Entry requirements for South Korea

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, it’s important to stay up to date on entry requirements to ensure you’re prepared for any changes that may affect your entry to South Korea.

There are 2 key entry requirements Australians travelling to South Korea should be aware of:

Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA)

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation is an electronic travel authorisation system.

Aussie travellers are currently exempt from the K-ETA.

E-arrival card

South Korea's e-Arrival Card is an online arrival declaration form.

Aussie travellers still need to submit an e-Arrival Card.

What is the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA)?

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) is an electronic travel authorisation system implemented by the South Korean government for nationals of visa-exempt countries. The K-ETA allows visa-exempt visitors to enter South Korea for tourism, business meetings, visiting relatives, or other short-term purposes.

Once approved, a K-ETA is generally valid for multiple entries over a three-year period, with each stay limited to 90 days. While the K-ETA validity period is 3 years, travellers cannot stay longer than the visa-free stay period applicable to their country. The K-ETA is not a visa and only fulfils some of the requirements for entering the Republic of Korea without a visa.

However, Australians are currently exempt from requiring a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) until 31st December 2025. This means Australians can enter South Korea for up to 90 days (the standard visa exemption period) without applying for a K-ETA until 31st December 2025.

How to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation

When the K-ETA requirement resumes for Australian citizens, the K-ETA application process will involve these steps:

1. Visit the official K-ETA website to apply

2. Create an account or log in

3. Fill out the application form with personal information

4. Upload a recent passport-style photograph

5. Input passport details

6. Provide travel itinerary information

7. Answer questions regarding health and security

8. Review all information for accuracy

9. Pay the application fee (approximately 10,000 KRW or about $12 AUD)

10. Submit the application and wait for approval (typically within 24 hours)

Even if your K-ETA hasn’t expired, you will need to apply for a new K-ETA when:

• Your passport has been reissued

• If there are changes to your criminal record

• If there are changes to your infectious diseases information

What is the e-arrival card in South Korea?

The Korean Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) is an electronic system that allows travellers to conveniently submit their arrival declaration form online, replacing the previous paper-based arrival card. Online application is available starting 3 days before arrival in South Korea and is free. Applicants can submit individual or group arrival cards.

K-ETA exempt individuals including Australian Citizens must fill out the e-Arrival Card.

How to submit the e-arrival card for South Korea

Follow the steps below to submit the e-Arrival Card for South Korea:

1. Visit the South Korea e-Arrival Card website

2. Click on Submit (either for the Individual category or group/travel agency category) and follow the prompts

3. Enter your valid email

4. Upload a valid passport photo

5. Fill out basic personal information and passport details

6. Fill out detailed information about your travel itinerary and make sure you have the following details on hand

   • Arrival and departure including dates and flights

   • Purpose of entry

   • Visa number

   • Stay information including the address of your intended place of stay

   • Your job

7. Check all of your information is accurate

8. Enter your email

9. Click submit

10. Confirm you have received a copy of the e-Arrival Card to your email

If any of your information changes, check and edit your e-Arrival Card online to make sure your details are correct and up to date.

South Korea's visa exemption scheme

South Korea's Visa Exemption Scheme allows Australians to enter South Korea without a visa for short-term visits of up to 90 days. Currently, Australians also benefit from the temporary K-ETA exemption meaning Aussies travelling for up to 90 days don’t need to apply for the K-ETA, until 31st December, 2025.

Under normal circumstances (after the temporary K-ETA exemption expires), Australian citizens would be required to apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to South Korea from Australia, which is a simpler process than obtaining a traditional visa. The K-ETA allows for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or similar short-term purposes.

Can I get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

South Korea generally does not offer a visa-on-arrival system for most nationalities, including Australians. Travellers who require a visa must obtain it before departing for South Korea.

If an Australian traveller arrives in South Korea without the necessary visa or K-ETA (when required), they may be denied entry and returned to their point of origin at their own expense. Immigration officials have the final authority to determine entry eligibility, regardless of pre-obtained visas or K-ETA.

South Korea visa requirements

Whether you’re visiting family, attending a business conference in Seoul or exploring Jeju Island, your visa requirements will depend on the purpose and length of your visit to South Korea.

Generally, all South Korean visas will require the following documents to be submitted with the visa application so make sure to prepare them in advance:

• Visa application form: Apply online via the official South Korean e-Visa website or with the South Korean Embassy

• Valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and one blank page

• Passport photos: Provide recent photographs that meet South Korean passport photo requirements

Below is a breakdown of common visas for South Korea and their specific visa requirements for Australians.

What are the passport requirements for South Korea?

When travelling to South Korea from Australia, travellers must meet certain passport requirements for South Korea:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from South Korea

• You should have at least one blank visa page for entry stamps

• Your passport should be in good condition with no damage, tears, or unauthorised modifications

• If you have recently changed your name or other personal details, ensure your passport reflects these updates

South Korea tourist visa

The South Korea tourist visa (C-3-9) is designed for foreigners who are not eligible for visa-free entry or who plan to stay longer than the visa-free period allows. This visa allows travellers to engage in tourism activities such as sightseeing, leisure travel, and visiting friends or family.

South Korea offers 2 types of Tourist Visas:

1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa: up to 90 days (however, Australian travellers are eligible for the 90-day visa exemption and may find the South Korean Visa Exemption Scheme a simpler option for entering the country rather than obtaining a single-entry tourist visa)

2. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: up to 30 days (applicants can enter 2 times within 6 months from the date of issue)

What are the visa requirements for a South Korea tourist visa?

To apply for a tourist visa for South Korea, Australian citizens need to submit:

• A completed visa application form

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• A recent passport-sized colour photograph

• Proof of accommodation in South Korea

• Copy of flight ticket and accommodation in South Korea (if the reservation is already made)

South Korea temporary business visa

The South Korea temporary business visa (C-3-4) is for those travelling to South Korea from Australia for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, investigations, negotiations, entering into or reviewing business contracts and similar activities. This visa does not allow you to work for or provide services to a business or organisation based in Korea, or to sell goods or services directly to the public.

South Korea offers 2 types of Temporary Business Visas:

1. Single-Entry Visa: up to 90 days

2. Multiple-Entry Visa: up to 30 days (applicants can enter 2 times within 6 months from the date of issue)

For frequent business travellers, multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods may be available depending on the applicant's situation and the diplomatic relationship between Australia and South Korea.

Consider if you need travel insurance for your business trip to South Korea.

What are the visa requirements for South Korea temporary business visa?

To apply for a temporary business visa for South Korea, Australian citizens need to submit:

• A completed visa application form

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• A recent passport-sized colour photograph

• A confirmation letter from your Australian employer stating your personal details, the purpose of your visit/description of activity and duration of your stay

• An invitation letter from a South Korean company or organisation stating your personal details, the purpose of your visit/description of activity and duration of your stay

• Copy of Business Registration Certificate of the Korean inviting company

• Copy of flight ticket and accommodation in South Korea (if the reservation is already made)

South Korea short-term employment visa

The short-term employment visa (C-4) is designed for foreigners entering South Korea for short-term employment activities. Unlike the temporary business visa, it allows holders to engage in paid work activities including:

• Participating in a paid event such as a sport event, tv programme, music competition or similar event

• Work for or provide services to a business or organisation based in Korea

• Work as a performer, production or support staff in the entertainment industry under a short term contract (less than 90 days)

• Work as an English teacher at English Camp

• Provide lectures, training and similar activities for a paid fee

There are several subcategories of the C-4 visa depending on the specific nature of the employment, including:

• C-4-1: Short-term employment in general fields

• C-4-5: For artistic performances

• C-4-6: For advertisement or fashion modelling

South Korea offers 2 types of Short-Term Employment Visas:

1. Single-Entry Visa: up to 90 days

2. Multiple-Entry Visa: up to 30 days (applicants can enter 2 times within 6 months from the date of issue)

What are the visa requirements for South Korea short-term employment visa?

To apply for a short-term employment visa, Australian travellers are required to submit:

• A completed visa application form

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• A recent passport-sized colour photograph

• A confirmation letter from your Australian employer stating your personal details, the purpose of your visit/description of activity and duration of your stay

• An invitation letter from a South Korean company or organization stating your personal details, the purpose of your visit/description of activity and duration of your stay

• Copy of Business Registration Certificate of the Korean inviting company

• An employment contract or assignment letter

• Other relevant supporting documents issued from Korea proving your qualifications for the intended work

• Copy of flight ticket and accommodation in South Korea (if the reservation is already made)

South Korea working holiday visa

The working holiday visa (H-1) allows Australian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to stay in South Korea for up to 12 months, during which they can engage in employment to supplement their travel funds. The Working Holiday Programme is designed to promote cultural exchange between Australia and South Korea.

Below are general eligibility requirements for the Korean Working Holiday Visa:

• Age requirement: 18-30 years old at the time of visa application

• Entry to Korea: Visa holders must enter within 12 months of visa issue

• Previous visa holders: This visa is only available to applicants who have not previously taken part in any Korean Working Holiday Programme

• Work hour limit: Visa holders cannot work more than 1,300 hours

• Employer conditions: Visa holders cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months

• Employment restrictions: Visa holders cannot engage in the following job categories that are contrary to the purposes of Working Holiday Programs

  • Service employee, dancer, singer, musician, or acrobat at an adult entertainment establishment

  • Vocations that require specific qualifications, such as medical doctors, lawyers, professors, pilots, language instructors, etc.

  • Take up other activities such as journalism/news coverage or political activity

Consider if you need travel insurance for your working holiday to South Korea.

What are the visa requirements for South Korea working holiday visa?

To apply for a Working Holiday Visa in South Korea, Australian citizens must provide:

• A completed visa application form

• A valid passport with at least 18 months validity

• A recent passport-sized colour photograph

• Medical examination from your GP (Mandatory Tests: Blood (HIV) Test, Narcotic Drug Test and Chest X-ray)

• Travel schedule and activity plan for 1 year

• Australian bank transactions for the last 3 months to prove that applicants have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Korea (the minimum closing balance should be more than AUD $5,000 and the account holder must be the visa applicant)

• A copy of the confirmed return flight ticket

South Korea student visa

The student visa (D-2) is for foreigners who plan to study a full-time degree or participate in an exchange program at a recognised educational institution in South Korea, including universities, graduate schools, and language institutes.

Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the academic program, usually between 6 months to 4 years depending on the course of study. Students may be required to renew their visa periodically during their stay.

There are several subcategories of the D-2 student visa depending on the type of study including:

• D-2-2: Full-time Bachelor’s Degree

• D-2-3: Master’s Degree

• D-2-4: Doctoral Degree

• D-2-6: Exchange Program

• D-2-8: Summer or Winter School Program

Consider if you need travel insurance for your student trip to South Korea.

What are the visa requirements for a South Korea student visa?

Australian citizens applying for a student visa to South Korea need to submit:

• A completed visa application form

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• A recent passport-sized colour photograph

• A relevant work pass if needed

• Copy of an official certificate of admission issued by a Korean university or letter from Korean school to verify student status and participation in the exchange program, summer or winter school program (this must be the original letter and issued within 1 month)

• Copy of Certificate of Business Registration of Korean university

• Academic transcripts and certificates from previous education

• Recent 3 months Korean bank account statements /e-statements (this is not required if the Korean university is an International Education Quality Assurance System university)

Do I need to apply for a visa for South Korea?

Determining whether you need to apply for a visa depends on your purpose of travel and intended length of stay. Australians travelling for tourism purposes can currently enter South Korea without a visa or K-ETA until December 31, 2025, for stays up to 90 days. However, if you're planning to engage in business activities, work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

Step-by-step application process for a South Korea visa

1. Identify the visa type

Based on your purpose of travel, determine which visa category is appropriate for your visit to South Korea. Review the requirements specific to that visa type.

2. Gather supporting documents

Collect all the required documentation as specified for your visa type. Ensure that all documents are current and meet the standards set by the South Korean authorities.

3. Visa application method

Visa applications can be made online through the Korea Visa Portal, by post, or in person at the South Korean Embassy in Australia. Choose the most convenient application method based on your location and circumstances.

In person visa application at the embassy

You can apply in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canberra or your local Korean Consulate.

Visa application by post

If you cannot visit the embassy or consulate in person, you may be able to apply by post. Contact the embassy or consulate first to confirm the postal application process.

Online e-Visa application

For certain visa types, you may be eligible to apply online through the Korea Visa Portal. This system allows you to submit your application electronically.

4. Pay the visa fee

Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. Payment methods also vary based on the application method chosen. Current fee information can be found on the embassy or consulate website.

5. Wait for processing

Visa processing times typically range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the visa type and current processing volumes. Once approved, you'll receive your visa either in your passport or as an electronic travel authorisation.

How much does a South Korea visa cost?

The cost of a South Korea visa varies depending on the type, duration, and number of entries. Below are approximate costs for common visa types for Australian applicants:

• Tourist Visa (Single Entry): Approximately 80,000 KRW (about $95 AUD)

• Business Visa (Single Entry): Approximately 80,000 KRW (about $95 AUD)

• Working Holiday Visa: Approximately 120,000 KRW (about $140 AUD)

• Student Visa: Approximately 60,000 KRW (about $70 AUD)

• K-ETA application fee (when required): Approximately 10,000 KRW (about $12 AUD)

Please note that visa fees are subject to change and may vary based on current exchange rates. Always confirm the current fees from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or the official visa portal before applying.

How long can I stay in South Korea with a visa?

The duration of stay permitted in South Korea depends on the type of visa you hold. Below is a summary of the validity periods for different visa types:

What happens if I overstay my visa in South Korea?

Overstaying your visa in South Korea is a serious immigration violation that can result in significant consequences including:

• Fines based on the duration of the overstay (starting from approximately 100,000 KRW)

• Potential deportation at your own expense

• Temporary or permanent ban on re-entering South Korea

• Possible difficulties obtaining visas for South Korea and other countries in the future

If you realise you have overstayed, it's recommended to voluntarily report to an immigration office as soon as possible. While penalties may still apply, voluntary reporting often results in more lenient treatment compared to being discovered during immigration checks.

Extending your visa for South Korea

If you need to stay in South Korea beyond the period initially granted, you may apply for a visa extension at a local immigration office. Extensions are not automatically granted and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To apply for an extension, you must visit an immigration office before your current visa expires. The process typically involves submitting an application form, providing justification for the extension, and paying a fee. In some cases, you may need to apply for a re-entry permit if you plan to leave and return to South Korea during your extended stay.

For detailed information on the extension process, visit the Hi Korea website.

Documents required for extending your visa in South Korea

To extend your visa in South Korea, you typically need to submit:

• A completed extension application form

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity

• Passport-sized photograph

• Current visa and immigration status

• Alien Registration Card (if applicable)

• Documents supporting your reason for extension based on your visa type (for example, a student visa would require proof of continued enrolment at a South Korean educational institution, while an employment visa would require a letter of employer confirming continued employment)

• Proof that you can financially support yourself during the extended stay (such as bank statements, proof of income, sponsors financial support)

• Extension fee payment

Travel insurance for your trip to South Korea

When planning your trip to South Korea, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Depending on the policy chosen, it can also provide some protection for many other unexpected situations such as lost luggage, and many activities you might be planning on participating in on your trip. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to South Korea.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with South Korea’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to South Korea.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.