Most visitors from Western countries can enter South Korea without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Here is who qualifies, the current entry requirements, and what changed in 2026.
South Korea has one of the most visitor-friendly entry systems in the world. Citizens of around 100 countries can enter without a visa for tourism, and the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, which was previously required by many nationalities, is currently suspended for citizens of most countries that previously needed it.
Rules around Korean entry requirements have been updated several times in 2025 and 2026. This guide reflects the current situation as of early 2026. Always verify with the Korean Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking, as requirements can change at short notice.
Quick answer: If you hold a passport from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, or most EU countries you do not need a visa or a K-ETA to visit South Korea for up to 90 days as of 2026. You just need a valid passport and a return flight.
Countries That Can Enter Korea Without a Visa
As of 2026, citizens of the following countries (among many others) can enter South Korea for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a visa:
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
- All EU member states, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and others
- Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia
- Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile
- UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel
The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the full list of visa-exempt countries and is the definitive source. If your country is not listed above, check the official list directly as it is regularly updated.
What is the K-ETA, and Do You Still Need It?
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization was introduced in 2021 as a pre-travel registration system for visitors from visa-exempt countries. It required travellers to register online before departure and pay a fee of around 10,000 won.
As of 2023 and continuing through 2026, South Korea has suspended the K-ETA requirement for citizens of most visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU member states. Citizens of these countries can currently enter Korea without completing the K-ETA registration.
Important: The K-ETA suspension has been extended multiple times. Verify the current status on the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) or with the Korean Embassy in your country before travelling. Requirements for some nationalities differ.
Countries That Need a Visa for Korea
Citizens of countries not on the visa exemption list must apply for a South Korean tourist visa before arrival. This includes citizens of China, India, Pakistan, and several other countries. The visa application process varies by country:
- Apply at the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country
- Submit a completed application form, passport photos, a valid passport, financial documents, hotel bookings, and a flight itinerary.
- Processing time is typically 3 to 5 business days
- Single-entry tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days
Requirements and processing times vary significantly by country. Contact the Korean Embassy in your country for specific requirements.
Entry Requirements at the Border: What Everyone Needs
Regardless of visa status, all visitors to South Korea must meet the following requirements at immigration:
- Valid passport: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. South Korea technically does not require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes check with your carrier.
- Return or onward ticket: Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have your booking confirmation accessible.
- Proof of funds: You may be asked to demonstrate you have sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card and bank statement generally suffice.
- Accommodation details: Have your hotel booking or accommodation address for the first night ready.
The Q Code Health and Entry Declaration
South Korea significantly simplified its entry process after the COVID-19 era. As of 2026, there is no health declaration or Q Code requirement for general tourism. Standard immigration and customs declaration forms are completed on arrival or can be submitted digitally through the Visit Korea website before departure.
How Long Can You Stay in Korea?
Visa-exempt visitors can stay for up to 90 days per entry. There is no simple automatic extension available for tourist stays. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for the appropriate visa (work, student, or other category) before your permitted stay expires.
Leaving and re-entering Korea (visa runs) resets the 90-day counter, but Korean immigration may question repeated entries without a clear purpose. Having documentation of ongoing travel plans (onward flights, hotel bookings) helps.
Practical Entry Tips
- Incheon Airport immigration: Incheon is one of the world’s most efficient airports. Immigration lines for visitors from visa-exempt countries are typically fast. Visit the Korea Web pre-registration page to further speed up the process.
- Smart Entry Service: Frequent visitors to Korea can register for the Smart Entry Service, which uses biometric data for faster future entry. Registration takes about 10 minutes at the airport on your first qualifying visit.
- Declare goods at customs: Korea has strict customs regulations on alcohol, tobacco, and cash amounts. Duty-free allowances apply. Check the Korean Customs Service website for current limits.
Korea vs Japan Visa Requirements
If you are planning a trip covering both countries, see Japan or Korea first. Guide entry requirements are broadly similar. Most Western passport holders can enter both countries visa-free for up to 90 days. Registration for the Visit Japan Web is recommended but not compulsory. Korea’s K-ETA is currently suspended for most Western visitors. Neither country requires any health documentation as of 2026.
