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South Korea travel requirements

South Korea visa and entry requirements

Check the visa and entry requirements for South Korea based on your passport and trip, then continue to the correct official route.

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South Korea travel destination landscape

Check South Korea requirements

Select your passport country to see the visa and entry requirements that may apply for South Korea.

Know what you need

Check visa and entry requirements based on your passport and destination.

Official requirements, simplified

Clear guidance based on current government sources.

Official application routes

Go directly to the correct government application or information page.

Ready-to-apply checklist

Know what information and documents to prepare before you start.

Plan your trip with clear, practical guidance at every step.

eVisa Immigration is an independent travel-document service and is not affiliated with any government.

Travel documents made clearer

Visas, ETAs and arrival cards for destinations worldwide.

South Korea's short-stay route depends on passport and current exemption status. Some visa-free travellers need K-ETA, specified nationalities are temporarily exempt through the end of 2026, and visa-required travellers need the appropriate Korean visa. The e-Arrival Card is a separate declaration for travellers who are required to submit one.

Check requirements

Check your requirements

Use the official K-ETA and Korea Visa Portal guidance for your passport. If you hold a valid K-ETA, you do not submit an arrival card; other foreign travellers may need the free e-Arrival Card unless another exemption applies.

Who needs a visa or travel document?

Visa, travel-authorisation and arrival-declaration requirements for South Korea depend on passport, purpose and current exemption status. Check the official source linked with the relevant option for the current rule that applies to you.

K-ETA is not a visa. The permitted visa-free stay varies by nationality, and travellers who need a visa must use the appropriate Korean visa route.

For work, study, residence or other travel purposes, check the relevant government requirements separately.

Other visa and entry options

Other options may apply depending on your passport, travel purpose and intended stay:

Temporary K-ETA exemption: South Korea has extended a temporary K-ETA exemption for specified nationalities through 31 December 2026. Check the official K-ETA notice for the current exempt list.

South Korea visa and entry options

Compare the documents that may apply to your trip, including who they are for, permitted stays and processing guidance.

Electronic travel authorisation

Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

Visa-free passport holders who are required to obtain K-ETA and are not covered by a current exemption.

Allows

Visa-free travel to seek entry for the permitted short-stay purposes attached to the traveller's nationality.

Validity

Three years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.

Entries

Multiple journeys while valid

Maximum stay

The visa-free stay period varies by nationality; K-ETA does not extend that period.

Official processing guidance

Assessment typically takes 72 hours or less, but it can take longer. There is no expedited K-ETA service.

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You can also apply directly through the official government website without paying our service fee. Government fees may still apply.

Electronic entry declaration

Korea e-Arrival Card

Foreign nationals who are required to submit an arrival card and are not covered by an exemption such as a valid K-ETA or residence card.

Allows

Advance submission of entry information; it does not replace a visa or K-ETA.

Validity

For the declared arrival.

Entries

One entry declaration

Maximum stay

Not applicable; visa or visa-free status determines the stay.

Official processing guidance

Complete and submit within three days before arrival in Korea.

Apply on the official government website

Short-term visa

South Korea Short-Term Visitor Visa

Visa-required travellers and other applicants who need a Korean short-term visa rather than visa-free entry with K-ETA.

Allows

Short-term purposes permitted by the C-series or other visa category issued.

Validity

As stated on the visa issued.

Entries

Single or multiple entry depending on eligibility and visa issued

Maximum stay

Short-term categories handled through diplomatic missions are generally for stays of 90 days or less, subject to the specific visa.

Official processing guidance

Processing times and fees vary by diplomatic mission, nationality and visa category.

Apply on the official government website

What to prepare

Have these details and documents ready before you apply. Additional documents may be requested depending on your passport, travel purpose or application.

The passport that will be used for travel

Current contact, itinerary and accommodation information

A compliant photograph where the application requests one

Purpose-specific evidence requested by the issuing authority

Processing times

Processing times vary by document and authority. Use the official guidance shown with the relevant option and apply early enough for government review.

Plan around official processing times

Government processing times can vary. Apply early and use the guidance shown for the document you need.

Continue to the official application

Visa, travel-authorisation and entry decisions are made by the relevant government and border authorities.

Your application checklist

Confirm the right route, prepare your details and documents, then continue to the official application when you are ready.

1

Check your requirements

Start with your passport country and destination to see the relevant travel document route.

2

Complete the online form

Use the official South Korea application or declaration service linked from the relevant route.

3

Upload required documents

Provide only the passport, photograph, travel and purpose-specific evidence requested by the authority.

4

Review your details

Check that your application details match your passport and travel itinerary exactly.

5

Submit your application

Submit through the official authority and retain its receipt or reference number.

6

Receive updates by email

Keep the authority's decision and any government emails accessible while travelling.

Prepare with confidence

Follow a clear route from checking requirements to preparing the details requested by the relevant authority.

Before you travel

Keep government decisions and confirmations accessible, and check the official rules again before departure.

Check that your passport validity meets the destination rules
Confirm your travel dates and accommodation details
Review the latest entry conditions before departure
Carry the approved document if required, digitally or printed
Keep government emails and status updates accessible while travelling
Requirements can change before departure

South Korea travel document questions

Answers to common questions about South Korea visas and entry requirements.

K-ETA is normally valid for three years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first, and can be used for multiple journeys while valid.

Check what you need for your trip

Check your requirements for South Korea and continue to the relevant official application route.

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