Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.Consult DOD Foreign Clearance Guide, and follow all instructions.Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders: Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category. In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) before attempting to leave the country.Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.Įxceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.Note: the application fee is waived during the K-ETA pilot period from May 3 to August 31, 2021. Travelers must apply for the K-ETA at least 24 hours prior to boarding a flight or ship bound for Korea. Apply at the K-ETA website for 10,000KRW. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. For travel after September 1, 2021, you must have a valid U.S.Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.Review the Crime and Safety Reports for South Korea.Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in South Korea, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine which remains in effect. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for South Korea due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. Reconsider travel to South Korea due to COVID-19.