Guide to South Korea entry requirements for tourists, covering the K-ETA system, visa exemptions, required documents, and application processing for those who need a visa.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
Citizens of 112 countries can enter South Korea visa-free for stays of 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free. Japanese citizens get 90 days. Chinese citizens do not qualify for visa-free entry.
Determine if you need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
The K-ETA is required for visa-exempt nationals and costs ₩10,000 ($7 USD). It is valid for 2 years and can be applied for at k-eta.go.kr. Processing takes 24-72 hours but can take up to 72 hours during peak periods.
Verify if K-ETA requirements are currently suspended for your nationality
South Korea has periodically suspended the K-ETA requirement for certain nationalities (including all visa-exempt countries from 2023-2025). Check the K-ETA website or the Korean embassy for the most current policy, as suspensions are extended in 6-12 month increments.
If not visa-exempt, confirm you need a C-3 (short-term visit) tourist visa
The C-3-9 visa is the standard tourist visa for non-exempt nationals. It allows single or multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days. Processing takes 5-7 business days and costs $40 for single entry or $70 for multiple entry.
K-ETA Application (Visa-Exempt Travelers)
Visit the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) or download the mobile app
Only use the official government portal or app. Several unofficial websites charge $30-$60 for the same application that costs ₩10,000 ($7) on the official site. The app is available on both iOS and Android.
Fill out personal information matching your passport exactly
The form takes about 10 minutes and asks for your passport details, accommodation address in Korea, contact information, and employment status. Your name must match your passport character for character — no abbreviations or nicknames.
Upload a digital passport photo and pay the fee
The photo must be a clear headshot on a white or light background, in JPEG format, between 100KB and 3MB. Payment is by credit card, and the ₩10,000 fee is non-refundable even if denied.
Save or print your K-ETA approval
Approval typically arrives within 24 hours by email, though it can take up to 72 hours. The K-ETA is electronically linked to your passport number, so you do not need to print it — but saving a screenshot is recommended as a backup.
C-3 Tourist Visa Documents (Non-Exempt Travelers)
Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages
South Korea strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport has less than 6 months remaining on your planned departure date from Korea, your visa will be denied.
Completed visa application form with attached photo
Download the form from the Korean embassy website for your country. The form requires a 3.5cm x 4.5cm color photo on white background taken within the last 6 months. Attach the photo to the designated spot on the form — do not staple it.
Round-trip flight reservation
The booking must show your full name as it appears on your passport, with confirmed entry and exit dates from South Korea. One-way tickets are not accepted for tourist visa applications.
Hotel bookings or invitation letter covering your entire stay
If hosted by a Korean citizen, they must provide an invitation letter, a copy of their Korean ID (Jumin Deungrok), and proof of relationship. For hotel stays, reservations should match the exact dates of your trip.
Financial proof — bank statements and employment letter
Provide bank statements from the last 3 months showing a balance of at least $3,000-$5,000 for a 2-week trip. Include an employment certificate showing your position, salary, and approved leave dates. Self-employed applicants need business registration documents.
Travel itinerary with day-by-day plans
A simple table format listing the date, city, accommodation, and planned activities for each day is sufficient. This document is reviewed carefully — gaps in the itinerary or unrealistic travel plans (visiting 5 cities in 3 days) raise flags.
Visa Submission and Processing
Submit your application at the Korean consulate or visa center
Many Korean consulates now use VFS Global or similar agencies for visa collection. Check whether your consulate accepts direct submissions or requires you to go through an agency. Walk-in submissions are accepted at most Korean consulates without appointments.
Pay the visa fee at submission
Single-entry C-3 visas cost $40, multiple-entry cost $70 for most nationalities. US citizens pay $45 for single and $70 for multiple due to reciprocity agreements. Payment methods vary by consulate — check in advance whether they accept cash, card, or money order.
Wait for processing and track your application
Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. During peak season (April-May for cherry blossoms, September-November for autumn foliage), processing can extend to 10-14 days. Some consulates offer expedited processing for an additional $20.
Collect your passport with the visa sticker
Verify the visa type (C-3-9), validity period, number of entries, and your personal details. The validity period (typically 3 months) is the window to enter Korea — your allowed stay (up to 90 days) begins when you pass through immigration.
Arriving in South Korea
Complete the arrival card on your flight or at the immigration counter
The arrival card asks for your Korean accommodation address, flight number, and purpose of visit. Flight attendants usually distribute these 30 minutes before landing — fill it out on the plane to save time at immigration.
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the immigration counter
All foreign visitors aged 17+ must provide fingerprints and a facial photo at immigration. This is collected at the counter and takes about 30 seconds. Refusal to provide biometrics results in denied entry.
Submit customs declaration form if carrying over $10,000 or restricted items
You must declare if carrying more than $10,000 USD equivalent in cash, checks, or securities. Korea prohibits importing fruits, plants, meat products, and more than 200 cigarettes or 1 liter of alcohol duty-free.
Note your allowed stay period stamped in your passport
Overstaying your allowed period results in fines of ₩100,000 ($75) per day up to a maximum of ₩5,000,000 ($3,750), plus a potential ban of 1-10 years from re-entering Korea depending on the length of overstay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
US citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism and short business trips under the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) program. The K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 (approximately $7) and must be obtained at least 72 hours before departure. Citizens of 22 countries, including the US, were temporarily exempt from K-ETA through December 2024, but check the current status before traveling as policies change frequently.
How do I get a K-ETA for South Korea?
Apply through the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) or mobile app at least 72 hours before your flight. You need your passport information, accommodation address in Korea, and a digital passport photo. Approval is typically granted within 24-72 hours via email. The K-ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries.
Can I extend my stay in South Korea as a tourist?
Visa-free visitors can apply for a stay extension at a local immigration office in South Korea before their authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted at the officer's discretion and require proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and a valid reason for extending. The extension fee is KRW 60,000. Extensions beyond 90 days total are rarely approved for tourists. Overstaying results in fines of KRW 100,000 for each day over the limit.
What is the best way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) offers a direct train to Seoul Station in 43 minutes for KRW 9,500, or the all-stop train for KRW 4,150 in about 58 minutes. Airport limousine buses serve major hotel districts for KRW 15,000-18,000. Taxis cost approximately KRW 65,000-100,000 depending on destination and traffic. Buy a T-money transit card at the airport convenience stores for seamless public transit access.