Updated: 8 July 2026.
⚠️ Important 2026 update : K-ETA exemption extended, new mandatory e-Arrival Card
South Korea's K-ETA exemption for eligible countries/territories has been extended through 31 December 2026, and now covers 67 countries/territories (up from the earlier, smaller list). Travelers from these K-ETA-exempt countries no longer need a K-ETA, but must now complete a new mandatory e-Arrival Card online before arrival. All other visa-free nationalities not on the exemption list still require a standard K-ETA (KRW 10,000, valid 2 years).
Effective: K-ETA exemption runs through 31 December 2026; e-Arrival Card now mandatory for exempt travelers
Source: K-ETA Official Portal
Citizens of 112 countries can enter South Korea visa-free for 30-90 days. The K-ETA requirement is exempted through 31 December 2026 for 67 eligible countries/territories, which must instead submit a mandatory e-Arrival Card.
K-ETA: KRW 10,000 (~$7). Valid 2 years. Required for: visa-free nationals NOT on the K-ETA exemption list. Exempted for: 67 countries/territories through 31 December 2026, which must instead submit the new mandatory e-Arrival Card before travel.
When: Apply/submit at least 24 hours before departure
Register Now →Planning a trip to South Korea? This 2026 guide explains the visa rules, costs and entry requirements for South Korea, plus the practical travel details you need before you go. Below you will find the key facts at a glance, followed by visa categories, required documents and a step-by-step application guide.
South Korea : Country Information
- Capital: Seoul
- Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
- Official language: Korean
- Main airports: Incheon Intl (ICN), Gimpo (GMP), Busan (PUS)
| Key Facts : South Korea | |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ K-ETA | Mandatory : When required: apply at least 24 hours before departure. Register here |
| Visa Exemption | Yes (110+ countries : 30 to 90 days) |
| K-ETA Required | Yes for most visa-free nationals (USD 10); exempted through 31 Dec 2026 for 67 countries/territories, which need the new mandatory e-Arrival Card instead |
| Short-Term Visa (C-3) | Single/double entry, 90 days max |
| Visa Fee | USD 40-80 (single/multiple entry) |
| Processing Time | 3-5 business days (online/embassy) |
| Passport Validity | Valid throughout intended stay |
| Capital | Seoul |
| Currency | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Main Airports | ICN (Seoul Incheon), GMP (Seoul Gimpo), PUS (Busan Gimhae), CJU (Jeju) |
Introduction
South Korea receives over 10 million tourists annually. Major airports are Incheon International (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP) in Seoul, Gimhae (PUS) in Busan. The Korea Immigration Service (KIS) manages all visa and entry matters. Most nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 or 90 days, but must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before boarding.
Visa-Free Entry & K-ETA
Citizens of 110+ countries may enter visa-free. Most visa-free nationalities must apply for a K-ETA before travel at k-eta.immigration.go.kr (fee: KRW 10,000 / ~USD 7.50), valid for multiple visits over 2 years. However, 67 countries/territories (including the USA and UK) are exempt from the K-ETA through 31 December 2026; travelers from these exempt countries must instead complete a new mandatory e-Arrival Card online before arrival. Check the official site for the current exemption list.
Business & Work
Business activities on a short-term stay (C-3 visa or visa-free): up to 90 days for meetings, conferences and negotiations. For employment in Korea, a work visa (E-series) is required : categories include E-2 (English teaching), E-7 (special designated activities), D-8 (corporate investment). Apply through a Korean embassy or consulate.
Required Documents (Short-Term Visa)
- Valid passport (valid throughout stay)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of financial means
- Return or onward ticket
- Accommodation confirmation
- Purpose of visit documents (invitation letter for business)
Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (pre-travel) | KRW 10,000 (~USD 7.50) |
| Short-Term (C-3, single) | USD 40 |
| Short-Term (C-3, multiple) | USD 80 |
| Work Visa (E-series) | USD 60-90 |
How to Apply
- Check if you need a K-ETA at k-eta.immigration.go.kr
- Apply for K-ETA online (if required) : approval usually within 72 hours
- If a full visa is needed, apply at a Korean embassy or consulate
- Complete the online application form and upload documents
- Pay the fee and submit; receive your visa sticker or approval
Official Links
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
How to get the South Korea visa?
- Check whether you need a visa. Confirm your nationality's requirement for South Korea in the table above (visa-free, eVisa, visa on arrival or consular visa).
- Choose the right visa type for your trip : tourism, business, transit, work or study.
- Prepare your documents: a passport valid at least 6 months, a recent photo, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Apply online (eVisa) or at the nearest South Korea embassy/consulate, and pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa and print or save the approval before you travel to South Korea.
For the exact fee, processing time and document list for your nationality, see the dedicated requirements and fees guides linked on this page.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: 8 July 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at K-ETA Official Portal before travel. This page is for informational purposes only.
Complete Visa Categories
| Category | Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) | Up to 90 days | KRW 10,000 (~USD 8) | Required for visa-free nationals not on the exemption list; online at k-eta.go.kr |
| Tourist | e-Arrival Card (K-ETA-exempt travelers) | Up to 90 days | Free | Mandatory online submission for the 67 K-ETA-exempt countries/territories (exemption runs through 31 Dec 2026), incl. US, UK, Japan, Australia |
| Tourist | Visa-Free Entry | 30-90 days (nationality dependent) | Free | US, EU, Japan, Australia, etc. : currently 90 days visa-free for many countries |
| Tourist | Tourist Visa (C-3-9) | 90 days | USD 40 (single) / USD 70 (multiple) | Embassy application, itinerary, financial proof |
| Business | Short-term Business (C-3-4) | 90 days | USD 40 | Business invitation from Korean company, company registration |
| Work | E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) | Up to 3 years | USD 60 | Job offer in specialized field, employer sponsorship, qualifications |
| Work | E-1 to E-5 (Professional) | 1-3 years | USD 60 | University professor, language instructor, researcher, technical specialist |
| Work | E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) | Up to 3 years | USD 60 | EPS (Employment Permit System), bilateral agreement countries, manufacturing/agriculture |
| Work | H-1 (Working Holiday) | 1 year | Free or USD 40 | Age 18-30, bilateral agreement country, limited work permitted |
| Work | D-8 (Investor) | 2-5 years | USD 60 | Investment of KRW 100M+ (~USD 75,000) in Korean business |
| Student | D-2 (Student) | Duration of course | USD 60 | Acceptance from Korean institution, financial proof (KRW 20M in bank), study plan |
| Student | D-4 (Language Training) | Up to 2 years | USD 60 | Korean language institute enrollment, financial proof |
| Family | F-6 (Spouse of Korean National) | Up to 3 years | USD 60 | Marriage to Korean citizen, proof of genuine relationship, basic Korean ability |
| Family | F-1 (Family Visit) | 90 days | USD 60 | Visiting family in Korea, relationship proof |
| Family | F-4 (Overseas Korean) | Up to 3 years | USD 60 | Ethnic Korean with foreign citizenship (certain conditions) |
| Long-term | F-5 (Permanent Residence) | Indefinite | USD 60 | 5+ years residence, income threshold, Korean language ability, or investment KRW 500M+ |
| Transit | Transit (no visa) | N/A | Free | Airside transit without leaving airport : no visa needed |
| Diplomatic | Diplomatic / Official | Duration of posting | Free | Diplomatic passport |
Processing Times by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Expedited Processing | Expedited Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-ETA | Instant to 72 hours | N/A | N/A |
| Visa-Free Entry | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Tourist Visa (C-3-9) | 5-10 business days | 3 business days (some embassies) | Varies |
| E-7 Work Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A | N/A |
| D-2 Student Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A | N/A |
| F-6 Spouse Visa | 1-3 months | N/A | N/A |
| F-5 Permanent Residence | 3-6 months | N/A | N/A |
Health & Character Requirements
- Medical exam: Required for E-type (work) visa holders after arrival : conducted at designated hospitals. Includes HIV, drug screening, chest X-ray, and general health assessment.
- Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for entry.
- Health insurance: National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment mandatory for all visa holders staying 6+ months (since 2021).
- COVID-19: No vaccination or testing requirements as of 2026. Q-CODE registration recommended for expedited entry.
- Police clearance: Not routinely required for visa applications. May be requested for certain employment or residence categories.
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo collected at immigration for all foreign nationals aged 17+.
Visa Extension & Renewal
- Visa-free / K-ETA: Cannot be extended. Must leave before the 90-day limit.
- Tourist visa (C-3): Generally not extendable. Apply for a different visa status if needing to stay longer.
- Work visas (E-type): Renewable at the local Immigration Office before expiry. Must maintain qualifying employment.
- Student visa (D-2): Renewable with continued enrollment and adequate academic performance.
- Status change: Possible within Korea at the Immigration Office (e.g., D-2 student to E-7 work).
- Overstay: Fines, detention, deportation, and re-entry ban of 1-10 years. Voluntary departure reporting may reduce penalties.
Visa Refusal & Appeals
- Common refusal reasons: Insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to home country, previous Korean visa violations, criminal record, suspected intent to overstay or work illegally.
- Appeal: No formal appeal for tourist/short-stay visa refusals. Work and residence visa refusals can be reconsidered with additional documentation or through employer intervention.
- Reapplication: Can reapply after 6 months for C-3 visa refusals (some embassies). Other visa types may allow earlier reapplication.