South Korea Visa and Passport Requirements

Passports

To enter South Korea, a passport valid for a minimum of three months is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Visas for South Korea are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

• Nationals of Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA and EU countries can stay visa-free in South Korea for up to 90 days, except nationals of Cyprus who may stay for up to 30 days.

• Nationals of Canada can stay for up to six months.

Please note: Applying for a Korean ETA (K-ETA) is mandatory for visa-free travel for nationals referred to in the chart above and for other for eligible nationals. 

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for South Korea.

Visa Note

All foreign visitors to South Korea are biometrically registered, and are required to have fingerprint samples and a digital photograph taken by an inspector upon entry. Children under 17 and officials of international governmental organisations are exempt from this requirement.

Validity

Validity usually begins from the date of issue.

Transit

Some nationals who would normally require a visa may enter South Korea without a visa provided they are in transit to a third country, remain in the Seoul area, and leave South Korea within 24 hours; check with the embassy for eligibility.

Application to

Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Working days

Allow five days for visa processing.

This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.

Embassies and tourist offices

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

Telephone: +1 202 939 5600 (consular section).
Website: http://usa.mofa.go.kr/english/am/usa/main/
Address: NW, 2370 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, 20008,
Opening times:

Mon-Fri: 0900-1200, 1330-1730

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK

Telephone: +44 207 227 5500.
Website: http://gbr.mofat.go.kr/eng
Address: , 83 Victoria Street, 5th Floor, London, SW1H 0HW,
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 1000-1200.