Is A Visa Required In Order To Enter Seoul, Korea?

The Republic of Korea (ROK) requires a valid passport and visa for visitors entering the country. Nationals of visa waiver or visa-free countries may enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes only. However, visa-free travel to South Korea is possible under specific conditions. Passport holders from 110 countries do not need a visa to enter the country, but all visa-exempt nationals between 18 and 64 (inclusive) must have a pre-approved K-ETA.

From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens. For other purposes such as employment or education, proper visas are required. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, US citizens do not require a tourist visa to enter South Korea. British nationals do not need a visa for a visit to South Korea of up to 90 days, but must have an onward or return ticket.

South Korea has established visa exemption agreements with several countries, allowing for hassle-free visits for tourism, business, or visiting relatives. Visitors passport from (선택한 나라명) do not need a visa and can enter Korea by registering for K-ETA (electronic travel authorization). Canadians are exempt from the K-ETA requirement until December 31, 2024, but they cannot change their visa.

A South Korea tourist visa is required for all nationalities that are not visa-exempt. The official code for the ordinary tourist visa is C-3-9. To start the visa application online, visitors must visit a South Korea Visa Application Center.

Can tourists enter South Korea now?

From April 1, 2022, South Korea will resume visa-free travel for travelers, requiring them to apply for a K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours before travel for boarding passes. This change applies to most US visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required in public spaces and public transportation, and travelers must apply for a K-ETA at least 72 hours before travel.

Do I need a visa to visit Seoul, Korea?

US citizens cannot obtain a South Korean visa on arrival, as they do not need a tourist visa. They typically need to apply for a K-ETA for short-term stays, but this requirement has been lifted until December 2024. For long-term stays over 90 days, travelers must obtain a visa from a Korean Government diplomatic office. Around 110 visa-exempt nationalities, including the US, can enter South Korea without a visa for tourism and short-term business purposes. However, most of these visitors must obtain an approved Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), valid for two years and including a multiple-reentry permit for short-term stays.

Which countries can enter Korea without a visa?

South Korea offers visa exemptions to several countries, including Belgium, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, and New Zealand. These exemptions make traveling to South Korea easier for citizens of these countries, allowing them to enjoy a blend of ancient traditions and modernity. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system also facilitates visa exemptions, promoting openness and cultural exchange.

Who needs a visa to enter Korea?

To enter Seoul, visitors must have a valid passport and visa. Visa waiver or visa-free countries can enter the country for tourism purposes without a visa, but proper visas are required for employment or education. Non-visa waiver countries must apply for visas at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate. General passport holders can enter and stay in the Republic of Korea for up to 30 days for tourism or visitation. The visa-waiver agreement with Liberia has been temporarily suspended as of July 18, 2019.

How many days can you go to Korea without visa?

Korea requires visas for visitors staying over 90 days, while those with a visa waiver agreement can enter without a visa, provided they don’t engage in remunerative activities. Canadians can enter for up to six months without a visa. Italy allows up to 60-day visa exemption, while Japan allows up to 90-day visa exemption for ordinary-passport holders through verbal note exchange. The reciprocity principle allows up to 90-day stays from June 15, 2003.

Does Seoul have visa on arrival?

South Korea does not offer visas upon arrival for Indian travelers, so they must obtain a visa before departing. Indian nationals can apply for various types of South Korean visas based on their trip objectives, with specific criteria for each type. The application process requires basic personal, contact, and passport information, and Indians must meet health and safety requirements. A list of necessary South Korea visa documents for Indian citizens can be found online.

Do Brazilians need a visa to South Korea?

Brazilian citizens are permitted to enter South Korea without a visa for a period of up to 90 days. Furthermore, it is necessary to present a valid Brazilian passport for a period of six months beyond the intended stay and proof of onward travel from South Korea. For further details regarding South Korean visas and the application process from Brazil, please refer to the website of the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.

How can I go to Seoul without visa?

Filipinos can visit South Korea without a visa through Jeolla, a southwest region, with Muan International Airport as the entry point. To qualify, they must join a group tour organized by a travel agency and visit North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island. A visa is required for comfortable travel, but the application process is easy and free of charge.

Do I need a visa to travel through South Korea?

South Korean travelers who are transiting through Incheon Airport and who remain within the designated transit area for a period of less than 24 hours do not require a visa, provided that they do not leave the transit area. This policy also applies to travelers departing from all other airports on the same calendar day. The government has established specific visa exemption policies for these travelers. Furthermore, travelers have the option of joining an organized transit tour group in Seoul.

Which countries can enter South Korea without a visa?

As of 2024, regular passport holders from 106 countries visiting South Korea for tourism purposes, including Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, and Barbados, do not require a visa and can enter the country for a short-term stay without a visa. These countries are exempt from South Korea visa requirements and can travel without a visa on arrival.

How much is K-ETA?

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a process for eligible nationals to enter the Republic of Korea visa-free. The process requires an application, which can take over 72 hours depending on various factors. Each approved K-ETA allows multiple visits within the validity period of 3 years in general. However, K-ETA approval is not a guarantee of entry into the Republic of Korea and the final decision will be made by the immigration official at the port of entry.

The validity period of K-ETA is irrelevant with the allowed period of visa-free stay per entry, and those entering the country via K-ETA cannot stay beyond the permitted period of visa-free stay per entry. The K-ETA Application Eligibility Guide provides more information on the allowed period of stay per entry.

K-ETA approval may be denied or cancelled if false or inaccurate information is submitted, and the applicant may be subject to penalties or entry restrictions according to relevant Korean laws. The K-ETA fee is 10, 000KRW (approximately USD $9~10, additional fee excluded), and the center is not responsible for any third party fees for the transaction.

If there are changes to an individual’s information, such as name, sex, date of birth, nationality, passport information, infectious disease, or criminal record, they must apply for a new K-ETA. If there are changes to an individual’s purpose of entry, address in Korea, or contact information after K-ETA approval, they must update this information through the K-ETA website before entering Korea.

K-ETA approval allows for more convenient entry immigration, but it does not accept activities for profit or revenue. If an individual holds both K-ETA and a valid Residence Card (or Overseas Korean Resident Card) when entering South Korea, they are granted the status of stay and period of stay according to their residence card.