Quick Links:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

- http://www.mofat.go.kr (Korean, English)

Korea Immigration Service:

- http://www.immigration.go.kr (Korean, English)

Hi Korea:

- http://www.hikorea.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Foreign nationals entering the Republic of Korea are generally required to have a valid passport and a Korean visa. However, many are permitted visa-free entry for a limited time under certain conditions following the "Citizens of the Countries under the Visa Exemption Agreement" (see Tables 1, 2, & 3). (As of August 19, 2013)

[Table 1] Countries under Visa Exemption Agreement

Country (Period)

Europe - 30 countries

Austria (Diplomatic/Official: 180 days, Standard: 90 days) Belgium (90 days) Bulgaria (90 days)

Czech Republic (90 days) Denmark (90 days) Estonia (90 days)

Finland (90 days) France (90 days) Germany (90 days)

Greece (90 days) Hungary (90 days) Iceland (90 days)

Ireland (90 days) Italy (60/90 days)** Latvia (90 days)

Liechtenstein (90 days) Lithuania (90 days) Luxembourg (90 days)

Malta (90 days) Netherlands (90 days) Norway (90 days)

Poland (90 days) Portugal (60 days) Romania (90 days)

Slovakia (90 days) Spain (90 days) Sweden (90 days)

Switzerland (90 days) United Kingdom (90 days) Russia (90 days within a 180 day period; up to 60 days consecutively)

Asia & Oceania - 6 countries

Malaysia (90 days) New Zealand (90 days) Singapore (90 days)

Thailand (90 days) Israel (90 days) Turkey (90 days)

Americas - 25 countries