South Korea Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Every year, vibrant South Korea attracts adventurers, business people, and students from all over the world. The combination of cultural richness, technological leadership, and breathtaking natural beauty makes it a top destination for travelers. But before embarking on a journey through cities like Seoul or Busan or exploring Jeju Island, it is crucial to inform yourself about the South Korea visa.

In recent years, South Korea has adjusted its visa policies to simplify entry for tourists and business travelers. German travelers, in particular, benefit greatly from these changes. The Memorandum of Understanding between South Korea and Germany, in effect since 2005, significantly simplifies the visa application process for citizens of both countries.

For different travel purposes to South Korea, there are various types of visas. It is important to choose the appropriate visa type and submit all required documents. Factors such as visa validity, length of stay, and costs play a significant role. A visa calculator can be a great help for precise planning.

In our following articles, we provide you with an in-depth overview of everything you need to know about South Korea visas. From the different types of visas, to the necessary documents, and frequently asked questions - we aim to provide you with thorough preparation for your trip to South Korea and contribute to a successful stay.

A visa is essentially an official permission that allows a traveler to enter a specific country, stay there, or travel through that country. It is traditionally stamped into the applicant's passport and is usually issued by the relevant embassy or consulate of the host country after a often extensive application process. This process may require the physical presence of the applicant, interviews, and the submission of a range of documents.

The electronic entry permit K-ETA for South Korea is a newer form of authorization that is applied for and issued electronically. This online process usually makes a personal visit unnecessary and allows travelers to conveniently apply for the entry permit from home. Once approved, the electronic permit is electronically linked to the applicant's passport, so no physical stamps or stickers in the passport are required anymore. K-ETAs are particularly popular among short-term travelers and tourists, as they make the visa application process much faster and easier. Despite the differences in application, both types of visas have their own criteria and validity periods, so it is important to know and understand the specific requirements for each type of visa.

The diverse visa options of South Korea offer different lengths of stay and validity. The commonly used tourist visa, often called C-3 visa, usually allows a 90-day stay. However, the highlight in recent years has been the electronic entry process through K-ETA.

Since July 3, 2023, the K-ETA entry permit has a validity of 3 years, previously it was 2 years. It should be noted that the extension to 3 years only applies to permits issued after this date. Within this period, travelers are allowed to enter South Korea as often as they wish without a separate visa. However, K-ETA does not automatically guarantee entry, as the final decision lies with the border officials in South Korea.

During the validity period of the K-ETA, the purpose of stay - be it tourism or business - must be clearly defined and should not require a separate visa application. There are situations where despite having a valid K-ETA, a new entry permit is required.

It is therefore of great importance to always stay informed about current regulations and requirements to ensure a smooth stay in South Korea.

The entry requirements for South Korea vary depending on the traveler's country of origin. There are different visa requirements that vary depending on the country of origin. To provide travelers with an overview, we have created three separate country lists:

If you are planning a trip to South Korea and want to apply for a visa or K-ETA, you should inform yourself in advance about the costs involved. These usually consist of several components:

1. Consular fee: This is the basic fee charged directly by the South Korean embassy or consulate for processing the visa application. The amount of this fee may vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

2. Service fees: Many agencies or intermediaries offer their services to facilitate the visa application process. Additional fees are usually charged for these services.

3. Optional additional services: Some providers offer additional services that can facilitate the application process. These include:

   • Completing the online visa application: If you need assistance in completing the application form, some service providers offer this service for an additional fee.
   • Obtaining a valid overseas health insurance: Such insurance may be required for entry into South Korea in some cases.
   • Priority Service: For travelers in a hurry, there is often a Priority Service that ensures faster processing of the visa application for an additional fee.

The final costs may vary depending on the processing time, type of visa, and your nationality. Therefore, we recommend using a Visa Calculator. With this calculator, you can conveniently calculate the total costs including all optional additional services online and prepare for your trip.

Applying for a visa for South Korea, whether it's a traditional visa or the electronic visa K-ETA, requires submitting certain documents that confirm the authenticity and purpose of the trip. These documents vary depending on the purpose of the trip, whether it's for business, tourism, or other reasons. They aim to provide security for both the applicant and the South Korean authorities.

The modern digital world has significantly simplified the visa application process through the e-Visa system. However, regardless of the type of visa applied for, there are basic document requirements that must be met. The precise list of these documents is visually represented by icons on our website for easy reference.

It is important to emphasize that meeting all requirements and providing correct and up-to-date documents increases the chances of a successful visa approval. Therefore, take enough time to familiarize yourself with the required documents and ensure that everything is correct and complete.