The Korea C-3 tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is issued by Korean embassies worldwide. Here is the complete application process from start to arrival stamp.
Before applying for a C-3 tourist visa, confirm that your nationality actually requires one. Many nationalities enter Korea visa-free. See the Korea visa guide and the visa-free Korea page to check your passport. If your nationality requires a visa, here is how the C-3 application works.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the complete document set before contacting the embassy. Incomplete applications are returned without processing. The full list is at the Korea visa documents guide. Core items:
- Valid passport with 6+ months remaining validity
- Completed C-3 visa application form (download from the Korean embassy website in your country)
- One passport photo meeting Korean specifications, see the photo requirements guide
- Bank statements (3 to 6 months)
- Employment certificate or enrollment certificate
- Round-trip flight itinerary and accommodation booking
Step 2: Submit the Application
Applications are submitted to the Korean embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your area of residence. Most Korean missions accept:
- In-person: Walk-in or appointment-based, depending on the embassy.
- By post: Some embassies accept postal applications with a prepaid return envelope.
- Via a visa agency: Third-party visa agencies handle the submission on your behalf for an additional fee, which is useful if the embassy is far from you.
The application fee varies by country (typically USD 40-60 or the equivalent) and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Step 3: Processing Time
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days for most straightforward tourist visa applications. Complex cases, peak periods (Korean holiday seasons, summer), or applications requiring additional verification can take 2 to 4 weeks. See the Korea visa processing time guide for country-specific timelines. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date, at least 4 weeks for safety.
Step 4: Receive the Visa
If approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check the details immediately: your name, passport number, visa type (C-3), validity period, number of permitted entries (usually single or double entry), and duration of stay. Errors must be corrected before departure.
Step 5: Entering Korea
On arrival at Incheon (or Gimpo, Busan, Gimhae, etc.), present your passport with the visa to immigration. Complete the arrival card on the plane or digitally via the Korea Digital Arrival Card. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the permission-to-stay date. This date is ot the visa expiry. It is your legal deadline to depart.
See the Korea entry requirements guide and the Korea arrival card guide for the full arrival process.
