Who requires a visa?
Required by all except the following:
(a) Nationals of EU countries for touristic and business purposes for
stays of up to 3 months (except nationals of Italy for stays of up to 2
months);
(b) Nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominica
(Commonwealth of), 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 touristic and business purposes for stays
of up to 3 months;
(c) Nationals of Lesotho for touristic and business purposes for stays of
up to 2 months;
(d) Nationals of Tunisia for touristic and business purposes for stays of
up to 1 month;
(e) Nationals of most countries, travelling for short-term touristic or
transit purposes, are allowed to enter visa-free for a maximum duration of
30 days, provided holding confirmed onward or return tickets and proof of
sufficient funds. This regulation applies to: Albania, Argentina,
Australia (90 days), Brunei, Canada (6 months), Chile, Croatia, Cyprus,
Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (90 days), Japan, Kuwait,
Latvia, Lithuania, Macau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of
Micronesia, Monaco, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Solomon Islands, Slovenia, South Africa, Swaziland, Taiwan, United
Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City, Venezuela and Yemen.
Note:
Many nationals are permitted visa exemptions on other passports,
such as diplomatic or official passports. For further details of whether
this is applicable and the necessary restrictions of such visa exemptions,
it is advisable to contact the nearest Embassy/Consulate before departure.
What documents will be required?
Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months required by all.
Time required to issue visa:
5 working days
How do I apply?
Application to:
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact
Addresses section for details.
Application requirements:
These may vary according to visa required and nationality of
applicant. (a) Passport valid for at least 6 months. (b) Completed
application form. (c) One recent passport-size colour photo. (d) Fee,
payable by cash or postal order (but not cheque). (e) Stamped,
self-addressed envelope, if applicable. (f) Proof of sufficient funds (a
bank statement for £1000 if not working in the UK and a company letter if
working in the UK). Short-term business: (a)-(f) and, (g)
Substantiating documents for the activity of the applicant, eg letter of
invitation from the host company in the Republic of Korea,
business-related documents etc. Short-term employment: (a)-(f) and,
(g) Caree Document. (h) Employment contract. (i) A recommendation,
official letter or other documents which prove the necessity of employment
by the appropriate Minister of Department. Student: (a)-(f) and,
(g) Standard admission letter for students, substantiating the educational
ability and coverage of the expense of the applicant, issued by the
president or a dean of the University. (h) Substantiating documents for
researchers, including a reference, if applicable.
Note:
(a) For a national who cannot fulfill the necessary requirements
and entry conditions (such as the expiration of passport validity) due to
unavoidable circumstances, or is required for further review before a visa
can be issued, a conditional entry permit may be granted with a validity
of up to 72 hours. In regards to this permit, the chief of a district or
branch office may impose conditions such as a reference, financial
guarantee, restrictions on duration of stay, a duty to obey summons or
other necessary conditions, and, if deemed necessary, a monetary deposit
not exceeding 10 million won (US$10,000). (b) When a Republic of Korean
national intends to visit Korea (DPR), a ‘Certificate of Visit’ must be
issued by the Minister of Unification in advance. If it is an overseas
Republic of Korean national who intends to visit Korea (DPR), the chief of
a Korean embassy or consulate abroad must be reported to. (c) When a
short-term visitor or unregistered national who visited Korea (DPR)
re-enters the Republic of Korea, an immigration officer shall issue the
same visa which was granted, minus the duration of stay in Korea (DPR). If
a national’s duration of stay on the visa expired whilst in Korea (DPR),
or remaining period is less than 30 days, a new visa may have to be
granted. (d) A national who wishes to enter the Republic of Korea via
Korea (DPR) must carry a valid passport and visa. If the national has a
visa waiver agreement with the Republic of Korea, they must present a
passport, a written paper outlining the reason for visiting Korea (DPR)
and E/D Card (Immigration Card) to the Immigration officer at an
inspection counter. If the visit was for diplomatic, official or agreement
purposes, the national may be exempted from submitting a written paper
outlining the reasons for the visit.
What is the cost of a visa?
.
Single-entry (up to 90 days): US$30. Single-entry (more than
90 days): US$50. Multiple-entry: US$80. Prolongation of Re-entry
Permit: US$20. The same fees apply for both business and tourist
visas. Group visa: valid for temporary visiting diplomats,
conference participants, school excursions or other groups administered by
the Minister of Justice, whereby a stamp is affixed only in the leader of
the group’s passport. Travellers are advised to contact the nearest
Embassy/Consulate to discern fees and other details regarding the group
visa.
Note:
In addition to obtaining a visa, a Certificate for Recognition
of Visa Issuance may be requested before applying for a visa to a Korean
consulate abroad.
How long is the visa valid for?
Up to 3 months from date of issue, although this may vary.
Other information:
Applications for a residence certificate or for a stay of more than 90
days should be made to the Immigration Office in Seoul.
Embassy contact information:
Please contact the nearest Embassy of South Korea for information on what
documentation you may require to enter South Korea.