South Korea Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, need their own passport and must meet the same visa/K-ETA requirements as adults. Minors traveling without both parents should carry: 1) Notarized parental consent letter from absent parent(s), 2) Copy of absent parent's passport, 3) Birth certificate or family register, 4) Contact information for parents/guardians. Both parents' information is required on arrival cards. Single parents should carry evidence of sole custody if applicable. Schools may require additional documentation for students traveling in groups.

Pets (dogs and cats) can enter South Korea but require: 1) ISO-compatible microchip, 2) Valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before arrival but not expired), 3) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure, 4) Import permit from Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) - apply at least 20 days before travel, 5) Quarantine inspection upon arrival. Pets from rabies-free countries may have simplified procedures. Service animals have specific regulations. Contact QIA (www.qia.go.kr) well in advance. Note that certain breeds may face restrictions. Airlines have their own pet travel policies.

Tourist visa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. Apply at local immigration office before your authorized stay expires (at least 4 days before). Required documents typically include: passport, application form, proof of financial means, reason for extension, accommodation proof, and fee (typically 60,000-100,000 KRW). Extensions usually granted for 30-90 days maximum. For longer stays, consider: 1) Working Holiday Visa (if eligible by age and nationality), 2) Student Visa (D-2 or D-4) if enrolling in Korean language or degree program, 3) Work Visa (E-series) if you have job offer, 4) Long-term residency visas (F-series) for family reunification or special circumstances. Overstaying results in fines (100,000 KRW per day), deportation, and entry bans (1-10 years depending on overstay duration).

Business visitors on short-term visa-exempt entry or tourist visa can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot engage in paid employment. For business activities, bring: 1) Invitation letter from Korean company, 2) Business registration documents, 3) Proof of business relationship, 4) Conference registration if applicable. Business visa (C-3-4) allows short-term business activities up to 90 days. For longer business assignments or paid work, appropriate work visa (E-series) is required. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders from participating countries enjoy expedited immigration processing.

Transit passengers remaining airside for connecting flights within 24 hours typically don't need visa or K-ETA. However, if you wish to leave the airport during transit, you must meet regular entry requirements (visa/K-ETA). Incheon Airport offers: 1) Transit tours (free, for layovers of certain durations), 2) Transit hotel, 3) Shower facilities, 4) Rest areas. Some nationalities may require transit visa even for airside transit - check with airline. If checking luggage through to final destination, you won't need to clear customs in Korea.

Dual nationals with Korean citizenship must enter/exit Korea using Korean passport, regardless of other nationalities held. Former Korean citizens and Korean heritage individuals (Korean ancestry) may be eligible for special visa categories (F-4 visa for overseas Koreans). Males with Korean citizenship (including dual nationals) may face military service obligations - consult Korean embassy before travel if this applies. Those who gave up Korean citizenship should carry proof of renunciation.