🇰🇷South Korea Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for South Korea?
It depends on your passport. Out of 198 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 24 enter South Korea visa-free, 86 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival and 88 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
24
nationalities
E-visa
86
nationalities
Consular visa
88
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
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- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
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- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for South Korea
Visa for airport or land transit.
- Stay:
- 30 days
- Fee:
- 30 USD
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (m.k-eta.go.kr), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online. Check your passport's entry rules first.
- Online filing for nationalities eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The visa verdict above does not depend on this partner.
South Korea visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime South Korea applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
South Korea visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category South Korea publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| South Korea K-ETA | Short stay | 3 years (per bilateral agreement) | 10 USD | 24-72 hours | Portal | |
| Business visa (C-3-4 short-term) | Business | 90 days | 40-90 USD | 5 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Residence visa (F-2 points-based) | Long stay | 3 years | 60 USD | 14 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Non-Professional Employment visa (E-9) | Work | 3 years | 60 USD | 14 business days | Portal | |
| Special Occupation work visa (E-7) | Work | 3 years | 60 USD | 5-10 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Workation visa (digital nomad, F-1-D) | Work | 1 year (renewable up to 2) | 60 USD | 14 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa (D-2) | Study | Duration of programme | 60 USD | 5-10 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Language Training visa (D-4) | Study | 6-24 months | 60 USD | 5 business days | Portal | |
| Dependant visa (F-3) | Family | Tied to sponsor | 60 USD | 14 business days | Portal | |
| Spouse of Korean visa (F-6) | Family | 1 year (then F-5 PR) | 60 USD | 14 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Working Holiday visa (H-1) | Working holiday | 1 year | 60 USD | 7 business days | Portal | |
| Corporate Investor visa (D-8) | Investor | 5 years | 60 USD | 14 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Medical treatment visa (G-1-10) | Medical | 90 days | 60 USD | 5-10 business days | Portal | |
| Transit visa | Transit | 30 days | 30 USD | 5 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Seoul
Population
52,200,000
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW ₩)
Languages
Korean
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+82
Timezone
Asia/Seoul
Government
Presidential Republic
National day
August 15 - Liberation Day
Internet domain
.kr
About
South Korea is the 3rd economic power in Asia and an essential market on the international stage. With 52.2 million inhabitants, approximately half of whom live in the capital region of Seoul, the country has a dynamic economy driven by semiconductors, automotive, and IoT sectors.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Low)
- Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth
- Stay vigilant in public transport late at night
- Respect local laws strictly
Terrorism(Low)
- Low terrorist risk but should be monitored due to regional tensions
Transport
- Use well-developed and safe public transportation
- Follow strict traffic rules
- Be cautious in winter during icy conditions
Natural risks(Moderate - typhoons in summer/autumn, occasional earthquakes)
- Stay informed about weather alerts during typhoon season
- Know evacuation procedures in case of earthquakes
Health(Excellent modern and well-developed healthcare system)
- Vaccination against hepatitis A and B recommended
- International health insurance advised
- Well-stocked and accessible pharmacies
Practical tips
- Register your contact details with your embassy
- Keep copies of important documents
- Respect local customs and strict laws
- Avoid political protests
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Seoul · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
safe
Not mandatory, generally not practiced
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
South Korea
Muneeb Babar
South Korea
FREE VIDEO HAPPY
South Korea
FREE VIDEO HAPPY
South Korea
William Warby
South Korea
FREE VIDEO HAPPY
South Korea
Coman Yu
South Korea
Kharl Anthony Paica
South Korea
なかむーちょ Nakamuhcho
South Korea
nana liu
South Korea
Kharl Anthony Paica
South Korea
정규송 Nui MALAMA
South Korea
정규송 Nui MALAMA
South Korea
정규송 Nui MALAMA
South Korea
정규송 Nui MALAMA
South Korea
정규송 Nui MALAMA
South Korea
Stephen Leonardi
South Korea
Elina Volkova
South Korea
Bruna Santos
South Korea
jaehyu lim
South Korea
nana liu
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
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Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to South Korea?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for South Korea across 198 nationalities: 24 visa-free, 86 with an e-visa, 88 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a South Korea visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 10 USD (South Korea K-ETA). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for South Korea?▾
South Korea issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 30 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to South Korea?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Low to moderate risk. South Korea is generally a safe country with relatively low crime. Main concerns include proximity to North Korea and regional geopolitical tensions.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in South Korea?▾
The official currency is South Korean Won (KRW ₩). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of South Korea?▾
The capital of South Korea is Seoul. The main spoken languages are: Korean.
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