Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows nationals of countries that concluded a visa exemption agreement with the Republic of Korea to enter without a visa as long as the purpose of their visit is tourism or temporary visit. But travellers must be in position of a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). Eligible travellers can enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days under the Visa Exemption Agreement. Foreigners under 17 and over 65 are exempt from obtaining a K-ETA. A Korea Immigration Service officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.
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.
3 years
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 K-ETA remains valid for 3 years from the date of authorization, and multiple entries are typically allowed during its validity period.
from 1 month to 6 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The K-ETA allows stays generally up to 90 days, but the permitted duration may vary by nationality, with a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 6 months.
Not applicable
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.
from 1 day to 3 days
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.
Electronic travel authorization is usually processed between 1 day and 3 days, depending on the country of submission and the individual case.
$10
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.
This is the basic amount charged by the Korean authorities and is not refundable even if the application is rejected. On top of this amount, there is usually an online payment fee, usually around 3% of the amount paid.
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.
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.
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.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Visa application form
Official electronic visa application form on the Visa Portal, completely filled.
Photograph
Digital photograph in natural colour, size 3.5cm x 4.5cm.
Fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
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.
*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.
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 purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa 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.
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.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
B-1
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.
K-ETA
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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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, businessman, visitor
Last updated 2026-04-06