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Visa?

Visa means the “endorsement” or “acknowledgment”, and the meaning of visa differs to the policy of a country. In a country’s policy, visa could either refer to a “permission of entry” or a “Consul’s recommendation to permission of entry” on a request of a foreigner to enter a country.

The Republic of Korea adopts the latter meaning of visa as a “Consul’s recommendation to permission of entry”. Therefore, when a foreigner does not accord to the requirements of entry permission at the immigration offices of airports/harbors of the Republic of Korea, the permission to enter the country may be rejected even with a validly issued visa.

Visa Free Entry

Visa is a basic requirement in entering the territory of the Republic of Korea for foreigners in principle. However, those who comply with one of the following qualifications listed below may enter the country without visa. (Article 7, Section 2 of the Immigration Act)

  • Those who are granted a permission or immunity for reentry, entering the country before the expiration date of the permission or immunity
  • Nationals of countries that are under visa waiver agreements with Republic of Korea and are thereby subject to visa exemption
  • Those who are permitted to enter the country by presidential decree for the interest of international goodwill or travel, or in the purpose beneficial to Korea
  • Those who departed a country with a refugee travel certificate and entering the country prior to the expiration date of the certificate.

For detailed information on visa free entry for foreigners, please click here.

Types of Visa

Single Entry Visa
  • A single entry permitted during the valid period of the visa.
  • Valid for: three months from the date of issuance of the visa.
Multiple Entry Visa
  • Multiple entries permitted as long as the visa remains valid.
  • Valid for :
    • 3 years from the date of issuance for Diplomacy (A-1) or Conventions Agreement (A-3) visa status
    • for the period of duration specified by the Multiple Entry Visa Agreement, in case of visas issued under the Agreement
    • for the period of duration specified by the Minister of Justice, in case of visas issues for reciprocity or national benefits.
Notes
  • Should a visa applicant enter the country prior to the valid issuance of a visa, the applicant’s request for visa will be assumed to be withdrawn and the issuance of visa will be canceled.
  • In case three months have passes since the date of an application for visa or since the date of notification on the approval of Minister of Justice on the application for visa, the applicant must make a new application for visa.
Qualifications
Status of Stay Qualifications Entry Stay in Korea Departure
Visa Exemption
(B-1)
Travel/Transit
(B-2)
Those who meet the qualification for visa free entry may enter the country without a visa
visa free entry
Passport + Disembarkation card Passport
Temporary Visit (C-3)
  • Those who enter the country for a short term stay in the country for the purposes of travel, transit, medical treatment, visiting relatives or family, sport events, attending events or conferences, cultural arts, training, training, religious ceremonies, academic related or other similar reasons.
  • Those who enter the country for a group tour, individual tour, as a tourist, and for transit.
  • Those who enter the country for a short period of time with Foreign patient visa.
  • Those who enter the country for market research, business contacts, consultation, contract and other equivalent activities or who enter the country with APEC Card without visa.
  • Those who are invited by the nominated preferential companies/organizations.
    ※ Visits for profit making purposes excluded
Eligibility to Visa Issuance/
Procedures/Required Documents
Passport + Visa + Disembarkation card Extension of Stay

Visa Application Fee

  • Single Entry Visa under 90 Days of Stay: approximately USD 40
  • Single Entry Visa over 90 Days of Stay: approximately USD 60
  • Multiple Entry Visa of Two Entries: approximately USD 70
  • Multiple Entry Visa: approximately USD 90
  • Group Tourists from China: approximately USD 15 per person

※ Nationals from countries with visa fee exception agreements are exempted from visa fees.

Countries under Visa Fee Exemption & Conditions on Exemption
Countries under Visa Fee Exemption Conditions on Exemption
Spain, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Ukraine All visas (regardless of the period of stay)
Sweden Visas for a stay of no more than 90 days
Colombia, Barbados, Peru, Liberia, Dominican Republic Visas for a stay of 91 days or more
Paraguay, Benin, Romania, Brazil, Uruguay, Cyprus, Guatemala, Mexico, Algeria Visas issued to holders of diplomatic and official passports for a stay of 91 days or more
Mongolia Visas for a stay of no more than 90 days
Venezuela Visas issued to holders of diplomatic and official passports for a stay of 31 days or more
Philippines Visas for a stay of no more than 59 days
Australia C-3 Visas for a stay of no more than 90 days
Germany Study abroad (D-2), General training (D-4), Stationed (D-7), Business investment (D-8), Trade management (D-9), and Specially designated activities (E-7) visas
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