South Korea Airport Visa Policy: What Travelers Need To Know

South Korea's visa policy allows citizens of certain countries to enter with a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), while others require a visa from a South Korean diplomatic mission. Those with a valid passport from a visa-exempt country can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days, and those with a layover in South Korea are usually not required to have a visa if they do not leave the airport. However, those who wish to enter South Korea between connecting flights must obtain entry permission.

Transit visas and visa exemptions

South Korea's visa policy allows citizens of certain countries to enter with a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). Citizens of other countries are required to have a visa from one of the South Korean diplomatic missions. The K-ETA is mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries and came into effect on 1 September 2021. If a K-ETA application is rejected, travellers can apply for a visa instead.

The B-2-1 visa is a tourist/transit visa for people who plan to transit through South Korea without a visa. Holders of this visa cannot renew or change their visa status. If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 30 days, you must apply for another visa before entering the country.

Nationals of certain countries are exempt from requiring a visa for South Korea for a maximum stay of 30 days. They must:

• Arrive from a third country and have a confirmed onward ticket for a flight within 30 days to the country that issued the visa.
• Arrive from the country that issued the visa and have a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 30 days.

The entry visa must be in the form of a visa sticker in the passport, except for Australian visas. Nationals of China with an entry visa issued by specific countries are also exempt from requiring a visa for South Korea.

Additionally, citizens of certain countries can enter South Korea visa-free when travelling in groups to specific regions through designated airports. For example, group tourists can travel visa-free to the 'Gangwon-do' region of South Korea and the Seoul metropolitan area through Yangyang International Airport, with a maximum stay period of 15 days. Similarly, group tourists can travel visa-free to the 'Jeollanam-do', 'Jeollabuk-do', and 'Jeju-do' regions through Muan International Airport, also with a maximum stay of 15 days.

Working in South Korea

South Korea boasts Asia's fourth-largest economy, but the country struggles to find adequate placement for a workforce that is fast becoming overqualified for the few jobs that are available. Expats, on the other hand, will have an easier time finding a job in South Korea than Korean nationals. This is because, as the country gains international recognition, it is also gaining international companies and relationships. Foreigners are not only being welcomed into the job market to add to and improve these relations, but also because of the need for speakers of languages other than Korean.

If you are thinking of relocating to South Korea, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, working days are the standard Monday through Friday, but hours can be anywhere from 40 to 68 hours per week. Secondly, to be eligible to work in South Korea, you need a university degree in the same field as the job for which you are applying. Thirdly, while a knowledge of the Korean language is not mandatory, it is highly advisable. Employers will be more favourable to applicants who know Korean as it will help them integrate with their coworkers and work culture more fully. Lastly, South Korea has a specific CV style that you should adhere to while applying for jobs.

There are several types of visas that allow foreigners to work in South Korea. These include the Working Holiday Visa (H-1), which is issued to young-adult foreigners in some countries with reciprocal agreements with South Korea. Holders of this visa are allowed to stay in the country for up to one year and engage in some employment and educational activities. Other types of visas that allow foreigners to work in South Korea include the Short-Term Employee (C-4), Professionals (E-1~7), Non-Professional (E-9), Maritime Crew (E-10), Working Holiday (H-1), Working Visit (H-2), Resident (F-2), Overseas Korean (F-4), and Permanent Resident (F-5).

If you are a foreign language teacher, you can apply for the Foreign Language Teaching (E-2) visa. Additionally, if you have invested more than $500,000 in South Korea and stayed in the country for more than three years, you may be eligible for the Corporate Investment (D-8) visa.

Visa extensions and re-entry permits

If you are planning to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension. This can be done through the Korea Immigration Service (KIS). It is important to note that certain types of visas, such as the Tourist/Transit Visa (B-2-1), cannot be renewed or changed. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the appropriate visa before your arrival in South Korea.

For US citizens, there is no need for a visa if your stay in South Korea is 90 days or less, and the purpose of your trip is tourism, business, or visiting family. However, if you plan to work, study, or engage in profit-making activities, you must obtain the appropriate entry visa.

The K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) visa is valid for two years and includes an automatic re-entry permit. This visa allows multiple trips to South Korea for short-term stays within its validity period. The K-ETA is required for travelers from visa-exempt countries, but US citizens are exempt from this requirement until December 2024.

If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter South Korea, you may be eligible for a transit without a visa if your layover is less than 24 hours or if you are arriving at Incheon Airport. However, it is always best to check the specific requirements for your nationality before your travel.

Additionally, South Korea offers a Working Holiday Visa (H-1) for young adults from certain countries, allowing them to stay in the country for up to one year while engaging in employment and educational activities. The main purpose of this visa is intended to be vacation.

Visa-free entry for US citizens

The visa policy of South Korea allows citizens of certain countries to enter with a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). This came into effect on 1 September 2021.

US citizens are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. This applies to US citizens with a regular passport who are visiting for tourism or business purposes. However, they must obtain permission in advance by providing personal and travel-related information online. The K-ETA application costs 10,000 KRW or 10 USD.

If you are a US citizen and you plan to work in South Korea, including teaching or modelling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status while in the country. If you begin work without the correct visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported.

Dual national males (including US service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate, or the Korean Military Manpower Administration, regarding potential citizenship obligations before entering South Korea.

Please note that travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. It is recommended that you review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before travelling.

Visa requirements for Indian citizens

Indian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea. They must obtain a visa from a South Korean Embassy before departure and cannot get a visa on arrival. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit, with different visas available for tourism, business, work, and study. Indian citizens can usually spend 90 days in South Korea with a tourist visa.

To obtain a visa, Indian citizens must complete a visa application and provide supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of funds, and proof of their purpose of visit. The specific requirements depend on the type of visa requested. It is recommended to submit the visa application two months to two weeks before the travel date, and the visa is valid for three months from the date of issue. Indian citizens should also be aware that they may need to purchase travel insurance separately, as medical treatment in South Korea can be expensive.

In addition to the standard visa requirements, there are special provisions for transit visas. Indian citizens who are transiting through South Korea en route to certain countries or returning to India from specific destinations may be eligible for a visa on arrival. However, this is subject to certain conditions, which are outlined on the Korean Government website (www.visa.go.kr). It is important to note that Indian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival if they plan to stay in South Korea for more than 24 hours or if they are arriving at Incheon Airport.

Obtaining a work visa in South Korea can be complex, and it is not possible to change visa status without leaving the country. Indian citizens intending to work in South Korea must ensure they have the appropriate work visa before departure. Working without a valid visa can result in arrest, fines, and deportation.

Frequently asked questions