Short-term tourist visa (C-3-9), with K-ETA for visa-free visitors
Korea has two routes for tourists. Nationals of visa-waiver countries do not need a visa but normally need a K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before boarding, although many of them are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Everyone else applies for a C-3-9 short-term tourist visa at the Korean embassy or consulate covering where they live; consulates now issue a visa grant notice instead of a passport sticker.
Visiting South Korea
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
Life in South Korea
Money
3
Currency
South Korean Won
KRW
South Korean Won
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
6–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 10%
Plus local income tax of 10% of national income tax (top combined 49.5%); 45% applies above KRW 1 billion.
Living
1
Happiness
#65 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
People who want to visit Korea for holidays or leisure (C-3-9), or for short business meetings (C-3-4), for up to 90 days without working.
Eligibility
Check whether you are visa-exempt
Check the official K-ETA site to see if your passport is visa-free and how long you can stay.
Example allowed stays (visa-free)
- US passport
- 90 days
- Canada passport
- 6 months
- Saudi Arabia passport
- 30 days
- South Africa passport
- 30 days
- If your passport is not listed, you need a visa.
Official wording
The official K-ETA site lists the passports that can enter visa-free and the allowed stay for each (for example 90 days for the US, 6 months for Canada, 30 days for Saudi Arabia and South Africa). If your passport is not listed, you need a visa.
K-ETA for visa-free visitorsVisa-free (K-ETA)
Get K-ETA approval before boarding a flight or ship if you are a visa-free national.
Temporary K-ETA exemption extended until 31 December 2026 (KST)- The exemption covers countries already covered by it.
- The application shows an 'exemption' pop-up if it applies to you.
Official wording
Visa-free nationals must get K-ETA approval before boarding a flight or ship. The Ministry of Justice has extended a temporary K-ETA exemption for the countries already covered by it until 31 December 2026 (KST); the application shows an 'exemption' pop-up if it applies to you.
Tourist purposeC-3-9 visa
The C-3-9 visa is for holidays or leisure. Short business trips such as market research, meetings or signing contracts use C-3-4; paid short-term work needs a C-4 visa.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementApply in your consular district
- Document checklistVisa application form (e-form with barcode from the Korea Visa Portal), signed
- FeesK-ETA fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 7 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in South Korea
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
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