Visa
Visa
All foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and some visitors must obtain a visa before departure. Some visitors may temporarily enter without a visa according to visa exemption agreements or in accordance with principles of reciprocity or national interest. For detailed information, please visit the Korea Visa Portal using the button below.
When using the Visa Navigator, please select the purpose of entry as “Short-Term Visit” and the length of stay as “90 days or less.”
※ Important Notice
- Please note that an invitation letter does not guarantee the issuance of a visa to enter Korea.
- An invitation letter will be issued to those who have completed registration, including complimentary registrations.
- Once an invitation letter for your visa has been issued, reimbursement of the registration fee will not be possible.
- For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your visa application, please contact the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea in your home country.
- The SICOM 2026 Secretariat cannot intervene in, appeal, or influence visa approval decisions made by embassies, consulates, or any other government authorities.
Countries Designated for Visa-free Entry
- Nationals of visa-free countries can enter Korea without a visa provided that the purpose of their visit is tourism or temporary visit.
- If they want to engage in profitable activities such as employment, they must apply for a Korean visa suitable for their purpose.
- Visa-free entry does not automatically mean K-ETA exemption. Nationals of visa-free countries are still required to apply for K-ETA unless their country is listed as K-ETA-exempt.
- Please refer to the K-ETA information below for details.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
- K-ETA is required for nationals of visa-free countries entering Korea without a visa. Applicants must apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before boarding a flight to Korea.
- The K-ETA is not a VISA. K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry to the Republic of Korea. The final determination of a traveler’s entry will be made by the immigration official during entry immigration inspection.
- K-ETA requirement will be exempted for ages 17 or under, and 65 or over.
Temporary Exemption from K-ETA — 22 countries/regions (As of Feb 4, 2026)
The temporary exemption from K-ETA for 22 countries/regions in celebration of ‘Visit Korea Year (2023-2024)’ has been extended.
The Ministry of Justice has decided to extend the temporary exemption period for one more year until December 31, 2026 (KST) to stimulate the tourism industry. The countries/regions that are currently exempt from K-ETA are subject to this extension. Those who are subject to the exemption will get a pop-up message when they select their nationality during the application process.
Travelers who wish to receive benefits from K-ETA application, such as not having to submit an arrival card upon entry, may apply for K-ETA, and in this case, the application fee will be charged.
The temporary exemption from K-ETA for 22 countries/regions in celebration of ‘Visit Korea Year (2023-2024)’ has been extended.
The Ministry of Justice has decided to extend the temporary exemption period for one more year until December 31, 2026 (KST) to stimulate the tourism industry. The countries/regions that are currently exempt from K-ETA are subject to this extension. Those who are subject to the exemption will get a pop-up message when they select their nationality during the application process.
Travelers who wish to receive benefits from K-ETA application, such as not having to submit an arrival card upon entry, may apply for K-ETA, and in this case, the application fee will be charged.
| Asia(5) | Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Americas (2) | Canada, United States of America (including Guam) |
| Europe (13) | Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
