Get my Visa

South Korea Visa Requirements and Application Process

Written By: Laliq Schuman

Fact Checked By: Nikhita Rathod

Mar 1, 2023

9 min read

In this post, I'll guide you through everything you need to know about the Korea Visa and any questions you might have swirling in your mind, from the requirements, application process, and visa fee.

The South Korea Visa is also referred to as a visitor visa.

Do I need a visa for South Korea? No, you don't.

Who needs a visa for Korea? Anyone who isn't part of the visa-free countries.

Type of visa required: Tourist Visa.

Tourist visa cost: USD 40

Tourist visa processing time: 7-10 business days.

Aerial view of a city with houses during sunset

Do I Need A Visa For South Korea?

Before we move on to the brief overview of the visitor visa, we must first investigate who is eligible to get a visa to South Korea.

Do US Citizens Need A Visa For South Korea?

No, you don't. US citizens traveling to Korea must have an approved South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea.

Do US Green Card Holders Need A Visa For South Korea?

This depends on your passport. If you're a nationality of a country that can apply for the K-ETA, you don't need to apply for a visa. However, if your country of nationality isn't, you must apply for a South Korea visa.

Which Countries Can Travel To South Korea Without A Visa?

Citizens from several countries can visit South Korea without a visa for short-term visits. However, foreigners entering under the visa-waiver program are not allowed to work or engage in any remunerated activities.

If you are from one of the countries exempted from a visa but you want to stay longer than the visa exemption allows, you must apply for the corresponding visa before you travel.

South Korea Visa Exemption For Up To 180 Days

Citizens of Canada can enter South Korea without a visa for a stay of up to 180 days.

South Korea Visa Exemption For Up To 90 Days

Citizens of the following countries can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days:

European Union Countries, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Chile Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

South Korea Visa Exemption For Up To 60 Days

Citizens of Lesotho and Russia can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 60 days.

South Korea Visa Exemption For Up To 30 Days

Citizens of the following countries can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Eswatini, Fiji, Guam, Guyana, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Qatar, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tunisia, Tuvalu, and Vatican City.

Other Exemptions From South Korea Visas

You're also exempt from a visa if you have a visa for the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand and you're traveling directly from one of those countries or intend to travel there afterward.

You also don't need a visa for South Korea if you're part of a Chinese group tourist and have a group tourist visa to Japan.

Beautiful view of a temple surrounded by trees during daytime

What Are The South Korea Visa Requirements For US Citizens?

Before applying for your Tourist visa to South Korea, I would recommend gathering all the required documents. Your visa may be rejected if these documents aren't in order.

The following documents are needed for your application:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
Minimum of 3 blank pages in your passport.
2 passport sized photographs.
Personal Covering letter.
Original bank statements of the last 6 months to prove that you have the financial means to cover the costs of your trip.
Confirmed return flight tickets.
Proof that you have hotel reservations.
Payslip to show that you paid the visa fee.
Vaccination certificate for yellow fever if you travel through or a come from a yellow fever area.
If you are employed, you need to show proof of leave.
If you are retired, you have to provide your pension book or statements.
If you are visiting a friend or a relative, you need to provide an invitation letter, the inviter's ID proof like a passport, and proof of address.

The Embassy can ask for other documents (additional documents).

What Are The Minimum Bank Requirements For A Korea Visa?

The exact amount can vary, but it is typically recommended to have at least USD 1000-USD 2000 in your bank account, depending on the length of your stay. Generally, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses and support yourself while in Korea.

Passport Photo Requirements For A Korean Visa

The passport photo requirements for a Korean visa are as follows:

The photo must be 3.5cm x 4.5cm in size.
The photo must be a color passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months.
The background of the photo must be plain white or light-colored.
Your face must be centered in the photo.
Your expression must be neutral, with your mouth closed, eyes open, and visible.
You should not wear glasses or headwear obscuring your face except for religious purposes.
The photo should be high-quality and clear, without blurring, shadows, or red-eye.

It is important to carefully follow these requirements to ensure your visa application is not delayed or rejected. It is recommended to have your photo taken by a professional photographer who is familiar with the requirements for Korean visas.

Photo of the South Korean flag on a lamp post surrounded by trees during daytime

How Do I Apply For A Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa from one of the Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Korea abroad, like an embassy or a consulate.

If you have a sponsor or host in South Korea, they can request a visa on your behalf through the Visa Portal of the Korea Immigration Office.

How Do I Apply For My Visa At A Korean Embassy?

If you don't have a sponsor in South Korea that can request a visa on your behalf, you will have to find the South Korean embassy or Consulate responsible for your area and apply there. The Korean embassy will also give you all the travel information you need.

The application process is as follows:

Book Your Appointment:

First, check if you need to schedule a consular appointment beforehand. You can book an appointment online on the Korean Embassy website.

Complete The Application Form

Then, once you schedule your appointment, you must complete the application form. You can get the form at the embassy or online.

Make sure you complete the form truthfully. If you provide false or incorrect information, your visa will be rejected.

Gather The Documents And Submit Your Application

Next, you need to gather all the required documents listed above. Then, attend your visa appointment. You might need to answer a few questions about your travels. Once that's done, you can submit your application (documents and application form) and pay the visa fee.

Wait For Your Visa

All you have to do then is wait for them to process your visa. After your application is processed, you have to go back to the Diplomatic Representation office. If the visa is approved, it will be affixed to your passport, and you can then use it to enter South Korea.

They will notify you via email or any other contact number you provide when your visa is processed.

Suppose you have a sponsor in South Korea, and you fall under any of the categories mentioned below. In that case, your sponsor can apply for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance on your behalf.

The categories that make you eligible for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance are:

If you are traveling for business, you are invited by a South Korean company.
If you travel for medical reasons.
If you travel for academic purposes.
If you are an investor and have been invited by a promotion agency of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business of South Korea.
If you travel with a tourist group, Chinese citizens only.

If your sponsor wants to apply for a Confirmation of Visa Issuance, they have to:

Complete the online Visa application form.
Pay the fee.
Attach the required documents for the visa.
Wait for the Confirmation of visa Issuance.
Print out the confirmation (if your application is confirmed) and send it to you.

What Should I Do After My South Korea Visa Issuance Is Confirmed?

After the Korean Immigration Office confirms your visa, you have to send the letter of Confirmation of Visa Issuance to the nearest South Korean Consulate or embassy and receive a Visa on your passport.

A Quick Overview Of The South Korea Visa

This section briefly discusses everything you need to know about South Korea visas.

What Is A South Korea Tourist Visa?

A South Korea Tourist Visa is a visa that is issued to passport holders who want to enter South Korea for tourism or recreational purposes. You can receive a tourist visa if you're traveling for one of the following reasons:

Tourism.
Transit.
To receive medical treatment in a hospital in South Korea.
To visit a family member or a friend.
To attend a religious, cultural, music, or sporting event.
Another short-term reason.

A South Korea Tourist Visa allows you to stay in South Korea for 90 days.

When you are in South Korea on a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work or engage in any other remunerated activities.

What Are The Costs for A South Korea Tourist Visa?

The single entry visa that allows you to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days is USD 40.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Korean Visa?

7-10 business days. However, it can take up to 2 weeks. The processing time for your visa changes depending on which Consulate or embassy you apply at.

The processing time does not include weekends or public holidays. So, make sure you submit your application at least 15 days before you plan to travel, but no earlier than 3 months.

How Can I Extend My Visa?

If you want to extend your South Korea Visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Office in South Korea. However, you must apply for the visa extension with your travel document 4 months before your visa expires. In addition, you will have to meet all the visa requirements.

That's it!

There you go! Everything you need to know about applying for your very own South Korea Tourist Visa. Travel your heart out, and then eat it out with some Korean barbecue. Seriously it's excellent! For further information, you can check out the FAQ section.

The detailed information of the post are from reliable sources:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA.

Written By: Laliq Schuman

Fact Checked By: Nikhita Rathod

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Countries Do Not Need A Visa To Travel To South Korea?

Citizens of Canada can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 180 days. Countries that are eligible for visa exemption are:

European Union Countries (except Cyprus), Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States(US Citizens), Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Citizens of these countries can visit South Korea for 90 days.

What Are The Types Of South Korean Visas?

Visa applicants can apply for one of the following visa types:

Visit Visa (B-2): This visa allows individuals to visit the United States for tourism, vacation, or to visit family or friends. The duration of stay is typically limited to six months, but can be extended under certain circumstances.
Business Visa (B-1): This visa is intended for individuals traveling to the United States for business purposes, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or conducting other business-related activities. It does not allow for any employment in the United States.
Student Visa (F-1): This visa is for individuals who wish to pursue a full-time academic program in the United States. It is also available to those participating in language training programs or vocational studies.
Work Visa (H-1B): This visa is for individuals who have been offered a job in a specialty occupation in the United States. It is typically granted to individuals who have at least a bachelor's degree in their field of specialty.
Transit/Ship Crew Visa (C-1/D): This visa is for individuals who are traveling through the United States on their way to another country, or for those who work on a ship or aircraft and need to enter the United States as part of their duties.

Can I Extend My Korean Visa While I'm In Korea?

Yes, it is possible to extend your Korean visa while you are in Korea. However, the extension process can be complex and there are specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for an extension. It's important to plan ahead and make sure that you submit your extension application before your visa expires.

Can I Work On A Tourist Visa In Korea?

No, it is not legal to work on a tourist visa in Korea. If you want to work in Korea, you will need to apply for a work visa and meet the specific requirements for that visa type.

Can I Apply For A Korean Visa If I Have Previously Been Denied A Visa?

Yes, you can apply for a Korean visa even if you have previously been denied a visa. However, it's important to be aware that previous visa denials can make it more difficult to obtain a visa in the future. You may need to provide additional documentation or evidence of your eligibility in order to have your application approved.

What Should I Do If My Korean Visa Application Is Rejected?

If your Korean visa application is rejected, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply for a visa at a later date. It's important to review the reasons for your visa denial and make sure that you address any issues before submitting a new application. Working with an experienced visa consultant or lawyer can also be helpful in these situations.

What Is A K-ETA?

A Korea Electronic Travel Authorization is for visa-free foreign national visitors. The K-ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission to the Republic of Korea.

A Korea Immigration Service officer at the port of entry will have the final determination. If you are a visa-free foreign visitor (such as US passport holder), it is mandatory that you get a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. A K-ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of authorization.

What Are The Costs For A K-ETA?

The fee is KRW 10,000, approximately USD 9 - USD 10. So check the costs before you decide to apply.

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