Visa

Visa-free Entry (Visa waiver)

  • Visa is a basic requirement for entry and in principle, a foreigner wishing to enter Korea must have a visa.
  • However, a person meeting any one of the following qualification may enter Korea without a visa.
    • Those granted permission or immunity for reentry who enter Korea before the expiration date.
    • Nationals of a country that signed visa waiver agreements with Republic of Korea and are thereby eligible for exemption.
    • Those entering for the interest of international goodwill, travel, or purpose beneficial to Korea who have been granted permitted to enter by presidential decree.
    • Those who departed with a refugee travel certification and enter Korea prior to the expiration date.

Nationals of Countries allowed for visa-free entry

  • Considering international convention, mutuality doctrine, national profit and other such factors, certain countries are granted visa-free entry permissions.
  • Nationals of the following countries are allowed up to 30 days of visa-free sojourn for tourism or visitation
    Exceptions: Canada is allowed up to 6 months, and United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Slovenia, and Japan are allowed up to 90 days.
    • Asia
      Hong Kong (90 days), Japan (90 days), Macau (90 days), Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia (diplomatic and government officials)
    • America
      United States (90 days), Canada (6 months), Argentina, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay, Guyana, Ecuador
    • Europe
      Monaco, Vatican, Slovenia, Albania, Cyprus, San Marino, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro (90 days), Andora, Croatia
    • Oceania
      Guam, Nauru, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, Palau, Samoa, Australia (90 days), Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga
    • Middle East and Africa
      Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman, Qatar (90 days), South Africa, Swaziland, Egypt, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kuwait, Lebanon (diplomatic and government officials)

For detailed information on a foreigner's entry without a visa, please click here.