Guide to Documents and Visas for Travelling to South Korea

Travelling to South Korea is an exciting experience, but it requires proper preparation when it comes to documents and permits. Requirements vary depending on nationality, length of stay and purpose of travel. Here’s a complete overview to help you plan your trip with peace of mind.

Passport: The first requirement

To enter South Korea you always need a valid passport. Make sure it:

• Has at least 3 months of remaining validity from the date of arrival for tourist stays.
• Has at least 6 months of remaining validity for long stays (e.g. study or work).

Check your passport well in advance to avoid surprises!

K-ETA: Electronic authorisation for short stays

Citizens of many countries can enter South Korea without a visa for stays of up to 90 days (tourism, business or transit). However, in many cases the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is required, an electronic authorisation to be obtained online before departure.

From 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2025, the K-ETA requirement is suspended for stays under 90 days. Always check for official updates before you leave.

How K-ETA works

• Online application: Complete the application on the official K-ETA website.
• Cost: About 10,000 KRW (7-8 USD).
• Validity: Once approved, it’s linked to your passport and valid for multiple entries within 2 years.

Visa for Long Stays

If you plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country. Visa types include:

• Study visa.
• Work visa.
• Business visa.

Contact the embassy in advance to find out which documents you need and how long processing takes.

read also Seoul: What to See in 4 Days - Complete Itinerary

Driving in South Korea

If you plan to drive during your stay, you’ll need:

• An international driving permit (Vienna or Geneva Convention), to be requested in Italy at the Motorizzazione Civile, or the equivalent authority in your country. We’ve written an article about the process (in Italian).
• Your national licence: The international permit isn’t valid on its own, so always carry both.

To rent a car or campervan, a credit card may be required as a guarantee.

Health Insurance: A must for travellers

South Korea has a high-quality healthcare system, but foreign tourists aren’t covered by Korea’s National Health Insurance. It’s therefore essential to take out private health insurance covering:

• Medical expenses for illness or accidents (a minimum of 50,000 USD is recommended).
• Medical emergencies with 24/7 assistance.
• Unexpected events such as trip cancellation or lost luggage.

As always, we recommend Genki  health insurance, which offers unlimited worldwide coverage.

Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link, which means we may receive a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

How to Choose the Right Insurance

1. Duration: Make sure the policy covers your entire stay.
2. Specific activities: If you do extreme sports or particular activities (e.g. trekking, water sports), check that they’re included.
3. 24/7 assistance: Choose insurance with round-the-clock support.
4. Adequate coverage: Check that medical expense coverage is sufficient for any emergencies.

Conclusion

Getting the right documents together is the first step to enjoying a worry-free trip to South Korea. Check your passport’s validity, find out whether you need a K-ETA or a visa, bring your international driving permit if you plan to drive, and take out adequate health insurance. With good planning, your trip will be an unforgettable experience!

Note: Regulations can change, so always check the official South Korean government websites or your embassy for the latest updates  .