* Visa Exempted (B-1)
Tourist / Transit (General)
| Eligible applicants or activities allowed |
| Citizen of a country under Visa exemption agreement with the Republic of Korea who plans to engage in activities in accordance with the agreement |
* Tourist / Transit (General) (B-2-1)
Tourist / Transit (General)
| Eligible applicants or activities allowed |
| Person who plans to visit Korea for tour or transit without a visa |
Visa Free Entry Guide
Visa is a fundamental requirement to enter the Republic of Korea, and in principle, foreigners must have valid visas when they travel. However, those who fall under any of the following categories below are allowed to enter Korea without visas. (Article 7(2) of the Immigration Act)
- Visa Free Entry by Designation
- Chinese Youth Group on Field Trip
- Tourists in transit to Third Countries
- Visa Free Entry for Chinese Group Tourists with Japanese Group Tourist Visas
- Visa Free Entry for Foreign Transfer Passengers
- Chinese Tourists in transit to Europe
- Visa Free Entry to the Jeju Island
- Re-Entry Permit Holders
- International Organization Passport Holders
- APEC Business Travel Card Holders
Even if the foreigner has the valid visa or is subject to visa-free entry, he/she may be denied entry to the Republic of Korea if he’s found inadmissible by an immigration officer at the port of entry.
Visa Free Entry by Designation
Visa free countries are designated based on international conventions, principle of reciprocity and national interests. (45 countries as of 2022.10.01)
In general, citizens of visa free countries are allowed to tour or visit Korea without a visa and to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
In addition, Canada(6months), citizens of Macau, the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Slovenia, Taiwan, Argentina and Japan are allowed to stay for up to 90 days.
Visa Free Entry by Diplomatic and Government Official Passport Holders
| Continent | Countries and Regions |
| Asia [2 countries] | Indonesia, Lebanon |
Visa Free Entry by Diplomatic, Government Official, and Regular Passport Holders
| Continents | Countries and Regions |
| Asia [9 countries] | Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Japan(90days), Hong Kong(90days), Macau(90days), Taiwan(90days), Kuwait(90days) |
| North America [2 countries] | US(90days), Canada(6months) |
| South America [5 countries] | Argentina(90days), Honduras, Paraguay, Ecuador(90days), Guyana |
| Europe [11 countries] | Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Cyprus, Albania, Croatia(90days), Slovenia(90days), Vatican, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia(90days), Montenegro |
| Oceania [13 countries] | Australia(90days), Guam, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga |
| Africa [5 countries] | South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland, Botswana |
More details can be found on https://www.visa.go.kr/