.
  • General visa fee is 40 USD for a single-entry visa of 90 days or less, 60 USD for a single-entry visa of 91 days or more, 70 USD for a double-entry visa, and 90 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Payment may be accepted in local currency where permitted by the head of mission. The fee may vary due to local payment method, exchange rate, application center service charge, and reciprocity. The visa fee is not refunded in case of refusal.
  • If the e-form on the Visa Portal is to be used, the form must be completed online, a printout with barcode must be obtained, and submitted to the mission together with the passport, photo, fee, and other documents. Submitting the form online only does not complete the consular application.
  • How far in advance of travel the application should be made and the official processing time are not precisely specified in the central official source. The time varies depending on the visa type, country of application, volume, and additional review. The current processing time of the mission applied to should be taken as the basis.
  • The validity period of the visa, maximum permitted stay, number of entries, and scope of activities are determined according to the visa type. There is no single validity or stay period for all consular visas. The Visa Navigator result and the information on the issued visa document should be taken as the basis.
  • The Confirmation of Visa Issuance obtained by the sponsor in South Korea is valid for three months from the date of issuance and can be used only for the issuance of one visa. The applicant must apply to the mission with the application document or confirmation number and expiration date communicated by the sponsor.
  • A mandatory fingerprinting or interview rule for all applicants is not specified on the central general application page. However, the mission or immigration authority may request additional assessment, in-person application, identity verification, additional documents, interview, or biometric procedures deemed necessary.
  • A vaccination certificate or COVID-19 document is not required for general entry. However, for certain long-term visa types, a tuberculosis test, health declaration, or other health document may be requested depending on the applicant's situation and the mission. Travel health insurance and minimum insurance coverage are not precisely specified in the central official source for all consular visas.
  • Whether parental consent, birth certificate, custody document, or copies of parents' passports are required for minors varies depending on the mission applied to and whether the child is traveling alone or with one parent. The centrally confirmed common rule is that the application form for applicants under 17 years of age must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Deficiencies in the application may extend the processing time or result in a refusal. Incorrect information or fraudulent documents may lead to cancellation of the visa or stay permit, criminal sanctions, or a ban on entry to the country. An issued visa is not a guarantee of admission to the country.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • In South Korea's official visa classification, there is a direct airside transit visa called Direct Transit Visa, Air-side, C-3-10. This visa is used for the traveler to continue their connecting flight in the international transit area without passing through South Korean border control. It does not grant the right for official entry into South Korea, tourist visit, or exit from the transit area.
  • The direct transit visa is required only in limited cases subject to this visa. Other transit passengers remaining airside and not passing through border control may transit without a visa or K-ETA if their travel documents and itinerary permit. It requires remaining in the same airport, baggage being checked through to the final destination, and not passing through border control again for the connecting flight. If baggage collection, terminal change, or passing through border control is required due to airport or airline procedures, the airside transit exemption may not apply.
  • For the C-3-10 application, the basic documents for a consular visa apply: a completed and signed visa application form, a valid passport, one color photo of 3.5 × 4.5 centimeters, fee, and transit documents required by the relevant mission must be submitted. Firm flight reservations, onward ticket, visa or residence permit showing the right to enter the final destination country, and a route explanation may be requested by the relevant mission.
  • No single central document checklist, processing time, visa validity period, or number of blank pages in the passport applicable in all countries is published for C-3-10. This information is determined according to the current instructions of the South Korean mission responsible for the applicant's country of residence.
  • South Korea also implements visa-free transit entry programs under Tourist/Transit B-2 status for connecting passengers who meet certain conditions. In these programs, the passenger must have a confirmed onward flight and the itinerary must show continuation to a third country. In cases where the program is based on a valid third country visa or residence permit, the validity of that document must be verifiable.
  • In the visa-free transit entry program via a third country, the onward flight must be within 30 days after entry into South Korea. The passenger must have no record of illegal stay in relevant countries, must not have been refused entry to South Korea in the last 3 years, and must have no history of immigration fines, deportation, or departure orders exceeding the determined limit. If a stay in another transit country before arriving in South Korea occurs, that stay must not exceed 3 days. Eligible passengers may be granted a stay of up to 30 days under B-2 status.
  • A connecting passenger wishing to enter under the official Transit Tourism Program at Incheon Airport must have a connecting flight ticket departing within 72 hours, must stay within the permitted metropolitan area, and must comply with the management of the authorized transit tour guide. Entry may be refused if the travel plan poses a risk of non-compliance with the program. Under this program, a stay of up to three days under B-2 status may be granted.
  • The application of visa-free transit programs varies according to passport, existing visa or residence permit, itinerary, transit time, entry airport, and nature of the journey. Individual eligibility must be verified through the official transit explanation and the relevant mission.
Population
51,600,388(2026 est.)
Official language
Korean
Government type
Presidential republic
Continent
Asia
Capital
Seoul
Currency
South Korean won
Area
100,295 km²
Phone code
+82

South Korea: Key Destinations

Seoul is the capital and primary international gateway, with Incheon International Airport serving as the main arrival point. Major cities include Busan, a key port and second-largest city, and Incheon itself.

South Korea offers a rich blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, with cultural sites like Gyeongju and the Demilitarized Zone. The country's coastline and islands, such as Jeju, are popular for natural beauty and relaxation.

Travelers often start in Seoul and then move to other regions via KTX high-speed rail. Common routes include a circuit from Seoul to Busan, with stops in historic cities like Gyeongju.