Thai citizens enjoy visa-free entry to South Korea for up to 90 days under a bilateral exemption agreement. Here is what you need for immigration, what to prepare, and any current conditions.
Thailand and South Korea have a visa-exemption agreement that allows Thai passport holders to enter South Korea for tourism or short stays without applying for a visa in advance. This is genuinely convenient and means that Thai visitors can plan and book a trip to Korea without having to complete a visa application.
Current status: As of 2026, Thai citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. Check current conditions at the Korean embassy website in Thailand Thai Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea) before travel as bilateral agreements can be modified.
What You Need at Incheon Immigration
- Valid Thai passport: Must be valid for the full duration of your stay plus an airline-standard buffer (typically 6 months from departure date).
- Completed arrival card: Fill it out on the plane or complete it digitally via the Korea Digital Arrival Card before departure. See the Korea arrival card guide.
- Return or onward ticket: Have your return flight booking accessible. Immigration officers may ask to see it.
- Accommodation confirmation: Hotel booking for at least the first night.
- Sufficient funds: Immigration may request evidence. The general guideline is 100,000 KRW per day of stay.
K-ETA Requirement
Check whether Thai citizens are currently required to register for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before travel. K-ETA requirements and exemptions have changed in recent years — verify at eta.go.kr before booking. The K-ETA registration costs around 10,000 KRW and is processed within 24 hours in most cases.
Length of Stay
Visa-free entry permits a maximum of 90 days per visit. There is no formal minimum gap required between visits. Still, immigration officers have discretion to deny entry if they believe a visitor is effectively using repeated short visits to reside in Korea without an appropriate visa.
Confirm K-ETA Before Travel
Thai citizens may be eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea, but travellers should always check whether K-ETA registration is required before booking flights. K-ETA rules and exemptions have changed in recent years, so the safest approach is to verify the latest requirement directly through eta.go.kr. When required, a K-ETA costs around 10,000 KRW and is usually processed within 24 hours, although applying earlier is recommended.
Plan Around the 90-Day Stay Limit
Visa-free entry allows Thai citizens to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days per visit. There is no official minimum gap between visits, but travellers should avoid making repeated short trips to live in Korea without the correct visa. Immigration officers can ask questions about travel purpose, accommodation, return flights, and finances, and they have the authority to deny entry if the visit does not appear temporary.
