Korea Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, Types and How to Apply

Last updated: February 21, 2026

I’ve traveled to South Korea six times over the past four years. Each trip taught me something new about the visa process — sometimes the hard way. Whether you’re planning a two-week trip through Seoul and Busan or a longer stay for work or study, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting your Korea visa sorted in 2026.

I wrote this based on my own applications, conversations with immigration officers at Incheon Airport, and the latest updates from the Korean Immigration Service. Let’s get into it.

Do You Need a Korea Visa?

The answer depends entirely on your passport. South Korea has visa-free agreements with 112 countries as of 2026, making it one of the more accessible countries in East Asia for short-term visitors. If you hold a passport from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, or most EU nations, you can enter South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa.

Japan also enjoys 90 days of visa-free access. Citizens from many Southeast Asian and South American countries get 30 or 90 days depending on bilateral agreements. However, if you’re from China, you’ll generally need a visa — with the notable exception of Jeju Island, which allows visa-free entry for many nationalities.

Here’s something I learned the first time I flew into Incheon: even if you qualify for visa-free entry, you may need to register for a K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding your flight. The K-ETA requirement has been suspended and reinstated several times since it launched, so always verify the current policy before you book. More on that below.

If you’re planning to work, study, or stay longer than your visa-free allowance, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate korea visa at a Korean embassy or consulate. No shortcuts there.

For a deeper look at what South Korea has to offer once you arrive, check out our complete South Korea travel guide.

Visa-Free Entry Countries for South Korea

South Korea’s visa-free entry list is generous compared to neighbors like China and Japan. Below is a breakdown of the major countries and regions that qualify. Keep in mind that some nationalities get 30 days while others get up to 90 days.

I’ve grouped them by region so you can quickly find your country.

If your country isn’t listed above, check directly with the Korean Immigration Service HIKOREA website for the most current visa-free list. Policies change, and I’ve seen countries added and removed from this list over the years.

K-ETA: Korean Electronic Travel Authorization Explained

The K-ETA is essentially South Korea’s version of the US ESTA or Australia’s ETA. If it’s required for your nationality when you travel, you must apply before boarding your flight. Airlines will check your K-ETA status at the gate.

The application is straightforward. You fill out a form online with your passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation address. Upload a passport-style photo, pay the 10,000 KRW fee (~$7 USD), and wait for approval. Most approvals come through within 24 hours, but I’d recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure just to be safe.

One thing that caught me off guard the first time: the accommodation address field is mandatory. If you’re staying at a hotel, use that address. If you’re staying with friends, use their address. Don’t leave it blank or the system will reject your application. Also, make sure your passport photo meets the specifications — a white background, no glasses, and proper framing. I’ve seen people get rejected for photos that were too dark or cropped incorrectly.

Types of Korean Visas

If you don’t qualify for visa-free entry, or if you’re going to South Korea for something other than short-term tourism, you’ll need the right korea visa category. South Korea has a surprisingly detailed visa system with codes for almost every purpose you can think of.

Here are the main visa types that matter for most travelers, workers, and students in 2026.

The E-2 teaching visa is the most common for English speakers heading to Korea for work. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a clean criminal background check, and usually a job offer from a Korean school or academy (hagwon). I know several teachers who went through this process, and the biggest delay is always the apostilled background check — start that early.

If you’re a digital nomad or freelancer, South Korea introduced a Digital Nomad Visa (F-1-D) in late 2024. It requires proof of remote employment or freelance income above a certain threshold. This is a newer option, so requirements may still be adjusting in 2026.

How to Apply for a Korea Visa: Step by Step

I’ve applied for Korean visas three times at different consulates, and the process is fairly consistent. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown for 2026.

Required Documents Checklist

The exact documents you need depend on your visa type, but here’s the standard checklist that applies to most korea visa applications. I keep a folder on my computer with scanned copies of all of these so I’m always ready.

A personal tip: bring originals AND photocopies of everything. One consulate I visited in the US required two copies of my bank statements, even though the website only mentioned one. Better to over-prepare than to make a second trip.

Tips for a Smooth Korea Visa Application

After multiple applications and a few bumps along the way, here’s what I’d tell anyone applying for a korea visa for the first time in 2026.

Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip. The official processing time is 5–10 business days, but I’ve seen it take up to three weeks during busy periods. Spring (March–April) and autumn (September–November) are peak times for Korea travel, and consulates get slammed. Don’t cut it close.

Book refundable flights and hotels. You’ll need a flight itinerary and accommodation details for your application. I always book refundable options through airlines and hotels directly so I can adjust if my visa takes longer than expected or if my plans change.

Don’t overstay your visa-free period. South Korea takes immigration violations seriously. Overstaying even by one day can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entry. I met a traveler in Seoul who overstayed by three days on a previous trip and was denied entry on his next attempt. Not worth the risk.

Keep your documents organized at the airport. When you land at Incheon, have your passport, K-ETA confirmation (if required), return flight details, and accommodation address readily accessible. Immigration officers at Incheon are efficient but thorough. They may ask about your travel purpose, length of stay, and where you’re staying. Straightforward, honest answers get you through quickly.

Register your visa at a local immigration office if staying long-term. If you’re on a work or student visa and staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival. You can do this at your local immigration office — book an appointment through the HIKOREA website because walk-ins can mean hours of waiting.

Consider travel insurance even if it’s not required. Korean hospitals are excellent, but medical bills add up fast without coverage. A basic travel insurance policy costs $30–$80 for a two-week trip and covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. I never travel to Korea without it.

Arriving in South Korea: What to Expect at Immigration

Incheon International Airport (ICN) handles most international arrivals and the immigration process is well-organized. After landing, follow signs to immigration control. There are separate lines for Korean nationals and foreign visitors.

You’ll need to fill out an arrival card on the plane or at a kiosk before the immigration counter. Have a pen ready. The card asks for your name, passport number, flight number, accommodation address in Korea, and purpose of visit. If you have K-ETA, you might be able to skip the paper card — but carry it filled out just in case.

Immigration officers will scan your passport, take your fingerprints, and photograph you. They might ask a few questions: where are you staying, how long, why are you visiting. Answer simply and directly. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes depending on the line. I’ve cleared immigration at Incheon in under 10 minutes on three separate occasions during non-peak hours.

For more practical information about what to do once you’re in the country, see our Republic of Korea travel hub with guides to cities, transportation, food, and cultural experiences across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korea Visas

Can I extend my visa-free stay in South Korea?

In most cases, no. The 90-day visa-free period is generally not extendable for tourists. If you need to stay longer, you’ll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for an appropriate visa before your initial entry. Some long-term visa holders (work, student) can apply for extensions at a local immigration office before their current status expires. Don’t wait until the last day — apply for extensions at least two weeks before your visa expires.

Do I need a Korea visa for a layover or transit?

If you’re transiting through Incheon Airport and staying in the international transit area, you do not need a visa. If your layover is long enough and you want to leave the airport to explore Seoul, you may enter visa-free if your nationality qualifies. Some transit tour programs organized by Incheon Airport allow short excursions without clearing full immigration. Check your specific nationality’s transit rules before planning any airport exit during a layover.

How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a Korea visa?

There’s no single official number, but from my experience and feedback from others, showing at least $2,000–$3,000 USD in your bank account for a short tourist visit is generally sufficient. For student visas, consulates often want to see proof of tuition payment plus $5,000–$10,000 in available funds. The key is demonstrating that you can support yourself during your stay and that you have financial ties to your home country (which signals you’ll return).

What happens if my Korea visa application is denied?

If your application is denied, you’ll typically receive a brief explanation from the consulate. Common reasons include insufficient financial documentation, incomplete application forms, and inability to demonstrate strong ties to your home country. You can reapply, but I’d recommend addressing whatever caused the denial first. There’s no mandatory waiting period for reapplication in most cases, but submitting the exact same application without changes will likely result in another denial.

Is South Korea safe for solo travelers?

Extremely safe. South Korea consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for travelers. I’ve walked through Seoul, Busan, and smaller cities alone at all hours without any safety concerns. Public transportation runs efficiently until late at night, and convenience stores (which are everywhere) are open 24/7. Crime rates against tourists are very low. That said, exercise normal precautions as you would anywhere — keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Can Chinese citizens visit Jeju Island without a visa?

Yes. Jeju Island operates a separate visa-free entry policy that allows citizens of China (and several other countries that normally require a visa for mainland South Korea) to visit Jeju for up to 30 days without a visa. You must fly directly to Jeju — you cannot enter through Seoul and then travel to Jeju using this exemption. This policy has been in place for years and remains one of the easiest ways for Chinese travelers to experience part of South Korea without going through the full visa process.