What is Visa?
In Korea, a visa represents the 'consul's act of recommendation for a foreigner's entry request.' Therefore, even if one were to have a Korean visa, one can still be denied the entry into Korea should an immigration officer find some requirements unsatisfactory after inspection.
- “Foreign nationals seeking to enter the Republic of Korea may require a visa depending on their purpose of entry.”
- “Visa waiver program participants may need to meet specific requirements, such as obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).”
- “Depending on the issuance method, visas can be verified electronically, such as through a Visa Grant Notice.”
- “Even if you possess a visa or K-ETA, final entry permission is determined based on the immigration officer’s review.”
(Immigration Control Act Article 7, Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act Article 8, Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreigner Policy Headquarters (Electronic Travel Authorization System), Ministry of Justice Online Residence and Visa Service Center)
※ Korea Visa Portal (https://www.visa.go.kr): Provides accurate information on visa-related matters, as well as easy and convenient services for visa application and issuance (Available in English and Chinese)
Republic of Korea Visa
- Visa No.: Serial No. of Visa Issuance
- Status: The type of identity or social activities the foreigner may engage in while residing in Korea
- Period of Sojourn: The period of stay allowed starting from the date of entry into Korea
- Entries: Visa type (S: Single-entry Visa, D: Double-entry Visa , M: Multiple-entry Visa )
- Issue Date: The date of visa issuance
- Final Entry Date: Expiration date of the visa
(Entry into Korea must be done by the Final Entry Date. The visa will be invalid after the Final Entry Date) - Issued at: Information on the diplomatic mission that issued the visa
Visa Types by Stay Status
The types of Visas by stay status are divided into a total of 15 categories as shown in the image below. More details may be found on the Korea Visa Portal (https://www.visa.go.kr) → Visa by Categories.
Visa by Categories
Short Term Visit, Medical Treatment, Study·Language, Professional, Intra-Company, Journalism·Religious Affairs, Investment, International Trade, Overseas Korean, Work and Visit, Family Visitor·Dependent Family, Marriage Migrant, Trainee, Non-Professional, Diplomacy·Official Business
- Click on 'Diplomacy·Official Business' for information on the application eligibility and range of activities for Diplomacy (A-1) and Foreign Government Official (A-2) visas.
Procedure for Visa Issuance
- Visa Application and Place of Issue: Korean embassy or consular office
- Visa Application via Korean Diplomatic Missions Abroad
- STEP1 Application
Submission of Application
- STEP2 Visa Consul
Reception & Review(Diplomatic Office)
- STEP3 Visa Consul
Visa Issuance(Diplomatic Office)
- STEP3 Application
Arrival in Korea
