Korea visa basics for travelers

Check in the right order

1. Open the official Korea Visa Portal and use Visa Navigator.
2. Select your nationality, purpose of entry and intended stay.
3. Check whether you need a visa, an electronic travel authorization or neither.
4. Open the website of the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for where you live.
5. Confirm passport validity, documents, fees and processing time before booking anything non-refundable.

An online form may not finish the application

The Visa Portal explains that an e-form can be completed online, but eligible applicants may still need to print the barcoded form and visit a Korean diplomatic mission with their passport, photograph, fee and supporting documents. An e-Visa is available only for certain statuses of stay.

Tourism is not work

Choose the entry category that matches what you will actually do. Paid work, study, long stays and some business activities require different permission from an ordinary sightseeing trip.

Recheck shortly before departure

Entry rules, electronic authorizations and health or arrival procedures may change between booking and flying. Recheck the official portal and your airline’s document guidance shortly before departure.