South Korea Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

South Korea welcomes millions of visitors annually with a generally efficient and clear entry process. Entry requirements are based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. Most travelers will need a valid passport, a completed arrival card, and may need to provide proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Upon arrival, you will pass through immigration control where your documents will be checked and your fingerprints and a facial photo will be taken. After immigration, you will collect your baggage and proceed through customs. It's important to ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (and often beyond) and that you comply with the specific visa or visa-free conditions for your nationality. Travelers should be aware that South Korean immigration authorities have the right to deny entry to anyone they believe does not meet entry requirements, is attempting to work illegally, or poses a security risk. Preparation, including having accommodation details and a clear itinerary, can help ensure a smooth entry process.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

South Korea's visa policy allows citizens of many countries to enter for tourism or business without a visa for short stays. Others may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) or a traditional visa obtained from a Korean embassy or consulate.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality.

Nationalities permitted to enter for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Most European Union countries Japan Singapore Hong Kong SAR Taiwan

Visa-free entry is for tourism or business meetings only, not for paid work. Passport must be valid for the intended period of stay. Some nationalities (like the US and Canada) are granted 90 days, while others (like most EU) get 90 days. Always confirm the exact duration for your specific passport.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Matches the visa-free duration (e.g., 90 days).

Mandatory online pre-authorization for citizens of countries eligible for visa-free entry.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Most European Union countries Japan Singapore Hong Kong SAR Taiwan

How to Apply: Apply online via the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr). Requires passport details, travel plans, and a digital photo. Processing is typically quick, but apply at least 72 hours before departure. Approval is valid for 2 years from issuance for multiple entries.
Cost: Approximately 10,000 KRW.

The K-ETA is mandatory for these nationalities. You must have the approved K-ETA authorization (shown on a mobile device or printout) before boarding your flight to South Korea. Some travelers (e.g., holders of APEC Business Travel Card, flight crew, children under 17 traveling with family) may be exempt.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (single-entry tourist visas are often 90 days).

Nationalities that must obtain a visa from a Korean embassy or consulate prior to travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at the nearest Republic of Korea embassy or consulate. Requires a completed application form, passport, photo, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Processing times vary.

This category includes citizens of many Asian, African, and South American countries. Long-term stays (work, study, family reunion) always require a specific visa, regardless of nationality.

Arrival Process

The entry process at major airports like Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP) is typically well-organized and efficient. Follow signs for Arrivals and Immigration.

1. Arrival and Health Screening

You may pass through a preliminary health screening area, if coming from a region with specific health advisories.

2. Immigration Control

Join the appropriate queue (Korean Passport / Foreign Passport). Present your passport, completed Arrival Card (yellow form), and if required, your K-ETA approval. Your fingerprints (both index fingers) and a facial photo will be taken digitally. The officer may ask simple questions about your visit.

3. Baggage Claim

Proceed to the baggage claim area and collect your checked luggage.

4. Customs Declaration

Before exiting, you must pass through customs. Hand your Customs Declaration Form (white form) to an officer. You may be selected for a baggage inspection.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for your entire stay. Some airlines may require 6 months validity. Required at check-in, immigration, and often when checking into hotels.

Arrival Card (Disembarkation Card)

A yellow form distributed on the plane or available at kiosks before immigration. Must be filled out with personal, flight, and accommodation details.

Customs Declaration Form

A white form for declaring items over duty-free limits, restricted goods, or large amounts of currency. One form per family.

K-ETA Approval (if applicable)

Required for visa-free nationalities before boarding and at immigration. Can be digital or printed.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

Immigration may ask to see a confirmed flight ticket departing South Korea within your permitted stay.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Fill out the Arrival Card and Customs Declaration Form on the plane to save time.

Have your K-ETA approval, hotel address, and return flight details easily accessible (screenshot on phone is fine).

If you need to extend your stay, visit a local immigration office (Hi Korea) before your current permission expires. Overstaying is a serious offense.

Customs & Duty-Free

South Korea has strict customs regulations. Declare all items that exceed duty-free limits or are restricted. Failure to declare can result in fines, confiscation, or legal action.

Alcohol

1 liter of alcoholic beverage (over 22% alcohol).

Traveler must be over 19 years old.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Traveler must be over 19 years old.

Currency

Must declare if carrying over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in any currency, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments.

Declaration is mandatory upon both entry and exit. No limit on amount, but undeclared sums over the threshold can be confiscated.

Gifts/Goods

Total value of all goods (excluding alcohol/tobacco) must not exceed 800 USD.

Items for personal use within reasonable quantities. Commercial goods or excessive quantities may be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including long prison sentences.
Counterfeit goods, copied media (pirated DVDs/CDs) - will be confiscated.
Obscene or subversive materials.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and soil - strict agricultural controls.
Meat and meat products from certain countries (due to disease control).

Restricted Items

Firearms, ammunition, explosives - require prior permit from Korean authorities.
Animal products, pets - require health certificates and quarantine (see Special Situations).
Medications - psychotropic drugs. Bring a doctor's prescription and only a reasonable quantity for personal use. Some common cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are prohibited.
Gold bullion over 1 kg - requires declaration.

Health Requirements

There are few blanket health requirements for entry, but staying informed about recommended vaccinations and potential health advisories is important.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Influenza, Chickenpox).
Hepatitis A and Typhoid (via contaminated food/water).
Hepatitis B (via bodily fluids).
Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term stays or rural travel during transmission season).
Rabies (for those at risk of animal bites).

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for short-term tourists, but highly recommended. Medical costs for foreigners can be high. Ensure your travel insurance covers illness, injury, and medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of April 2024, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to South Korea. However, policies can change quickly; check the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) website for the latest updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) for location and contact details.

Immigration Authority

Hi Korea - Official immigration website

www.hikorea.go.kr - For visa applications, extension information, and official immigration announcements (available in English).

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 112 for Police, 119 for Ambulance and Fire. For tourist assistance, dial 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline, 24/7, multiple languages).

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, it is advisable (though not always strictly required for entry) to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). This can prevent delays at immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Strict quarantine rules apply. Pets (dogs, cats) require an ISO-compliant microchip, valid rabies vaccination certificate, rabies antibody titer test from an approved lab, and an import permit. A 14-day quarantine at a designated facility may be required. Start the process months in advance via the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA).

Extended Stays

If you wish to stay longer than your visa-free or tourist visa period, you must apply for a visa extension at a local Immigration Office (Hi Korea) BEFORE your current permission expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason (e.g., continued tourism, family visit). Other options include leaving the country and re-entering (subject to immigration approval), or applying for a different long-term visa (e.g., work, study) from outside Korea.

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