Which countries can enter Korea without a visa?

Exploring South Korea: Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations

South Korea, renowned for its vibrant culture, cutting-edge technology, and natural beauty, welcomes visitors from around the world. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country, its essential to understand the visa requirements and regulations.

Visa-Free Entry for Select Countries

As of the latest updates, citizens of numerous countries enjoy visa-free entry into South Korea for tourism or short-term business purposes. These countries fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and include:

• Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City

• Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay

• Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam

K-ETA Requirement for Visa-Free Visitors

Although citizens of VWP countries are exempt from obtaining a visa, they are required to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) prior to their departure. The K-ETA is an electronic entry permit that grants visitors permission to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days.

To apply for K-ETA, eligible travelers must register online through the official Korean immigration website or via a mobile app. The application requires personal information, passport details, and a small processing fee.

Duration of Stay and Visa Extensions

Visa-free visitors can stay in South Korea for a maximum period of 90 days. If they wish to extend their stay beyond this period, they must apply for a visa extension at the nearest immigration office. The extension must be applied for before the current visa expires.

Important Note:

Its crucial to note that the visa-free entry and K-ETA requirements can change. Therefore, its always advisable to verify the latest entry regulations on the official Korean immigration website or by contacting the Korean embassy or consulate in your country.