If you are a U.S. citizen planning a trip to South Korea, the good news is that you do not need a visa for most short visits of up to 90 days.
However, if your trip is for work, study, or lasts longer than 90 days, you must apply for a specific visa before your arrival.
This guide provides the simple facts you need to know about the different short-term and long-term visa options, including the K-ETA waiver status and specific requirements for work permits.
Quick Summary: South Korea Visa & Entry Rules
| Feature | Short Stay (Tourism/Business) | Long Stay (Work/Study/Over 90 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Required | No (Visa Waiver applies). | Yes (D-series or E-series visa required). |
| K-ETA Status | Waiver in effect until Dec 31, 2026 (Mandatory starting Jan 1, 2027). | N/A (a Visa is required instead). |
| Max Stay | 90 days per visit. | Depends on visa type (e.g., 1–5 years). |
| Application | Passport only (currently) or K-ETA (future). | Must apply at a Korean Consulate with extensive documents. |
| Working | Strictly prohibited. | Required (specific E-series visa). |
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South Korea Entry Options
Your entry option depends entirely on the purpose and length of your trip.
Option #1: Visa Waiver (Short Stay, Up to 90 Days)
This is the most common option. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short visits.
- Duration: Allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
- Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, short business meetings, or conferences.
- K-ETA: The K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is waived for U.S. citizens until Dec 31, 2026.
Savvy Traveler Tip: While the K-ETA is optional until Dec 31, 2026, applying for it voluntarily allows you to skip the physical Arrival Card at immigration, saving you time. Without a K-ETA, you must fill out the arrival card manually.
Option #2: Short-Term Visas (C-Series)
If your stay is under 90 days but involves specific activities (like modeling, short-term contract work), you may need a short-term visa (C-series) obtained from the Korean Consulate.
Option #3: Long-Term Visas (D, E, F, etc.)
If you plan to live, work, or study in Korea for more than 90 days, you must apply for a long-term visa through a Korean Consulate.
Key Visa Categories and Purposes
You must choose the visa that suits your reason for traveling to South Korea.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Max Duration | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-3 (Short-Term Tourist/Business) | General tourism, short meetings (less than 90 days). | 90 days | Passport only (currently) or K-ETA (future). |
| D-2 (Student Visa) | Studying a full-time degree program at a university. | Up to 2 years, extendable. | Acceptance letter from a Korean university. |
| E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor) | Teaching English at a public or private school/academy. | Up to 2 years, renewable. | Bachelor's degree, criminal background check. |
| F-Series (Residential/Family) | Long-term stay for spouses, dependents, or ethnic Koreans. | Varies greatly. | Proof of relationship or ancestry. |
Applying for Your Visa or K-ETA
The application process for a long-term visa is detailed and requires careful preparation.
- Consular Application (Mandatory for Long-Term Visas): You must apply at a specific Korean Consulate based on where you live in the U.S. You typically need to provide your passport, application form, extensive supporting documents, and possibly attend an interview.
- K-ETA Application (Optional until 2027): This process is done entirely online via the official government portal.
Using an Assisted Service (iVisa): Applying for either the K-ETA or a long-term visa can be confusing, especially with the strict document rules for the consulates. iVisa simplifies the process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted.
The South Korea Visa Application Process: A 3-Step Guide
| Requirement | Short Stay (K-ETA/Waiver) | Long-Term Visa (D/E-Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online (K-ETA) or Passport only (Waiver). | Consular submission (mail or in person). |
| Processing Time | Instant (Waiver) or 72 hours (K-ETA). | 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the consulate and visa type. |
| Passport Validity | Must be valid on the date of entry. | Must be valid for at least 6 months. |
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
- If your stay is under 90 days and for tourism, you likely do not need a visa (Visa Waiver).
- If your stay is over 90 days, or for work/study, you need a D, E, or F-series visa.
Step 2: Gather Travel Documents & Apply
- For Long-Term Visas: Obtain all required documents (acceptance letters, contracts, criminal background checks, etc.). Complete the online visa application form and schedule an appointment at your correct consulate.
- For K-ETA (Jan 1, 2027+): Complete the fast online application and pay the fee.
Important: Passport Validity Rule
While short-term stays officially only require passport validity on the date of entry, Long-Term Visas generally require at least 6 months of validity. Check your expiration date now.
If you need a passport quick, click here to expedite your renewal with a registered passport expediting service.
Step 3: Clear Immigration Upon Arrival
- Present your U.S. passport and the visa sticker (if applicable) or your K-ETA approval (when required) to the Immigration Officer.
- Note: Even with a visa, the Immigration Officer has the final decision on your entry.
Beyond the South Korea Visa: Important Rules
You must follow all rules of entry and behavior to avoid legal issues in South Korea.
Prohibited Activities:
- Working: You cannot work, teach, or receive a regular salary while in Korea on the Visa Waiver or K-ETA. This is strictly enforced.
- Strict Narcotics Rules: Medications containing amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) or strong narcotics are illegal in South Korea without a specific prior permit from the Narcotics Control Division. A simple doctor's note is not sufficient. Carrying these without approval can lead to arrest or deportation.
Health Declaration (Q-Code) Warning
Heads Up: Travelers arriving from specific U.S. states (e.g., California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Texas) or other regions with active outbreaks (avian flu, measles, etc.) must submit a Q-Code Health Declaration upon arrival.
Check the official Q-Code website 3 days before travel to see if your departure state is on the mandatory list.
Foreigners Registration: If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days (i.e., you have a long-term visa), you must apply for a Foreign Registration Card (ARC) at a local Immigration Office within 90 days of arrival.
Money-Saving Tip: Tax Refunds
Foreign tourists can receive an immediate tax refund at participating stores (like Olive Young, Lotte Mart, etc.) for purchases between 30,000 KRW and 500,000 KRW. Simply show your passport at checkout to have the VAT deducted instantly!
South Korea Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No, not a traditional visa. U.S. citizens are currently visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days.
A: The K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is scheduled to become mandatory and required for entry starting January 1, 2027. Until then, it is optional (waiver in effect).
A: The maximum stay allowed for U.S. citizens under the visa waiver program is 90 days per visit.
A: You need an E-2 Visa (Foreign Language Instructor). This requires a physical application at a Korean Consulate and a contract with an employer. You cannot start teaching in South Korea on a visa waiver.
A: No. Officially, your passport only needs to be valid on the date of entry for short stays. However, long-term visas usually require 6 months of validity.
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