South Korea Visa Policy

Visitors from most countries around the world don't require a visa to enter South Korea. As long as your stay is for tourism purposes and is under 90 days in length, this is the case for most visitors. However, the maximum length of stay is dependent on where in the world you are from and ranges from 30 days to 60 days and all the way up to 90 days. The one exception to this is for visitors from Canada, who can stay in South Korea for up to 180 days at a time. Keep reading to learn more about visa requirements for visitors to South Korea to help plan your upcoming trip to this exciting Asian country.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter South Korea?

There are still some countries that require a visa for their residents to enter South Korea. Most countries from Africa and some countries in Asia require a visa to visit South Korea. To acquire this visa, you'll need to complete a full application process, and certain documents will be required to submit your application. Make sure you complete your visa application well in advance of your trip to ensure you have no hold-ups when it comes to flying to or entering South Korea.

Visits That Require a Visa

As well as visitors from these countries listed above, non-tourism visits will also require a visa to enter South Korea. If you are planning to enter the country for short-term work opportunities, a visa is required for this purpose. Students planning to study in South Korea will need a specific student visa for their stay. Many international teachers head to South Korea to work as English teachers or in local schools in the country, which will require a visa also for this purpose.

Getting a Visa to Visit South Korea

To complete the application for a visa for South Korea, a wide selection of documents will be required. You will need the completed application form, your original passport, and two passport photos that are 2 x 2 inches in size. On top of that, you'll need proof of your intended reason for visiting the country. This could be a paid travel itinerary, a certificate of employment, or an invitation letter from a school or family member. It's important that everything you submit as part of your application is accurate and up-to-date, which will minimize any issues during the visa application process. Try to apply for your visa for South Korea as soon as possible after you've booked your trip, so you aren't worried about receiving your passport back in time for your visit.

South Korea has increased in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, and visitors are now traveling to Asia specifically to visit this beautiful country. As well as the popular city destinations, the country offers remote locations where you can escape the crowds of the busy cities. Before booking a trip to South Korea, ensure you check how long you can stay in the country and your visa requirements for an easy travel experience this year.