South Korea is an Asian gem that offers an unmatched blend of tradition and modernity. Imagine strolling through the districts of Seoul, where towering skyscrapers reflect the sky, while just steps away you can find Buddhist temples nestled in the mountains. Embark on an unprecedented culinary journey as you discover the country to the rhythm of K-Pop. Ready to experience every corner of South Korea? Plan your trip by learning how to get the visa or K-ETA for South Korea, its requirements, and all the information you need to enter the country.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?
In general, traveling to South Korea requires a visa or a K-ETA, depending on your nationality. However, the South Korean Government has extended the temporary K-ETA exemption until December 31, 2026 for nationalities that would normally be required to apply for it. This means that, during this period, many travelers can enter South Korea without needing to apply for it, although it's still recommended to do so voluntarily.
Citizens of the USA, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Morocco are just some of the travelers who benefit from this exemption, who under normal conditions would need to apply for a K-ETA.
You can check whether your nationality is affected by the exemption or whether you need to apply for a K-ETA with our eligibility checker.
What is a K-ETA?
A K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization that allows entry into South Korea without the need to apply for a traditional visa. This document applies to citizens of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Morocco, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, among others.
It is not a traditional visa or an e-visa, but for certain nationalities it is the standard document for entering the country along with the passport when not covered by a temporary exemption. In addition to holding an eligible nationality, you must be traveling to South Korea for tourism, visiting friends or family, non-profit business, medical treatment, meetings, events, or sports competitions, among others. If you need to travel to Korea for other reasons, you'll need to apply for a traditional visa.
Can I travel to South Korea without a K-ETA?
Yes, currently you can, thanks to the temporary exemption in effect until December 31, 2026 for nationalities normally eligible for the K-ETA. During this period, these travelers can enter South Korea without having applied for it in advance.
Even so, we recommend applying for it voluntarily: doing so lets you skip filling out the paper Arrival Card upon arrival and speeds up passage through immigration control. At Visagov you can apply for your K-ETA online in just a few minutes, without needing to wait until you're at the airport.
Nationalities not eligible for the K-ETA will still need a traditional visa for South Korea along with the Arrival Card.
Can I extend the validity of my K-ETA?
No, the K-ETA for South Korea typically has a validity of up to 3 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Types of visas for South Korea
If you need a visa for South Korea, don't worry: the country offers different types tailored to each traveler's needs, especially if your nationality isn't covered by the K-ETA or its exemption. Here are some you could apply for:
Temporary Business Visa (C-3-4)
This visa is for travelers who cannot opt for a K-ETA and are traveling to the country for tourism, studies, family visits, conferences, or meetings, provided it's not for profit. It will also be required, even if you'd otherwise qualify for a K-ETA, if your stay is going to exceed 90 days.
To obtain this visa you must submit the following documents:
- Temporary Business Visa (C-3-4) application form.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Photocopy of the passport's biographical page.
- Photocopy and original of your residence permit in your country of residence.
- Certificate proving your legal residence in the country.
- Letter of invitation from a Korean company.
- Registration (tax code) of the Korean company.
- Original employment certificate stamped by your company.
- Original bank statement certificate for your checking account.
- Flight reservation.
- Confirmed accommodation reservation.
Tourist Visa (C-3-9)
The tourist visa is for nationalities that cannot opt for a K-ETA and are traveling to the country for tourism, studies, family visits, conferences, or non-profit meetings, for stays of less than 90 days.
To obtain this visa you must submit the following documents:
- Tourist Visa (C-3-9) application form.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Photocopy of the passport's biographical page.
- Photocopy and original of your residence permit in your country of residence.
- Certificate proving your legal residence in the country.
- Original bank statement certificate for your checking account.
- Flight reservation.
- Confirmed accommodation reservation.
- Written itinerary plan, from the first to the last day.
Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
This visa is for certain nationalities and applicants between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. It has a duration of one year and allows you to work and travel around the country.
To obtain this visa you must submit the following documents:
- Working Holiday Visa (H-1) application form.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Photocopy of the passport's biographical page.
- Certificate of your most recent academic degree.
- Round-trip flight reservation.
- Bank balance certificate.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Insurance certificate.
- Official medical certificate.
- Trip plan (purpose, interests, and activities).
How can I get the K-ETA travel authorization?
Getting a K-ETA is simple with the Visagov platform. The application process is done entirely online and is very easy, in four steps:
- Fill out the K-ETA application form.
- Check that the application is complete and that the information provided is accurate.
- Pay the fee associated with the process.
- Receive your K-ETA directly by email within a few days.
If you'd rather avoid paperwork at the airport and travel with the peace of mind of having your documentation sorted out in advance, you can apply for your K-ETA with Visagov before your flight.
What documents are needed to apply for a K-ETA?
To apply for a K-ETA you'll need a valid passport and a color passport-size photo.
What are the entry requirements for South Korea?
The entry requirements for South Korea are:
- K-ETA (if your nationality requires it and you're not covered by the current exemption) or an approved visa for nationalities that cannot apply for a K-ETA.
- Valid passport.
- Approved Arrival Card if you cannot apply for a K-ETA and need a traditional visa.
We strongly recommend carrying additional documentation with you, such as your hotel reservation and round-trip tickets.
Does my nationality affect my length of stay?
Yes, your nationality affects how many days you can stay in South Korea under the visa exemption program. Depending on your nationality, you may stay for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days.
- 30-day maximum stay for travelers from countries such as Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Cyprus, Monaco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, among others.
- 60-day maximum stay for travelers from Russia and Lesotho.
- 90-day maximum stay for travelers from countries such as Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Hong Kong, Colombia, Dominica, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Serbia, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
- 180-day maximum stay for travelers from Canada.
