The Republic of Korea (South Korea) offers visa-free access to citizens of numerous countries, typically for 90 days. South Korea introduced the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) effective September 1, 2021, which is required for most visa-exempt travelers before arrival. However, from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026, many countries were temporarily exempted from the K-ETA requirement as part of a tourism stimulus measure. South Korea also offers special entry programs including the Jeju Visa Waiver, Transit Tourism Program, and various long-stay visa categories.

2. Visa-Free Access

2.1 Canada — 6 Months

Canadian passport holders enjoy an extended visa-free stay of up to 6 months in South Korea.

2.2 Standard 90-Day Visa-Free Access

Citizens of most developed nations, including all EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States, may stay for up to 90 days without a visa. The full list includes approximately 100+ countries.

Selected 90-Day Visa-Free Countries • All European Union member states (except Belgium, Greece, Luxembourg — see below) • Australia, New Zealand • Japan, United States • Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico (except Mexico — see below) • Israel, Turkey • Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam • India, Pakistan (limited categories) • Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar • South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia • Albania, Bosnia, Georgia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine • And 50+ additional countries

2.3 3-Month Visa-Free Access

The following countries receive a 3-month (90-day) visa-free stay under specific bilateral agreements:

3-Month Visa-Free Countries • Belgium • Greece • Luxembourg • Malaysia • Mexico • Netherlands • New Zealand • Suriname • Switzerland • Liechtenstein

2.4 60-Day Visa-Free Access

60-Day Visa-Free Countries • Lesotho • Russia

2.5 30-Day Visa-Free Access

Approximately 30+ countries have 30-day visa-free access, including many Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific nations.

2.6 China Tour Groups — 15 Days

Chinese nationals may enter South Korea on an organized tour group visa-free for 15 days. Individual Chinese travelers still require a standard visa for most visits.

3. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

The K-ETA was introduced on September 1, 2021 and is required for most visa-exempt travelers before boarding a flight to South Korea. It is an online pre-travel authorization that must be approved before departure.

K-ETA Key Details • Introduced: September 1, 2021 • Application: Online at k-eta.go.kr • Fee: Approximately KRW 10,000 (approx. USD 7-8) • Validity: 2 years (multiple entries allowed) • Processing time: Typically within 72 hours • Required for: Most visa-exempt nationalities (unless temporarily exempt — see below)

3.1 Temporary K-ETA Exemption (April 1, 2023 — December 31, 2026)

From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026, many countries marked with an asterisk (*) in the official list are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement. These travelers can enter directly without obtaining K-ETA, as a tourism stimulus measure. Most major Western, East Asian, and Southeast Asian nationalities fall under this temporary exemption.

4. Special Entry Programs

4.1 Jeju Island Visa Waiver

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province operates a separate visa waiver program. Most nationalities (except those on a restricted list) can enter Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days without a K-ETA, provided they arrive at Jeju International Airport directly. Travelers wishing to visit mainland South Korea from Jeju still require the standard visa or K-ETA.

Jeju Visa Waiver • Duration: Up to 30 days • For: Most nationalities (exceptions apply) • Entry only through: Jeju International Airport (direct international flights) • No K-ETA required for Jeju-only visits • Cannot be used as a gateway to mainland Korea without proper visa/K-ETA

4.2 Transit Tourism Program — Incheon Airport

The Transit Tourism Program at Incheon International Airport allows transit passengers of certain nationalities to enter Korea for a short tourism visit (typically 24–72 hours) while in transit between international flights, without a regular visa. This program excludes certain restricted nationalities.

4.3 APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

South Korea accepts the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) for short business visits. ABTC holders from participating APEC economies can enter South Korea for business purposes for up to 60 days without obtaining a separate visa.

5. Long-Stay Visa Categories

For those wishing to stay in South Korea beyond visa-free limits, the following visa categories are available:

5.1 Working Holiday Visa (H-1)

The Working Holiday Visa allows young people (generally 18–30, or up to 35 in some bilateral agreements) from eligible countries to live and work in South Korea for up to 1 year. Countries with working holiday agreements include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and others.

5.2 Study Visa (D-2)

The D-2 visa is for full-time students enrolled at a South Korean university or educational institution for regular academic programs.

5.3 Corporate Investment Visa (D-8)

The D-8 visa is for foreign investors and business representatives involved in corporate investment activities in South Korea.

5.4 Foreign Language Teaching Visa (E-2)

The E-2 visa is for native speakers of English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, and other languages who are employed as foreign language instructors at schools, universities, and language institutes in South Korea.

5.5 Residency Visa (F-2)

The F-2 residency visa is for long-term residents including spouses of Korean nationals, permanent residents, and individuals with qualifying points under the points-based system.

6. North Korean Nationals

North Koreans (DPRK nationals) who wish to enter South Korea are subject to a special verification process under South Korean law. North Korean defectors who reach South Korea are processed through the Unified Welcome Center (Hanawon) and are entitled to South Korean citizenship. However, DPRK passport holders are not treated as standard foreign visitors and do not use the regular visa system.

7. General Entry Requirements

All visitors to South Korea must satisfy:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Valid K-ETA (if required) or visa for the intended stay
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Accommodation details (hotel booking, invitation letter, or host’s contact)

8. Important Notes

Important Reminders • K-ETA temporary exemption (2023-2026): Check if your nationality is on the exempt list • K-ETA is valid for 2 years and covers multiple trips • Jeju visa waiver does NOT give access to mainland Korea • Working holiday visa quotas apply — apply early as spots are limited • Overstaying is taken very seriously and can result in deportation and future entry ban