South Korea Travel & Entry Restrictions (Updated June 8, 2024)
To enter South Korea in 2024, you need a valid passport and a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). No COVID-19 testing or vaccination is required.
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>South Korea Travel Restrictions in 2024
Who Can Enter South Korea –South Korea Entry Policy 2024
As of 2023, South Korea has opened its borders to travelers from around the world. Citizens from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free until December 31, 2024. Travelers from other countries must apply for a visa or a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) at least 72 hours before departure.
How to Get a South Korea Visa – South Korea Visa Application
South Korea is a versatile country, known for both the modern cities like the capital Seoul, as well as the traditional temples, the unique traditional culture, and the picturesque countryside.
To visit or travel in South Korea, citizens from several countries have to apply for a South Korea visa, although a fair number of countries are exempt from visa requirements for short-term purposes.
Foreigners from 50 eligible countries can apply for a K-ETA to travel to South Korea without a visa. The ETA for Korea (K-ETA) is a kind of permit for visa-free entry into South Korea.
50 Countries Can Apply for the K-ETA
To be eligible for the South Korea ETA, travelers must have a passport issued by one of the eligible countries. Citizens of the following nations can apply for a K-ETA. How long the visitor can stay in South Korea with an ETA instead of a visa is indicated.
| Albania (30 days ) | Guyana (30 days) | Poland (90 days) |
| Andorra (30 days) | Hungary (90 days) | Portugal (90 days in 180-day period) |
| Austria (90 days) | Iceland (90 days in 180-day period) | Romania (90 days) |
| Barbados (90 days) | Ireland (90 days) | Saint Kitts-Nevis (90 days) |
| Belgium (90 days) | Italy (90 days) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (90 days) |
| Bulgaria (90 days) | Latvia (90 days) | San Marino (30 days) |
| Croatia (90 days) | Liechtenstein (90 days) | Singapore (90 days) |
| Cyprus (30 days) | Lithuania (90 days) | Slovakia (90 days) |
| Czech Republic (90 days) | Luxembourg (90 days) | Slovenia (90 days) |
| Denmark (90 days in 180-day period) | Malta (90 days) | Spain (90 days) |
| Dominica (90 days) | Mexico (90 days) | Sweden (90 days in 180-day period) |
| Estonia (90 days in 180-day period) | Monaco (30 days) | Switzerland (90 days) |
| Finland (90 days in 180-day period) | Netherlands (90 days) | United Kingdom (90 days) |
| France (90 days) | New Caledonia (30 days) | United States (90 days) |
| Germany (90 days) | Nicaragua (90 days) | Vatican City (30 days) |
| Greece (90 days) | Norway (90 days in 180-day period) | Venezuela (90 days) |
| Guam (30 days) | Palau (30 days) |
How to apply for a South Korea Viasa
You have to apply for a South Korea visa from one of the Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Korea abroad (i.e. an Embassy or Consulate). If you have a sponsor or host in South Korea, you can request a visa on your behalf through the South Korea Visa Portal of the Korea Immigration Office.
What documents are required for South Korea visa application
When you apply for a South Korea visa, you have to submit several documents to support your application. The South Korea visa requirements change depending on the type of visa you need as well as the country in which you are applying. However, the standard set of documents everyone has to submit includes:
- South Korea Visa Application Form
- Passport (Valid for at least another six months, with two blank pages)
- Passport photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background, taken recently, neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead, face and ears are fully visible, without glasses)
- A return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay (such as through bank statements and income tax returns)
- Proof of accommodation in South Korea, such as hotel reservation
More documents for South Korea Student
- Visa: Reference Letter(s)
- Letter of Acceptance into the school/university
More documents for South Korea Business Visa
- Letter from your employer
- Letter of Invitation from the South Korean company
More documents for South Korea Work Visa
- Employment contract
You may also have to submit
- Cover Letter: introducing yourself and stating the reason for which you are traveling
- Trip Itinerary, which details the activities you’ll be doing in South Korea on a daily basis
How to Get a South Korea Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Determine Visa Type: Identify the type of visa you need based on your travel purpose (e.g., tourist, business, student).
2. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, including your passport, application form, and supporting documents.
3. Submit Application: Submit your application online via the Visa Portal or at the nearest South Korean Embassy or Consulate.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the visa application fee as required.
5. Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
6. Collect Visa: Once approved, collect your visa and ensure all details are correct before your trip.
Any other additional documents that the Embassy or Consulate request, depending on the purpose of your trip
Do I need A negative COVID test for entry to South Korea – Documents to prepare before entry into South Korea
As of March 11, 2023, travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate.
Other documents to be prepared
- Valid passport (same as the one for visa application)
- Valid visa or Valid K-ETA
- Arrival card
- Baggage declaration form
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