Different Types of South Korea Tourist Visas Explained

South Korea Tourist Visas

Types of South Korea Tourist Visas

Tourists frequently visit South Korea because the country offers both historic cultural sites and contemporary urban areas and scenic natural scenery. Every type of traveler can discover something unique in South Korea as they move between the city rush of Seoul and explore historical palaces and unwind on Jeju Island beaches. Prior to trip planning students need to understand visa requirements completely. The entry process into South Korea remains straightforward through various visa choices which depend on your citizenship and visit reason.

Various travel needs receive accommodation through multiple visa categories that South Korea offers including short-term tourist visas and electronic travel authorizations. Visitors seeking tourism and business purposes should apply for the C-3 short-term visa whereas the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) serves as an easy travel option for those from visa-exempt nations. South Korea also provides two additional visa choices for brief visitors between the B-2 transit visa and Jeju Island visa-free entry. This guide evaluates South Korea visa together with their eligibility requirements as well as the most accessible visa option.

Types of Tourist Visas to South Korea

1. C-3 Short-Term Visa

Purpose: Suitable for tourism, business meetings, cultural events, and family visits.
Validity: Usually up to 90 days.
The visa availability extends to visitors from every nation that needs to acquire a visa to visit South Korea.
Application Process: Requires submission of documents such as a passport, visa application form, and financial proof.

2. B-2 Transit Visa

The B-2 Transit Visa allows people to pass through South Korea on their way to a different location.
The validity period depends on both visitor nationality and the length of their stay.
The visa-free transit benefit is available to select groups of nationalities yet it carries time constraints.
The airport remains the only authorized area where holders can stay based on immigration authority instructions.

3. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

Purpose: Allows entry to South Korea for short-term tourism and business visits.
The authorization allows travel two times per year for an unlimited period.
All visitors from exempt visa countries need to acquire the K-ETA document before entering South Korean territory.
The application process takes place entirely online which results in a convenient and quick method to complete it.

4. Multiple-Entry Visa

The Multiple-Entry Visa serves South Korean frequent travelers who can access the country many times without needing to reapply.
The validity period of this visa spans from one year to three years and five years based on how often the applicant has visited South Korea.
The South Korean authorities usually issue this type of visa to business travelers who maintain a history of travel to their country.
Application Process: Requires proof of previous visits, financial stability, and business/tourism purpose.

5. Jeju Island Visa-Free Entry

The Jeju Island visa-free entry program grants entry to particular nationalities who want to explore Jeju Island without applying for a visa.
Validity: Up to 30 days.
Entrance to Jeju Island is the only destination possible under this visa program since mainland South Korea remains off-limits.
Visitors need to start and end their journey exclusively in Jeju Island while preventing mainland South Korea transit.
What is the simplest visa for entering South Korea?
Travelers who are part of visa-exempt nations can obtain K-ETA as their simplest South Korean visa option.
Users can finish their visa application process online within a short period.
People do not need to visit embassies because this process remains quick and straightforward.
The C-3 short-term visa serves as the most convenient visa choice for visitors who need visas to travel to South Korea.

How Many Visa Types Are There in South Korea?

South Korea provides more than 100 types of visas which serve both tourism and work purposes as well as study and business requirements.
There are three principal types of tourist visas that tourists can obtain.
C-3 Short-Term Visa
B-2 Transit Visa
K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Multiple-Entry Visa
Jeju Island Visa-Free Entry

What is Tier 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Visa in South Korea?

The government of South Korea has not established an official Tier system which exists in other nations.
The South Korean visa system groups entry permissions into categories depending on both purpose and individual qualifications.
Tourist visas (C-3, K-ETA, etc.)
Work visas (E-series visas for employment and business)
Study visas (D-series visas for international students)
Diplomatic visas (A-series for government officials)
Residency visas (F-series for long-term stays)

Note: We Only Offer Tourist Visas, Not Business or Work Visas

Apply for a South Korea from Dubai Quickly and Smoothly with Us

Apply For Visas

How to Apply visa for other countries