South Korea Tourist Visa

Requirements for visiting South Korea depend primarily on your citizenship, the length of your stay, and your reason for travel.

Short-Term Tourism (Under 90 Days)

• Visa-Exempt Nationalities: Citizens from roughly 110 countries (including the U.S., Canada, EU countries, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand) can enter South Korea without a visa for short-term tourism, generally up to 90 days.

• K-ETA Requirement & Waivers:

  • Normally, visa-exempt travelers must register for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online prior to departure.

  • Current Waiver: Travelers holding passports from 22 specific countries/regions (including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most EU nations) are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement through December 31, 2026.

• Required Entry Documents:

  • Valid passport (recommended to have at least 6 months validity remaining).

  • Return or onward flight ticket.

  • Arrival Card or Q-Code (health declaration form, filled out online prior to flight or at airport).

Tourist Visa (C-3-9) for Non-Exempt Passports

If your citizenship requires a traditional visa for South Korea (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria), you must apply for a C-3-9 Ordinary Tourist Visa before traveling.

Core Application Requirements:

• Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages.

• Application Form: Completed visa form signed by the applicant.

• Passport Photo: Standard passport photo taken against a white background.

• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements (typically 3–6 months) showing sufficient funds to cover the trip.

• Travel Details: Flight reservation and hotel booking confirmations.

• Employment/Income Proof: Certificate of employment, tax returns, or business registration documents.

How to Apply for a C-3-9 Visa

1. Online Pre-Application or Visa Portal: Visit the official Korea Visa Portal to fill out the application or locate your local embassy/consulate guidelines.

2. Submit Documents: Submit your passport and physical documents either directly to the nearest Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Korea or through an authorized Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) depending on your jurisdiction.

3. Pay Processing Fee: Single-entry visa fees typically range from $40 to $50 USD.

4. Processing Time: Usually ranges between 5 to 14 business days.