United States e-Visa for citizens of South Korea: online application, fees and processing time 2026
Yes, an e-Visa is required: citizens of South Korea apply online before departure, for stays up to 90 days.
Data updated on
Official fees from €38.
iVisa is a paid service, charged on top of the official fees. Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you order, at no extra cost to you.
Indicative information: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Official fee
40.62 USD
Processing time
Within 72 hours, often immediate
Allowed stay
90 days
Our guide to the United States visa from South Korea
South Korean travelers must obtain an electronic authorization (ESTA) before departing for the United States through the official portal. This requirement is mandatory for short stays under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
South Korean citizens planning to visit the United States for tourism or business need to secure an ESTA prior to travel. This streamlined system facilitates quick and secure entry, but it is crucial to use the official portal to avoid scams and overcharges.
Is a visa required?
South Korean travelers do not need a traditional visa for stays under 90 days for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, they must obtain an electronic authorization (ESTA) online, which acts as a prerequisite for entry into the United States.
How much does an e-visa for the United States cost from South Korea?
40.62 USD
Official government fee only. Providers and visa centres add their own service charge on top.
What does a visa for the United States really cost?
- Government fee40.62 USD
- Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
What documents are required for an e-visa for the United States?
Documents required for an e-visa for the United States:
- VWP-eligible passport
- Payment card
Documents and fees
Key documents include personal information, a biometric passport, and possibly other travel details. The official fee is 40.62 USD. To avoid overcharges, it is essential to use only the official portal and beware of unofficial sites.
How to apply for an e-visa for the United States from South Korea
- 1Fill in the form on the destination’s official portal.
- 2Upload the required documents (passport, photo, supporting papers).
- 3Pay the fee online by card.
- 4Receive the authorisation by email, usually without a consular visit.
- 5Show the authorisation, printed or on your phone, at boarding.
How to apply
The ESTA application must be submitted online at the official portal: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. It is advisable to apply before departure, as approval is usually immediate or within 72 hours. Ensure all information is accurately provided during the application process.
Where do you apply for a visa for the United States from South Korea?
An e-visa for the United States is filed entirely online: there is no counter to visit and no file to hand in. The only address that matters is the official portal.
- The application, the supporting documents and the payment all go through the official portal, from any country.
- Lookalike sites copy the portal’s name and layout, then resell the same application with a margin. Check the domain before you type in a passport number.
- The authorisation arrives by email. Keep a printed copy, some airlines ask for it at boarding.
Using an online service
You never have to use an intermediary. If you would rather have a service fill in and file the application online for you before departure, iVisa does it for a service fee, charged on top of the official fees. It does not change the decision.
File my application with iVisaPartner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you order, at no extra cost to you.
You live in South Korea on another passport?
The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in South Korea but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.
Pick your nationality to see the rule
How long does an e-visa for the United States take?
Within 72 hours, often immediate
Indicative time, counted from a complete file. Peak season can be longer.
Processing times and tips
Approval of ESTA is often immediate, but it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before travel. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. Keep a copy of the ESTA approval during your trip.
Before you fly, and at the border
Passport validity, border checks, minors, overstays: the rules common to every trip are gathered on our travel tips page. Formalities before you leave
Common mistakes
Using non-official sites can lead to overcharges or entry refusals. Double-check all information entered to prevent delays. Do not wait until the last minute to apply for your ESTA.
Plan your trip
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Flights (Trip.com)
Compare flights and airlines for your trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
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Other visa types for United States
A tourist stay is not the only purpose. These are the other permits the destination issues and that your nationality is eligible for, each with its own fee and processing time.
Official sources
Guide generated automatically on July 26, 2026, from the verified catalogue.
Online application for United States, with no consulate visit.
- Online filing for e-visa and visa-on-arrival destinations
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
- Decision made by the country's authorities, not by iVisa
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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
Other visas from South Korea
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