Last updated 2026-04-27
Visa exemption in South Korea
Visa-free entry
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Certain countries are exempt from obtaining an electronic authorization (K-ETA) to enter South Korea for short-term stays. Travelers who qualify for the K-ETA temporary exemption but wish to enjoy benefits such as not having to submit an arrival card upon entry may still apply for K-ETA and pay the applicable fee. Foreign nationals must submit the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card), a digital form, online at least 3 days prior to entering the country.
Eligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, businessman, visitor
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
Unlimited
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The right of visa-free entry is unlimited as long as the criteria for such entry are met and all applicable rules and laws are complied with.
to 3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The specific duration of stay in South Korea without a visa is determined and recorded by an immigration officer upon arrival, based on established limits and the traveler’s documents. Generally, the visa-free duration of stay is up to 90 days.
Unlimited
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Extension is generally not allowed. Only in exceptional cases if serious circumstances arise that make it impossible to leave South Korea.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The number of visa-free entries is unlimited as long as the criteria for such entry are met and all applicable rules and laws are complied with.
Not applicable
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Foreign nationals must submit the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card), a digital form, online at least 3 days prior to entering the country.
Free of charge
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Visa-free entry is free of fees.
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period of at least 6 months from the end of the trip. Scanned image files of passport pages must also be provided.
e-Arrival Card
Electronic Arrival Card for South Korea (e-Arrival Card) is a digital form that foreign nationals must fill out and submit online before entering the country. The card must be submitted online at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors travelling abroad.
Tickets
Confirming the travel itinerary. Must be issued by an airline or travel company and must contain the applicant's name, flight numbers, and dates.
Proof of financial capability
Business owner: Tax payment certificate, business registration certificate. Employee: Confirmation of social insurance payment, certificate of employment. Other cases: Bank statement under the name of the applicant for the past 6 months (joint accounts are not accepted).
Confirmation of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purpose of the visit and documents confirming it, in accordance with the visa-free entry conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
No criminal record for offenses such as overstaying a visa.
Have not been denied a Korean visa within 1 year prior to the date of entry.
No entry denials to Korea within the last 3 years prior to the date of entry.
No fines exceeding 5 million Korean won, and no departure orders or deportation for legal violations, including illegal stay.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Visa exemption
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Visa exemption
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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