How Long Can You Stay in Korea Without a Visa?
You can usually stay in Korea for up to 90 days without a visa as a tourist. If you’re traveling for work or study, however, you’ll need to obtain a visa before leaving your home country.
You can get a Korean visa at the Korean Embassy in your home country or at the nearest South Korean Immigration Office. You’ll need your passport, a 3.5cm by 4.5cm colored passport-style photograph and other documents to apply for a tourist visa.
Tourist
If you want to visit South Korea for tourism, you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of countries that have a visa waiver agreement with Korea are eligible for this. The list includes the US, the European Union, Australia, Canada and the UK.
Those who want to stay longer than 90 days should apply for a visa at a Korean consulate in their country of residence before traveling. They will need to provide proof of their health, and their visa application must be approved by the Korean government.
The Korean Consulate in the United States can accept applications via mail or in-person. It normally takes 2 weeks for an application to be processed after submission.
There is also a Tourist/Transit visa (B-2-1) for nationals of certain countries who want to travel to a third country through Korea. These visas are not for long-term visits, but they are good for stopping over for a few days on the way to your final destination.
To get the tourist visa, you will need to have a passport valid for at least 6 months. You will need to have proof of your travel arrangements and sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the trip. You will also need to provide an invitation letter and a visa fee receipt.
You should also bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC). This is used as a personal identification card in Korea and will provide you with a Resident Registration Number.
As of September 2021, nationals from 110+ visa-exempt countries will be able to visit South Korea for up to six months without a visa. Those who want to stay in South Korea longer than this will need to obtain a South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA will allow you to visit multiple times within the two year window, and you will not have to apply for a new one each time.
Student
There are several types of visas available to students in South Korea. These include student (D-2) visas, spouse and children (D-4), and business start-up (D-8).
If you’re planning to study in South Korea for more than one semester, a student visa is the most likely option. It’s easy to apply for, and once approved you can enter and leave the country as often as you want within the validity period on your visa.
Usually, students can stay in Korea for six months without renewing their student visas. However, this can be different at each university and we recommend checking the visa requirements with your school before deciding to get a student visa.
The length of time you can stay in Korea on a student visa depends on your course, and how long your course lasts. If you take a longer course and plan to extend your studies, you’ll need to renew your student visa when it expires.
To get a student visa you’ll need to provide a letter of acceptance from a recognised Korean institution, certified copies of degree and diploma certificates, proof of funds and other supporting documents. You also need to prove that you can support yourself financially while in South Korea, and that you’re likely to find work when you arrive.
If you’re not sure whether a student visa is right for you, it’s always best to speak to an immigration professional. They can advise you on the best visa for your needs and help you with your application. In addition, they can give you advice on preparing for your move to Korea. They can also assist you with visa applications, tax clearance, and re-entry forms.
Business
The length of time you can stay in Korea without a visa depends on your reason for travel. Most foreign visitors need to apply for a visa before traveling to Korea, which can take a few weeks.
A visa is also required if you are visiting for more than 90 days or intend to do any business. Citizens of the following countries can enter Korea for up to 90 days for tourism or visitation: Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
There are a variety of types of visas available in South Korea. The most common is the business visa, which can be issued to travelers who wish to work or conduct business in the country.
This type of visa is usually used by international businesses looking to set up offices in the country and establish business contacts. These include the likes of Google, Menlo Ventures and Airbnb.
If you’re not sure about the proper type of business visa for your needs, it may be a good idea to speak with an attorney who is well-versed in the nuances of the immigration laws of your country. They may be able to provide you with a list of valid business visas and the requirements for getting one.
As you can imagine, the process of obtaining a business visa is not an easy one. Fortunately, there are many resources online to help you make the best decision for your situation.
If you are considering visiting the country and want to find out if it’s for you, take advantage of our free consultation services. Our lawyers have a combined 14 years of legal experience and can answer any questions you might have about the best business visa for your trip.
Medical
Many individuals travel to other countries to undergo medical treatment, either because they cannot receive care in their home country or because they wish to see a specialist based in a different country. These travelers often need a medical visa or travel authorization that permits them to enter the country where they are seeking treatment and stay for a certain period of time.
Depending on the country, medical visas may be issued electronically through a digital system, or by submitting an application at an embassy or consulate belonging to the country where treatment will take place. Either way, travelers must submit a full set of documents for approval.
Some states require medical patients to obtain a health exam before they can get a visa, which screens them for any communicable diseases that could make them ineligible to visit the United States. This is usually done by a licensed doctor or hospital in the host country, but sometimes it can be done at a local clinic in the United States.
There are a variety of different visas for medical professionals, from short-term visits to long-term stays. For example, the E-5 special profession visa is for international licensed architects, doctors, and lawyers who are in South Korea to practice their chosen profession. This multiple-entry visa is valid for a year, and expats can renew it every year.
The E-6 culture and art visa is another option for expats who plan to work in a foreign country with a musical or artistic background. Expats can choose between a multiple-entry visa good for a year or a single-entry visa for three months.
Finally, the B-2 visa is for people who need to be in the United States for a brief medical visit. This visa requires healthcare documents and a United States immigration plan that explains why the brief visit is necessary. The person also needs to have a passport to return home and money available to pay for the healthcare.
Visitor
If you are a citizen of one of the 151 countries (listed above) that has an agreement with Korea on visa-free entry, you can travel to the country without a visa. However, this does not apply to people who are planning to stay in South Korea for longer than 90 days or who are visiting for business purposes.
There are a variety of visas available for visitors, depending on your purpose in Korea and how long you plan to stay. You can find out more about them at the Visa Navigator website.
The most common visitor visas are the Ordinary Tourist (C-3-9) and Working Holiday (H-1-1) visas, both of which are single-entry and valid for a year. The Working Holiday Visa is a great option for students and others who want to work and study in Korea while on holiday.
Another type of visitor visa is the Business (D-8-1), which is a temporary visa designed for those who wish to start or manage a business in the country. It is also possible to obtain the Business (F-2) or Overseas Korean Residence Visa (F-4), which are long-term resident visas, allowing you to live and work in the country permanently.
These visas are issued at the embassy in your home country and you need to submit your application, passport, a 3.5cm x 4.5cm (1.4in x 1.7in) passport photo and any other required documents. These requirements are subject to change, so it is important that you check the information on your local Korean embassy’s website for details.
If you are a non-Korean national and intend to visit Korea more than once in a year, you will need to register for an Alien Registration Card at the Immigration Office in Korea before leaving. This is an essential step to avoid fines.