South Korea Visa

South Korea may not be as prominent as Japan and China but it has a lot of character, too. It may not be in top of everybody’s must-see travel destinations but maybe it should be. This tiny country has plenty of fascinating things and activities to offer. Its economy is booming. It has a friendly climate. It harbors many cultural and historical sites. Most of all, there are a lot of kimchi. If you’re convinced, get your bags and pack your things. But before that, you need to apply for a visa.

Who needs a visa?

Everyone who wishes to visit South Korea needs to obtain a visa except for the following:

• nationals of Australia for stays of up to 90 days
• nationals of Italy for stays of up to 60 days
• nationals of other EU countries for stays of up to 90 days
• nationals of Canada for stays not longer than six months
• nationals of the United States for stays not longer than 30 days
• nationals of the following countries: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Surinam, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago and Turkey for stays of up to 3 months (for business and touristic purposes only)

Remember that this applies only to ordinary visas. Many nationals are granted visa exemptions on other passports like official and diplomatic passports. To be sure about whether or not you need a visa or how long you are allowed to stay in South Korea without a visa, contact the Korean consulate or embassy near you.

Requirements

Requirements vary according to the type of visa you want and your country of citizenship. However, these are the documents that they are very likely to ask from you.

• a passport valid for at least six months
• a completed and signed application form
• a recent passport-size color photograph
• application fees (payable by postal order or cash, not check)
• a self-addressed envelope with stamps
• proof of enough funds such as a bank statement
• a company letter (if employed)

These are the basic documents you need to produce. Aside from these, you also need to meet additional requirements depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Short-term business visa – substantiating documents for your activity such as a letter of invitation from the Koran company and other business-related documents.

Short-term employment visa – an employment contract, a recommendation letter and other official documents stating the necessity of employment bu the Minister of Department

Student visa – an admission letter and other substantiating documents that indicate your educational ability, issued by the dean or president of the university.

Additional Information

If you can’t meet the necessary entry conditions and requirements due to unavoidable circumstances, you may be given a conditional entry permit valid for up to 72 hours. Regarding this permit, the chief of a branch or district office may impose conditions including financial guarantee, references, restrictions on the duration of your stay and a duty to obey summons, a monetary deposit not more than 10 million won ($10,000).

Single entry visas valid for up to 90 days cost US$30. If you wish to stay for more than 90 days, it will cost you US$50. If you plan on visiting Korea more than once, you can avail of a multiple-entry visa for US$80.