What are the travel requirements for South Korea?
Are you thinking about traveling to South Korea? The country is one of the top places to visit in the world today. Do you know what you need to travel into the country? The travel requirements changed for tourists during Covid and while some of those updates will go away, some are here to stay. We will go through the list of travel requirements for South Korea and other things you may need to know.
Do you need to get travel documents translated into Korean? Can you just walk right through immigration as a tourist to Korea? Let’s see.
Get ready to travel to Korea:
- Why travel to South Korea
- South Korea travel requirements
- The K-ETA
- Q-Code
- Requirements for a Working Visa in South Korea
- Document translation and other things to know
- Visiting Korea FAQ
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Why travel to South Korea
There are so many reasons to visit South Korea. First, you need to see the historical places in the country. Korea has a very long history, and it has an abundance of historical sites. If you follow popular culture, you know that K-pop, or Korean popular culture, has taken the world by storm. The biggest musical artists today are from Korea and if you’re a fan, then going there is worth it. The country also has beautiful natural wonders. If it’s your first time to travel to Korea, learn more in this Epic Guide to Seoul for the First Timer that will get you started.
South Korea travel requirements
After you’ve decided that you want to visit South Korea, you need to gather all the required documents and information. South Korea allows visa-free travel for passport holders from certain countries. Canadian citizens, for example, can enter the country and stay there for up to 180 days without a visa. If you are from the United States, you will enjoy the same privilege for 90 days. You can find the list of countries that don’t require a visa to enter as a tourist below. If you’re entering as a tourist, it’s pretty straightforward for most travelers. Note, that while you do not have to apply for the visa, you do need to apply for the K-ETA prior to travel (More information below.) Remember that you cannot work on a tourist visa.
Visa Application Form: If you are applying for a visa other than a tourist visa, the form can be downloaded online. Make sure that you complete the form and that all of the information you write down on the form is correct and accurate.
Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity when applying for a visa to enter South Korea. On top of that, it should have at least two blank visa pages.
1 Passport Photo: Make sure that the picture you submit follows the passport photo requirements. It should have been taken in the last six months. Never use filters. Don’t take a selfie. Make sure that you ask someone to take the picture for you. The background should be white or off-white, at least.
Visa Fee: The fee you must pay will depend on the kind of visa that you are applying for.
The K-ETA
K-ETA is a digital travel authorization that is required by any foreign visitors that do not require a visa. It needs to be obtained before entering the Republic of Korea. The purpose of travel should be tourism, visiting a family member, participating in events or meetings, or commercial business (excluding the pursuit of profit). It is mandatory for visa-free and visa-waiver countries. Anyone without a valid visa or K-ETA will not be allowed to board a plane to South Korea. This is meant to make immigration and customs a smoother process upon landing, streamlining the whole process.
How long does it take to get K-ETA approved?
K-ETA is available for eligible people from countries that don’t require a visa to enter South Korea. It must be obtained before boarding a flight or ship and can take up to 72 hours to process. That means you should apply for it at least a month before your trip just to be safe but you could apply for it up to a few days before departure.
On average, most people in our travel groups say they’ve received results within a day but it can take longer.
Where to apply for the K-ETA
For all of the information on the validity, which countries need the K-ETA prior to travel and how to fill in the website, check out our article Everything you need to know about the K-ETA
Q-Code
On arrival in South Korea, you need to submit a questionnaire on your health condition. The South Korean government encourages all arrivals to log this information in the Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) system prior to travel. Paper-based alternatives can be used instead but may result in a slower arrivals process.
Requirements for a Working Visa in South Korea
If you will be getting a working visa, maybe to teach English in South Korea, the following are the additional documents you need to provide.
Original Employment Contract and a Korean Translation of the Document
If you’re going to South Korea to work, you will need to show proof of it in the form of an employment contract. Generally, companies and schools will provide the Korean version of the contract. However, if they do not, you may need to have the contract translated by someone who knows how to translate Korean document to English and vice versa. The contract should state clearly the details of your employment including location, salary, etc.
Copy of Certificate for Business Registration of Employer
Another document that you need to present when you will be going to South Korea to work is a copy of the Certificate for Business Registration of your Korean employer. Your employer should be able to provide you with that document.
Letter from Company
Your employer should also provide you with a letter stating that they have actually employed you. This will facilitate your visa application.
Document translation and other things to know
Document Translation
When entering as a tourist, you generally don’t need to have anything translated. However, for other visas, like the marriage visa, for example, documents should be provided in Korean to immigration. Remember that Korean is the main language spoken, written, and read in Korea so documents in other languages may not be suitable.
Processing Time
Normally, it takes up to two weeks to process a visa application. You should take that into consideration when you are applying for a visa.
In-Person Interview
Many consulates require an in-person visit and possibly a brief interview to ensure what you have provided is accurate. Make sure to check with your local Korean consulate. For some locations, they prefer that applications be mailed in.
Visiting Korea FAQ
How Many Bags Can I Take to Korea?
How much luggage you can take with you into South Korea depends on the airline. With Korean Air, if you are riding Economy, you are allowed a personal item and a standard carry-on bag. Those two should not exceed 25 pounds (12 kg). Your air-checked baggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg). Be sure to check with the relevant airline as this is subject to change.
Can I Take Medications into Korea?
Yes, you can bring medications into South Korea but there are restrictions on the types of medications. For prescription medications, you must submit an application to the Narcotics Control Division of the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) before the travel date. Any medication which contains narcotics, even those with a prescription is prohibited. Don’t try to bring in medication that is not allowed by the authorities as it may be confiscated, or worse, you may be deported.
These are just some of the things that you should take note of when you’re visiting South Korea. There are other things that are worth knowing before you travel there. It helps to read up on the history and culture of the country that you are visiting.
Do I need a SIM card in Korea?
Did you know there are more than 500,000 public WiFi hotspots in Seoul? Wifi is readily available and easy to access in Korea, but you do need a Korean phone number for a variety of things so a SIM is a convenient travel requirement really. Read this guide to the best Korean SIM cards so you can choose the right one for your trip.
Get ready for your trip to South Korea!
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