South Korea · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
South Korea allows short tourist visits, generally visa-free for nationals of many countries, who normally need a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before flying. Everyone else applies for a short-term visit (C-3) visa. Visa-free or K-ETA stays are typically up to 90 days, and tourist entry does not permit work.
South Korea allows short tourist visits, generally visa-free for nationals of many countries, who normally need a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before flying; others apply for a short-term visit (C-3) visa. Visa-free/K-ETA stays are typically up to 90 days. Tourist entry does not permit work.
- Many nationals are visa-free for short tourism but normally need a K-ETA before travelling.
- Others apply for a short-term visit (C-3) visa.
- Visa-free / K-ETA stays are typically up to 90 days.
- Tourist entry does not permit work.
- 1
Check visa-free status and K-ETA
Confirm whether your nationality is visa-free and whether a K-ETA is required for you — the requirement has been temporarily waived for some nationalities at times, so check the official site.
- 2
Apply for K-ETA before booking travel
Apply on the official k-eta.go.kr site well before departure. Approval is not instant, and airlines check it at boarding.
- 3
Or apply for a C-3 visa
If you are not visa-free, apply for the short-term visit (C-3) visa through the Korean mission or the official visa portal.
- 4
Complete the arrival declarations
Immigration and customs formalities apply on arrival; some can be completed in advance through official electronic services.
- 5
Respect the tourist conditions
Tourist entry does not permit work. Note the stay granted at the border and leave before it expires.
- Visa-free status confirmed for your nationality
- K-ETA applied for and approved (if required)
- C-3 visa obtained if not visa-free
- Accommodation and onward travel details ready
- Arrival declarations understood or pre-completed
- Passport valid for the whole intended stay
- No work planned on a tourist entry
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
Official travel-authorisation portal for visa-free visitors.
- Hi Korea / visa portal
Official Korean visa application portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is K-ETA and do I need one?
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization is an online permission that visa-free travellers normally obtain before boarding. The requirement has been temporarily waived for some nationalities at various times, so check k-eta.go.kr for your current position rather than assuming.
How long can I stay in South Korea as a tourist?
Visa-free and K-ETA stays are typically up to 90 days, though the exact period depends on your nationality and any bilateral agreement. The immigration officer sets the admitted period on entry.
Can I work on a tourist entry to Korea?
No. Tourist entry does not permit employment. Working in South Korea requires an appropriate work visa and, for longer stays, alien registration.
Government portals
- Government of Korea — Korea's integrated government portal — policy, administrative services, e-government
- Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea) — Visas, residence status changes, work permits, and alien registration in Korea
- National Tax Service (NTS) — Korean income tax, corporate tax, VAT filing; annual comprehensive tax return for foreigners (May); foreign taxpayer incentive lookup