Navigating the process: How to get a visa for South Korean

Imagine yourself strolling through breathtaking landscapes that seamlessly blend history and natural beauty. From the grand historic palaces of Seoul to the majestic peaks of Seoraksan National Park and the beaches of Jeju Island, South Korea offers an array of experiences. 

In addition, you will find amazing cultural experiences and one of the world’s most vibrant music scenes. Whether you're seeking adventures or culture and history, South Korea is your destination. Secure your travel document and discover the land of ancient palaces and stunning landscapes.

Do I need a visa for South Korea?

Everyone traveling to South Korea needs either a visa or a K-ETA. Many nationalities are visa-free and can travel to South Korea with a travel authorization called K-ETA.

Citizens of the US, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco and many others can apply for a K-ETA entirely online.

Check if your nationality qualifies for a K-ETA using our eligibility checker.

What is a K-ETA?

A K-ETA is a mandatory travel authorization that allows you to enter South Korea. This document replaces the need for a standard visa for citizens of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and others.

It is not a traditional visa or an eVisa (an electronic visa), but for certain nationalities, it is the document required to enter the country along with a passport. You must be from an eligible nationality and be traveling to South Korea for tourism, visiting friends or family, non-profit business activities, medical treatments, meetings, events, or sports competitions. If you need to travel to South Korea for other reasons, you will need to apply for a traditional visa.

Can I travel to South Korea without a K-ETA?

The short answer is no. If you are from an eligible nationality you will need to apply for the K-ETA, although it will fully become mandatory in 2025. If you get now your travel document, you will avoid having to get an Arrival Card in the country. 

Nationalities that are not eligible to apply for the K-ETA must obtain a traditional South Korean visa and an Arrival Card.

Minors under 18 and individuals over 65 are not required to apply for a K-ETA. However, it is recommended that all travelers obtain a K-ETA, as getting an Arrival Card upon arrival in South Korea can delay your trip. Long queues often form at South Korea's entry and control points.

Can I extend the duration of my K-ETA?

No, the K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Types of visas for South Korea

If you need a traditional visa, you have a variety of options to choose from to best suit your needs. Here are some of the ones you might consider:

Temporary Business Visa (C-3-4)

The business visa is for travelers who are unable to obtain a K-ETA and are traveling to South Korea for tourism, study, family visits, conferences, or meetings, provided it is not for profit-making purposes. This visa is also required if the traveler’s stay will exceed 90 days, even if they are eligible for a K-ETA.

You will need the following:

• Temporary Business Visa (C-3-4) Application Form
• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Photocopy of the passport’s biographical page
• Residence permit from your country of residence
• Certificate demonstrating legal residence in your country
• Invitation letter by a South Korean company
• Registration (tax code) of the South Korean company
• Work certificate sealed by an employer from your country of residence
• Bank statement of your current account
• Flight reservation itinerary
• Reservation of your accommodation.

Tourist Visa (C-3-9)

The tourist visa is for travelers who cannot obtain a K-ETA and are traveling to South Korea for tourism, study, family visits, conferences, or meetings, provided they are not traveling for profit-making purposes and for stays of less than 90 days.

You will need the following:

• Tourist Visa (C-3-9) application form
• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Photocopy of the passport’s biographical page
• Residence permit from your country of residence
• Certificate demonstrating legal residence in your country
• Bank statement of your current account
• Flight reservation itinerary
• Reservation of your accommodation
• Written plan of your itinerary from the first day to the last

Working Holiday Visa (H-1)

This visa is available to travelers aged between 18 and 30. The Working Holiday Visa for South Korea is valid for one year and allows you to work and travel in the country.

You will need the following:

• Working Holiday Visa (H-1) application form
• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Photocopy of the passport’s biographical page
• Certificate of your most recent education
• Round-trip flight reservation
• Bank balance certificate
• Criminal record certificate
• Insurance certificate
• Official medical certificate
• Travel plan (purpose, interests, and activity plan)

How can I get a K-ETA?

Getting your travel authorization K-ETA has never been so straightforward than with the platform designed by Visagov. The application process for the K-ETA for South Korea is completely online and you will only need to follow three steps:

1. Fill out the K-ETA application form.
2. Review that the application is complete and that the information provided is accurate.
3. Pay the associated fees.
4. Receive your K-ETA directly in your email within a few days.

What documents are needed to apply for a K-ETA?

To apply for a K-ETA, you will need a valid passport and a color passport-sized photograph.

What are the entry requirements for South Korea?

The entry requirements for South Korea are:

• K-ETA or an approved visa for those nationalities that cannot apply for a K-ETA.
• Valid passport.
• Approved Arrival Card if you cannot obtain a K-ETA and need a traditional visa.

It is highly recommended to carry additional documentation, such as hotel reservations and round-trip tickets, in case authorities request them.

Does my nationality affect the length of my stay?

Yes, your nationality influences how many days you can stay in South Korea with a K-ETA. Depending on your nationality, you may be allowed to stay for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days in the country without needing a traditional visa. 

• 30 days maximum for travelers from countries such as Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Cyprus, Monaco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and others.
• 60 days maximum for travelers from Russia and Lesotho.
• 90 days maximum for travelers from countries such as Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Hong Kong, Colombia, Dominica, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Serbia, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
• 180 days maximum for travelers from Canada.

Can I modify my application if I made a mistake?

No, you cannot modify your application once it has been submitted for review by our visa experts. If you find a mistake, you will need to submit a new application and start the process again.

How much does the K-ETA cost?

The K-ETA costs 10,306 KRW, which is approximately 7 euros, 6 GBP or 7.5 USD.

How long does it take to receive the approved K-ETA?

The approval of the K-ETA usually takes about 3 days, but we recommend applying for it at least 5 days before your trip. Although the process is generally quick, it's better to allow some extra time in case any issues arise.

Is a transit visa required for South Korea?

If you do not leave the international transit area of the airport and stay for less than 24 hours, you won’t need a transit visa for South Korea.

What are the entry points to South Korea?

Since land entry to South Korea is exclusively through North Korea, which is highly restricted, the only ways for the average traveler to access South Korea are by air and sea.

Most commonly, travelers arrive in South Korea by airplane through one of the following airports:

• Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul
• Gimpo International Airport (GMP), near central Seoul
• Busan International Airport (PUS) in Busan
• Jeju International Airport (CJU) on Jeju Island

For seaports, the two most important are:

• Port of Busan
• Port of Incheon