South Korea Visa Requirements: Your Complete Guide for 2025

South Korea’s rich culture, booming technology, and vibrant cities make it a top destination for global travelers. If you’re planning to visit or stay longer in Korea, understanding the current visa requirements is essential. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, student, or digital nomad, this guide breaks down the latest entry rules, application steps, and tips for a smooth journey.

Essential Highlights

Most travelers need a valid passport and, depending on nationality, may require a visa or K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization).
Over 110 countries have visa-free entry agreements, allowing short stays—but most require K-ETA prior to arrival.
The K-ETA is typically valid for multiple entries over three years and must be secured online before travel.
Special visas (e.g., digital nomad, student, business) have additional documentation requirements.
Document requirements and visa processes can frequently change—always check with official or trusted sources before you travel.
Visit Requirements.co.za’s dedicated South Korea page for the most up-to-date info, and consult the main visa requirements portal for other destinations.

Overview: Who Needs a Visa for South Korea?
K-ETA & Visa-Free Entry Explained
Types of South Korea Visas
Application Process & Required Documents
Digital Nomad & Long-Stay Visas
Entry, Arrival, and Health Requirements
Top Resources for South Korea Visa Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Overview: Who Needs a Visa for South Korea?

South Korea offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 110 countries for stays of 30–90 days.

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you typically do not need a traditional visa for short stays, but you must apply for the K-ETA before travel[7].
For all other nationalities, or if you plan to stay long-term, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Korean embassy or consulate.
The list of countries eligible for visa-free entry is extensive, including much of Europe, North America, Oceania, and key countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa*[7].

Important: Due to frequent changes—especially following COVID-19—always confirm your eligibility through official resources or on Requirements.co.za.

K-ETA & Visa-Free Entry Explained

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is mandatory for most short-term travelers from visa-free countries.

Apply for K-ETA at least 24–72 hours before boarding your flight[1][7].
Once approved, the K-ETA is valid for multiple entries over three years.
Nationals from 22 countries are temporarily exempt from K-ETA for tourism purposes until the end of 2025, but check current status before you travel*[1].

K-ETA Exception
Some travelers (e.g., diplomats, certain official visitors) and those from specifically exempt countries do not need a K-ETA.

How to Apply:
– Apply through the official K-ETA website or mobile app.
– Required: valid passport, personal info, travel details, and payment of a processing fee.

Types of South Korea Visas

Choose your visa based on the purpose and length of your stay.

Short-Term Visit (Tourist, Business, Family):
- Short-Term Visitor (C-3): For tourism, business meetings, family visits.
- Transit and B-Visa: For travelers passing through Korea.
Long-Term Stay:
- Work Visa (E-series): For employment, teaching, professional work.
- Student Visa (D-2, D-4): For full-time study or language programs.
- Family/Dependent Visa (F-series): For spouses, children, or parents of residents.
Specialized Visa:
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers meeting specific financial and employment requirements[8].
- Cultural, Religious, or Research Visas: Available for specific activities.

For detailed categories and the latest documentation, refer to the Korean Visa Portal.

Application Process & Required Documents

Applying for a South Korea visa involves several steps—accuracy is important to avoid delays.

Application Steps:
1. Complete the Online Application
– Use the Korean Visa Portal or your nearest embassy.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
– Passport: Valid for at least 6 months after your intended entry date.
– Visa application form: Fully completed, signed, and matching your passport details[1][5].
– *Passport-size photo: Usually 3.5cm x 4.5cm, plain background, no glasses[5].
– *Proof of purpose: Hotel bookings, invitation letters, business cover letter, or admission letters depending on visa type[5].
– *Financial proof: Bank statements, employment letters, or sponsorship as relevant.
– Special requirements (e.g., apostille for some documents) may apply for digital nomad or long-term visas*[8].
3. Pay the Application Fee
– Fees vary depending on your nationality and visa type.
4. Submit at Embassy/Consulate or Online
– Some visas require in-person interviews or biometric data.
5. Track and Collect Your Visa

Key Tip: Double-check document requirements for your specific visa class and country using Requirements.co.za’s South Korea page.

Digital Nomad & Long-Stay Visas

South Korea launched new visa categories to attract digital nomads and remote workers.

The digital nomad visa is open to non-Korean remote workers who meet income and employment verification requirements[8].
Proof of employment, income, international health insurance, and sometimes background checks with apostille are required.
Applications can now be filed while in Korea or from abroad, depending on your situation.
Processing time ranges from 10–15 days but may vary by embassy or documentation.

Long-term visas (e.g., student, family, employment) have specific requirements; always confirm with the Korean immigration office or your local consulate.

Entry, Arrival, and Health Requirements

Entry requirements do not end at the visa. Prepare for documentation checks and health screenings on arrival.

Arrival Card: Most travelers must submit an Arrival Card (E-Arrival) online within three days before arrival*[5].
Health Declarations: Check for any updated travel health requirements, especially post-pandemic. South Korea may require proof of vaccination or health screening if recent policy changes warrant it.
Sufficient Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has empty visa pages*[4][5].
Proof of Onward Travel: Immigration officers may request to see proof of onward or return travel and accommodation bookings.
Overstaying: This is taken seriously in Korea—overstays can lead to fines or future entry bans*[4].

Top Resources for South Korea Visa Information

For the most reliable visa updates and detailed requirements, consult these resources:

Requirements.co.za’s South Korea Visa Requirements – Up-to-date requirements for South African and global travelers.
Requirements.co.za Main Visa Portal – Visa and entry details for numerous countries.
Korean Visa Portal – Official site for visa categories, document lists, and applications.
K-ETA Official Site – K-ETA applications and information.
CIBTvisas – Comprehensive guidance for business and leisure travelers.
Travisa – Application forms, guidelines, and photo requirements.
Digital Nomads Korea – In-depth info for remote workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a visa to visit South Korea for tourism?
If you’re from a visa-exempt country (including most of Europe, North America, Oceania, and key Asian nations), you can visit for 30–90 days without a visa, but you must usually get a K-ETA before you go. Check your eligibility on Requirements.co.za or the official visa portal[1][7].

2. What is the K-ETA and who needs it?
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization required for many short-term visitors from visa-free countries. You must apply online and get approval before boarding your flight. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt—always verify before traveling[1][7].

3. Can I work in South Korea as a tourist?
No. Working is not permitted on a tourist visa or visa-free entry; you must apply for a work visa (e.g., E-2 for English teachers, E-7 for professionals) before arrival[1][7][8].

4. How long does it take to get a South Korea visa?
Processing times vary: short-term visas typically 5–15 days, long-term/work/student visas may take longer. Digital nomad visas currently take 10–15 days after submitting all documents[8].

5. What documents do I need for my application?
Generally, you’ll need:
– Completed visa application
– Valid passport
– Passport photo
– Travel itinerary and accommodation proof
– Additional documents for business, study, work, or digital nomad applications
Always double-check the latest list on Requirements.co.za or with your nearest Korean embassy[1][5][8].

6. Are health checks or vaccinations required to enter Korea?
Currently, general travelers are not required to present COVID-19 vaccination certificates or negative tests, but requirements can change. It’s wise to verify prior to departure via official sources[4][5].

7. What if I overstay my visa in Korea?
Overstaying is treated very seriously and can result in fines or being banned from re-entry. Always leave before your allowed period expires or apply for an extension in advance if eligible[4].

For the latest requirements, expert guidance, and real-time updates on South Korea visa eligibility and documents, always visit Requirements.co.za’s South Korea Visa Requirements page or check with your local Korean embassy. Safe travels!

South Korea Visa Requirements