South Korea visas
South Korea's entry and residence system is administered by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice, with visas issued through Korean diplomatic missions abroad and the government e-visa portal. Whether you need a visa, a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), or nothing in advance depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Always confirm your route and its current conditions against the official Korea Immigration Service, the K-ETA portal and the Korea Visa Portal before applying or travelling.
South Korean visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in South Korea — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to South Korea to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.5 visas
- Study visasStudying in South Korea — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in South Korea.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to South Korea as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in South Korea long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
South Korean visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
South Korea — key facts
- Visa authority
- Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- South Korean won (KRW)
- Time zone
- Korea Standard Time (KST, UTC+9)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.