South Korea Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Before you can enjoy the wonders of South Korea, you need to make sure you have the right visa to enter the country. We will give you all the information you need to apply for a visa to enter South Korea in this article.
Who needs a visa to enter South Korea?
Visa exemption
Passport holders of the following countries are exempt from visa to South Korea (K-ETA exemption):
South Korea electronic travel authorization (K-ETA)
According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of the following countries are exempt from visa entry into South Korea for a certain period of time, from 30 days to 180 days, depending on the country. However, prior approval from K-ETA is still required to board a flight or train to South Korea:
- Europe:
- Asia:
- America:
- Oceania:
- Africa:
South Korea visa types
There are different types of South Korea visa depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. South Korea visa types are:
- Tourist visa (B-2): This visa is for those who want to visit South Korea for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends or relatives. The tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows a single entry.
- Business visa (C-3): This visa is for those who want to visit South Korea for business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, or training. The business visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows multiple entries.
- Work visa (E-series): This visa is for those who want to work in South Korea for a Korean employer, such as teachers, professionals, artists, or researchers. The work visa is valid for up to 3 years and allows multiple entries. The specific type of work visa depends on the occupation and qualification of the applicant.
- Student visa (D-series): This visa is for those who want to study in South Korea at a Korean educational institution, such as universities, colleges, or language schools. The student visa is valid for the duration of the study program and allows multiple entries. The specific type of student visa depends on the level and type of study.
- Family Visitor (F-1): This visa is for those who want to visit South Korea to stay with their family members who are Korean nationals or foreigners with a long-term visa. The F-1 visa is valid for up to 3 years and allows multiple entries.
- Spouse of a Korean National (F-6): This visa is for those who are married to a Korean national and want to live in South Korea with their spouse. The F-6 visa is valid for up to 3 years and allows multiple entries.
- Miscellaneous (G-1): This visa is for those who do not belong to any other visa category and have a humanitarian or other special reason to stay in South Korea. The G-1 visa is valid for up to 1 year and allows a single entry.
- Diplomat (A-1): This visa is for those who are diplomatic personnel or their family members and want to enter South Korea for official duties. The A-1 visa is valid for the duration of the assignment and allows multiple entries.
South Korea visa requirements
The requirements for a visa may vary depending on the type of visa, the nationality of the applicant, and the discretion of the Korean embassy or consulate. However, some of the general requirements for a South Korea visa are:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least one blank page
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A recent passport-sized color photo with a white background
- A visa fee, which may vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant
- A proof of travel purpose, such as an itinerary, a hotel reservation, a flight ticket, an invitation letter, a business contract, a certificate of enrollment, or a letter of acceptance
- A proof of financial means, such as a bank statement, a tax return, a pay slip, or a sponsorship letter
- A proof of legal status, such as a residence permit, a visa, or a citizenship certificate, if the applicant is not applying from their home country
Depending on the type of visa and the specific situation of the applicant, additional documents may be required:
- A proof of kinship: a family register, a marriage certificate, or a birth certificate (Family Visitor Visa)
- A proof of income and residence of the Korean spouse, and a criminal record check of the foreign spouse (Spouse of a Korean National Visa)
- A medical certificate, a letter of invitation, or a letter of recommendation (Miscellaneous Visa)
- A diplomatic note or an official letter from the sending government or organization (Diplomat Visa).
How to apply for South Korea visa?
To apply for South Korea visa, you need to follow these steps:
- Step#1: Check if you need a visa to enter South Korea and what type of visa you need.
- Step#2: Prepare the required documents for your visa type.
- Step#3: Find the nearest Korean embassy or consulate in your country or region and make an appointment for your visa application.
- Step#4: Submit your visa application form and documents in person or by mail, depending on the policy of the Korean embassy or consulate.
- Step#5: Pay the visa fee, which may vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant.
- Step#6: Wait for the visa decision, which may take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa and the workload of the Korean embassy or consulate.
- Step#7: Collect your passport and visa from the Korean embassy or consulate or receive it by mail, depending on the policy of the Korean embassy or consulate.
South Korea visa fees
The visa fees for a South Korea visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant:
- Tourist visa (B-2): 40 USD for a single entry, 80 USD for a multiple entry.
- Business visa (C-3): 40 USD for a single entry, 80 USD for a multiple entry.
- Work visa (E-series): 60 USD for a single entry, 120 USD for a multiple entry.
- Student visa (D-series): 60 USD for a single entry, 120 USD for a multiple entry.
- Family Visitor (F-1): 40 USD for a single entry, 80 USD for a multiple entry.
- Spouse of a Korean National (F-6): 60 USD for a single entry, 120 USD for a multiple entry.
- Miscellaneous (G-1): 40 USD for a single entry, 80 USD for a multiple entry.
- Diplomat (A-1): No fee.
Processing time for South Korea visa
The processing time for a visa may vary depending on the type of visa, the nationality of the applicant, and the workload of the Korean embassy or consulate. Generally, the processing time for a visa is:
- Tourist visa (B-2): 3 to 5 working days.
- Business visa (C-3): 3 to 5 working days.
- Work visa (E-series): 5 to 10 working days.
- Student visa (D-series): 5 to 10 working days.
- Family Visitor (F-1): 15 working days.
- Spouse of a Korean National (F-6): 15 working days.
- Miscellaneous (G-1): 3 to 5 working days.
- Diplomat (A-1): A few days.
Tips when applying for South Korea visa
To apply for South Korea visa can be a smooth and hassle-free process if you follow some tips. Here are some of them:
- Prepare the required documents for your visa type. Verify that they are correct, full, and current.
- Keep your application forms clean. Use a black pen and write in capital letters. Avoid any erasures or corrections.
- Look good and tidy on your application day. Dress in smart casual and groom yourself. You may have to take a photo or an interview at the embassy or consulate, so make a good impression.
- Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the policy of the embassy or consulate. Applying at least one month in advance of your intended travel date is advised.
- Pay the visa fee, which may vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant.
- Wait for the visa decision, which may take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa and the workload of the embassy or consulate.
- Collect your passport and visa from the embassy or consulate or receive it by mail, depending on the policy of the embassy or consulate. Make sure your visa is correct and valid before you travel.