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South Korea Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide by Nationality
South Korea offers 90-day visa-free entry to most Western passports + K-ETA ($10 USD) required from 2025 for visa-exempt travelers.
Quick Summary
South Korea offers 90-day visa-free entry to most Western passports + K-ETA ($10 USD) required from 2025 for visa-exempt travelers.
Visa Requirements by Nationality
| Passport | Type | Duration | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | K-ETA + visa-free | 90 days | $10 | K-ETA online |
| UK | K-ETA + visa-free | 90 days | $10 | K-ETA online |
| Canada | K-ETA + visa-free | 180 days | $10 | K-ETA online |
| Australia | K-ETA + visa-free | 90 days | $10 | K-ETA online |
| EU passports | K-ETA + visa-free | 90 days | $10 | K-ETA online |
| Japan | Visa-free | 90 days | $0 | K-ETA temporarily exempt |
| India | Visa required | Up to 90 days | $40 | Embassy application |
| China | Visa required | Up to 90 days | $40 | Embassy application |
What You Need to Enter South Korea
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond stay
- K-ETA approved (apply 72+ hours before)
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Vaccination records as required
Planning your trip? See our complete South Korea travel guide, the destinations index, or the Ultimate Bucket List for inspiration.
South Korea Visa FAQ
Do you need a visa for South Korea?
Most Western passports — no, 90-day visa-free, but K-ETA ($10) required from 2025. Indians + Chinese — full visa.
How long does K-ETA take?
Typically 30 minutes to 72 hours. Apply 1 week ahead.
Can Canadians stay longer in South Korea?
Yes — Canadians uniquely get 180 days visa-free (bilateral agreement).
Is K-ETA the same as a visa?
No — K-ETA is travel authorization (like ESTA). Doesn't replace visa for nationalities that need one.
Can you transit through Korea without a visa?
Yes — most nationalities get 24-hour transit visa-free if continuing to a third country.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.