South Korea offers a unique experience for travelers, as vibrant major cities are combined with tranquil natural landscapes. Among the must-sees are Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, Jagalchi Market and Haeundae Beach in Busan, and the Manjanggul Caves on Jeju Island.
This guide explains the updated entry requirements for South Korea: what documentation is required, how the trip should be prepared, and what options exist for managing entry authorization depending on nationality and the purpose of travel.
Entry requirements for South Korea
Passport
To enter South Korea, holding a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity is required.
Important if a K-ETA is requested: the K-ETA (when applicable) is valid for up to 3 years or until the passport’s expiration date, whichever comes first. If the passport is renewed, a new K-ETA will usually need to be obtained.
Visa
Many travelers do not need to apply for a traditional visa for South Korea for short stays, and may instead enter with a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), an electronic travel authorization. The K-ETA allows multiple entries during its validity and is valid for up to 3 years from approval or until the passport’s expiration date, whichever comes first.
In addition, South Korea maintains a temporary K-ETA exemption for certain nationalities/regions until December 31, 2026. In those cases, travel may take place without applying for a K-ETA during the exemption period (although it may also be obtained optionally).
Other nationalities will need to apply for a South Korea visa.
If nationality and the purpose of travel allow it, applying for a K-ETA through Visagov is possible. To do so, the form must be completed, the required documentation must be attached, payment for the process must be made, and approval must be awaited, which will be sent by email.
With this document, entry to and exit from South Korea may be made multiple times during its period of validity. The permitted length of stay on each entry depends on nationality and admission conditions.
As of 24/02/2025, South Korea allows submission of the e-Arrival Card (online entry declaration), which is free of charge and completed within the 3 days prior to arrival. In principle, it must be submitted by travelers entering the country, except in certain cases, such as those holding a valid K-ETA or a residence card.
Upon arrival in the country, the passport and the K-ETA or the visa (as applicable) must be presented. In addition, to avoid issues, it is advisable to keep supporting documentation on hand, such as accommodation booking, onward/return ticket, itinerary, or a letter of invitation (if applicable).
Travel insurance
To travel to South Korea, holding medical or travel insurance is not mandatory, but obtaining one is highly recommended. Hospital services in Korea are high quality, but those services are expensive.
Medical care is provided after payment of a prior deposit covering the foreseeable cost of the necessary services. In some cases, a guarantee declaration provided by a Korean citizen is required. Obtaining comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, especially if higher-risk activities are planned.
Vaccines
In general, South Korea does not require mandatory vaccines to enter the country. As an international health reference, yellow fever is only considered in specific cases linked to the origin of travel (for example, if arrival is from areas with risk), so checking this according to the itinerary is advisable.
Even so, before travel it is advisable to review health recommendations and ensure that routine vaccines are up to date:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP/Tdap)
- Influenza (flu)
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- COVID-19
Additionally, depending on the type of trip and the type of traveler, the following are usually recommended:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid fever (Typhoid): Recommended for most travelers, especially if rural areas or small towns are visited, or if staying with residents.
And depending on the specific case:
- Rabies: If contact with animals or higher-risk activities is expected.
- Japanese encephalitis: For long stays or travel to rural areas with greater exposure to mosquitoes.
Malaria is not common in South Korea, but there is a limited, seasonal risk in specific areas. For travel to risk areas, consulting on the need for prophylaxis may be advisable and, in any case, mosquito-avoidance measures should be applied (repellent and long clothing at dawn/dusk).
Currency
South Korea’s currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Card payment is possible almost everywhere, but carrying some cash is a good idea for markets, street stalls, or small shops. To obtain won, withdrawing cash from ATMs that accept foreign cards or exchanging at currency exchange offices is usually the most convenient option; at the airport, exchange rates are usually worse. Some banks may request a passport when exchanging money.
Lastly, it is important to know that tipping is not customary in South Korean culture and may even be considered impolite.
