South Korea is a thrilling destination where the vibrant energy of modern cities like Seoul harmoniously coexists with the serene allure of ancient temples and captivating countryside scenery. Whether you are a foodie or a history enthusiast, South Korea has something for everyone.
While South Korea is undoubtedly worth the visit, many travelers must first navigate the South Korea visa application process. For some nationalities, this process can be quite challenging. It’s similar to watching South Korean TV series where biases and different judgments can sometimes be observed.
The good news is that citizens of several countries including Malaysian enjoy visa exemptions for short-term visits. However, if you’re not among the exempt, you’ll need to secure a South Korea tourist visa to experience the wonders of this nation fully.
In this step-by-step guide to filling out the South Korea visa application, I’ll walk you through the entire process of applying for a South Korean Tourist Visa. From understanding the types of visas available to collecting your visa and preparing for your journey, by the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to embark on your South Korean adventure with confidence!
Understanding the South Korea Tourist Visa
When it comes to understanding the South Korean tourist Visa, here’s what you need to know:
Short-Term Tourist Visa (C-3) A.K.A. South Korea Tourist Visa
If you’re planning to explore South Korea’s beauty and culture for a short stay, the Short-Term Tourist Visa, known as C-3, is your go-to-choice. With this visa, you can enjoy up to 90 days in South Korea, perfect for tourists, transit passengers, individuals seeking medical treatment, or those attending cultural events.
However, keep in mind that this visa doesn’t allow you to engage in any paid work during your stay.
Step-by-Step Application Process for a South Korea Visa Application
Now that you’ve got a grasp of the basics regarding the South Korean Tourist visa, let’s dive into the core of this guide: a step-by-step walkthrough for your South Korea visa application.
Step 1: Determine Whether You Need to Apply for a South Korea Visa or Not
The first step is to determine whether you fall into the category of travelers who need a South Korea Tourist Visa or if you are among those fortunate enough to be exempted from this requirement. You can check this on South Korea’s official Visa Portal.
Visa Exemption for Certain Nationalities
If you’re from specific countries like the European Union nations (except Cyprus), Australia, Canada, or the United States, South Korea offers you the privilege of visa exemption, allowing you to enter the country without a visa for varying durations.
However, such travelers from these visa-exempt nations must complete an online application for an electronic visitor visa waiver for South Korea, known as K-ETA. which offers the convenience of a fully digital process. Before you do anything else, make sure to verify your eligibility for the K-ETA.
Visa Requirements for Certain Nationalities
If you do not qualify for visa-free entry, you will need to apply for a South Korean Tourist Visa through the Korean Embassy. The key factors to consider for this include your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Remember, South Korea doesn’t issue sticker visas to be affixed to your passport. Also, having a travel history, especially in OECD countries, can significantly increase your chances of getting approved for a Korean visa.
Step 2: Prepare for South Korea Visa Requirements
After confirming that you do require a South Korean Tourist Visa, the next crucial step is to diligently prepare all the necessary documents, including your passport and any specific requirements for the South Korean Tourist Visa well in advance.
This foresight ensures that you won’t find yourself in a last-minute scramble when these essential documents are requested during the submission process.
South Korea Tourist Visa Requirements
Here is a short list of the essential documents and criteria you need to meet to successfully apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa:
- Passport and Passport Photos
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least another six months from your planned date of entry into South Korea.
- Your passport should have a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamping.
- Provide passport-size photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) that meet specific criteria: white background, recent (taken within the last three months), neutral facial expression, fully visible face and ears, and no glasses.
- Visa Application Form
- Obtain the South Korea Visa Application Form, either online e-from from the Embassy or Consulate website, in person at the Embassy/Consulate, or from a visa application agency if you’re using their services.
- Complete the form accurately with a black or dark blue pen, ensuring clarity and legibility. The details on how to fill this form are discussed in the next step, so read on!
- Proof of Travel Itinerary
- Include a copy of your return or onward flight ticket, indicating your planned entry and exit dates from South Korea. No need to purchase an actual ticket or simply create an itinerary with day-to-day activities, places to visit.
- Prepare a Proof of Accommodation (a hotel booking)
- Provide evidence of your accommodation in South Korea, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host if you’ll be staying with family or friends.
- Financial Statements
- Demonstrate your financial capability to cover the duration of your stay by submitting bank statements and income tax returns. Bank statements should be at least for latest 6 months.
- Prepare your employment and income documents.
- Depending on your circumstances, you may need to submit additional documents such as reference letters, letters of acceptance from educational institutions, letters from employers, or employment contracts.
- Any used OECD countries visas such as Japan, Schengen or American visa.
- Meeting Health and Security Requirements
Ensure that you meet any health and security requirements outlined by the South Korean authorities or the specific Embassy/Consulate handling your application. This may include medical examinations or security clearances, if applicable.
- Understanding Visa Fees and Payment Methods
Familiarize yourself with the South Korea visa fees and the accepted payment methods specified by the Embassy or Consulate where you are applying. Be prepared to pay the required fee in cash during the application process.
Remember, the specific South Korea visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. It’s essential to always check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information before you start your application process!
Step 3: Filling Out the Visa Application
For this step, you need to first download the South Korean Visa application form from Korea Visa Portal. You can download and print it to fill out by hand, but I strongly recommend using the electronic version for easy editing and simplicity. If you choose the printed form, make sure your handwriting is neat.
Now that you are ready to fill out this form, here is a section-by-section guide on what you should complete:
Section 1: Personal Information
As you begin filling out your South Korea visa application, the first step is to provide important personal information. Here’s a complete guide to assist you with this:
- Full Name: Provide your complete name in English characters, exactly as it appears in your passport. If you have a middle name, you can omit it, as Korean names typically lack one.
- Chinese Name: If applicable, enter your name in Chinese characters corresponding to your English name.
- Gender: Specify your gender.
- Birthdate: Format your birthdate as Year, Month, and Day in numerical digits.
- Nationality: Indicate your nationality.
- Country of Birth: Mention the country in which you were born.
- National Identity No.: In some countries, citizens are required to have a national identity number, such as Aadhar in India or the National Registration Identity Card Number (NRIC) in Malaysia. If your country does not have this requirement, simply write ‘N/A.
- Other Names: If you have used different names during previous South Korea visa applications or visits, record them here. Otherwise, select “No” and write “N/A.”
- Dual Citizenship: If you hold dual citizenship, answer “yes” and list the countries you are a citizen of. If not, select “No” and write “N/A.”
Section 2: Details of Visa Application
The second part is about the details of your visa application, matching them with your reason for visiting:
- Period of Stay: Choose between long-term and short-term, depending on your intended duration of stay.
- Status of Stay: Select the category that best corresponds to your visit purpose. Common categories include Short-Term options like Tourist or Business and Long-Term categories like Resident or Marriage to a Korean Citizen.
Section 3: Passport Information
Moving to the second page of the form, you need to provide details about your passport information:
- Passport Type: Check the relevant category, often “Regular” for most applicants.
- Passport Number: Enter your passport number as found on the bio page.
- Issuing Country: Specify the country where your passport was issued.
- Where the Passport is Issued: Provide the place of issuance.
- Issuance Date: Use the format as indicated in your passport.
- Expiry Date: Record the passport’s expiration date.
- Additional Passport: If you possess another passport, furnish the requested information.
Section 4: Contact Information
Next, share your contact details:
- Home Country Address: Enter your permanent address in your home country.
- Alternate Address: If you currently reside at an address different from your permanent one, include it here. Use “N/A” if both addresses are the same.
- Cell Phone Number: Provide an active mobile phone number.
- Telephone Number: Include a landline number if available.
- Email Address: Enter your email address.
- Emergency Contact Information: Provide information about an emergency contact.
Section 5: Marital Status and Family information
Your marital status is the focus here:
- Single or Divorced: Indicate the appropriate category, and use “N/A” if not applicable.
- Civil Status: Share details about your marital status.
- Information About Your Partner: Provide information about your spouse or partner if applicable.
- Children: If you have children accompanying you on the trip, answer accordingly.
Section 6: Education
The educational section inquires about your highest degree and educational history:
- Highest Degree: Select the highest degree you hold, such as a Bachelor’s Degree or an alternative option like Elementary Graduate.
- Name of School: Mention the name of the school where you last graduated or attended.
- School Address: Include the school’s address, following the format of city, province, and country.
Section 7: Employment
Here, you’ll specify your employment status:
- Category Selection: Choose the employment category that best fits your situation. Options include government employees, entrepreneurs, self-employed, and more.
- Details of Employment: Ensure the information aligns with the documents you plan to submit, such as a Certificate of Employment or Business Permit.
Section 8: Details of Visit
This segment is pivotal to your application:
- Purpose of Visit: Select the appropriate purpose, whether it’s tourism or visiting family/relatives/friends. Be cautious with your choice, as selecting the wrong purpose can lead to visa denials, particularly for tourist visas.
- Duration of Stay: Specify the number of days you plan to stay in Korea. Ensure your budget aligns with this duration.
- Planned Entry Date: Provide the intended date of your entry into Korea.
- Accommodation: Indicate where you plan to stay in Korea.
- Korea Contact Number: Provide a contact number in Korea. If staying in a hotel, you can use the hotel’s number.
- Travel History: Detail your previous travels to South Korea within the last 5 years.
- Travel History to Other Countries: Specify your travel history to other countries during the preceding 5 years. You can reference your passport for this information.
- Family Members in Korea: If you have family members, such as a spouse, parents, siblings, or children, currently residing in South Korea, include their details.
- Accompanying Family Members: If any of these family members are travelling with you to South Korea, provide their information. Note that this section does not apply to friends; it should mirror the details of your visit as stated in the application.
Section 9: Details of Invitation
If you are invited to Korea by a friend, relative, family, or company, you must provide their information in this section.
Section 10: Funding Details
Share funding-related information:
- Estimated Travel Costs: Calculate your estimated travel costs, typically computed as days of stay multiplied by USD 100.
- Expense Payer: Indicate who will cover your expenses. If self-funded, write “Myself.” For expenses covered by another person, provide their details. Ensure you include a guarantee letter and the financial documents of the sponsor, especially if you are unemployed or lack sufficient funds.
Section 11: Assistance with the Form
Leave this section blank, as the travel agent who assesses your documents and submits your application will complete it. We also provide assistance throughout the entire process of obtaining a South Korea Tourist Visa. If interested, please contact us now!
Section 12: Declaration
Read the notice carefully before signing the declaration. Ensure all your answers are double-checked for accuracy. Armed with these detailed instructions, you now possess the knowledge required to competently complete your South Korea Visa Application Form!
Tips for Applying for a South Korean Tourist Visa
- When you’re completing the form, use big letters or turn on CAPS LOCK to make it easier to read and fill out.
- For checkboxes, you can either prepare a check symbol or copy it directly from the form.
- In cases where you encounter questions with no applicable answers, simply write ‘N/A,’ signifying “Not Applicable.”
Step 4: Making Payment for Your South Korea Visa on the Visa Portal (e-visa or K-ETA only)
Once you’ve completed your visa application on the South Korea visa portal, the next step is to make your payment. South Korea’s visa application process typically requires an e-payment for the visa fee. Make sure that you fill out the correct payment details and double-check before proceeding. Once you’ve verified everything, confirm the payment.
The next step now is to submit your visa application!
Step 5: Submitting Application at an Embassy/Consulate
When you’re ready to submit your South Korea visa application, here’s how you can navigate the process seamlessly:
Making An Appointment
If you’re planning to visit a South Korean diplomatic mission in anywhere, making an online reservation is now mandatory. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Go to the website https://consul.mofa.go.kr/en/main.do
- Choose English as the language if it’s not already selected.
- Click on the “Reservation” tab to start the booking process.
- Proceed with the Non-Membership Log In option.
- Provide your name, phone number, and email address as required.
- Follow the prompts to complete your reservation.
- Remember, having an appointment is compulsory for visiting any South Korean diplomatic mission, so be sure to make your reservation in advance.
- Submit the South Korea visa application: Once you’ve identified the correct Embassy or Consulate and have appointment confirmation it is time to submit your visa application following their guidelines. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and information ready for submission.
Now, you have to wait for some time for the visa application to be processed.
Applying with a Sponsor in South Korea
If you have a sponsor or host in South Korea, they can apply for a “Confirmation of Visa Issuance” on your behalf through the South Korea Visa Portal of the Korea Immigration Office. The steps include:
- Online Application: Your sponsor must complete the online South Korea Visa application form.
- Payment: Pay the required fee for the application.
- Document Submission: Attach the necessary documents for the South Korea visa, depending on the purpose of your visit.
- Confirmation of Visa Issuance: Await confirmation of South Korea Visa Issuance. If the application is approved.
- Confirmation Dispatch: Print the Confirmation for your records.
Please Note: Visa processing times vary based on the specific Embassy or Consulate where you apply. It’s advisable to submit your completed application at least 15 days before your intended travel date but no earlier than three months.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
While you’re waiting to hear back about your South Korea visa application, here are answers to some common questions you might have:
How long does it take for a South Korean visa to be approved?
The processing time for a South Korean visa can differ based on the Embassy or Consulate where you applied. On average, it takes around 7 to 15 days. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s advisable to submit a complete application at least 15 days before your planned travel date. However, avoid applying more than three months ahead of your travel plans.
What to Expect During the Decision Period?
While your application is under review, you can expect the following:
- Processing Period: The processing period may take several weeks, so be patient during this time.
- Communication: The Embassy or Consulate may contact you if additional documentation or information is required. Be responsive and provide any requested details promptly.
- Status Updates: You can check the status of your application through the tracking system provided by the Embassy or Consulate. This will keep you informed about the progress of your application.
Step 6: Receiving Your South Korea Tourist Visa
Your visa application has only two outcomes:
Visa Approval: If your South Korea visa application is approved, you will not receive any notification regarding the outcome. There will be no visa affixed to your passport. Instead, you will have to visit the website visa.gov.kr to check your visa status and print it from there.
Visa Denial: If your application is denied, you will not any notification either also you will have to wait at least 3 months to reapply again.
Visa Validity and Duration
Understanding the validity and duration of your South Korea visa is crucial for planning your trip. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Single or Multiple Entry: Depending on your visa category, you may have a single-entry visa, which allows you to enter South Korea once, or a multiple-entry visa, which permits multiple entries within the visa’s validity period.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of stay allowed in South Korea will be specified on your visa. Ensure that you adhere to this period to avoid any visa violations.
Top 5 Reasons for Your South Korea Visa Denial
If your South Korean tourist visa has been denied, you might be wondering why your visa application was rejected. Here are some common reasons:
- You may not meet the requirements for the type of visa you applied for.
- Your application may have incorrect or missing information.
- The documents you submitted might not meet the visa requirements.
- There could be safety or security concerns about your visa application.
- Health concerns if you’re carrying an infectious disease.
To avoid having your tourist visa denied, be careful when filling out the application form. Make sure all the information matches your passport exactly.
Remember, even if your visa is approved, it doesn’t guarantee entry into South Korea. The final decision is made by border officials.
Extending Your Stay or Changing Your South Korean Visa Status
Should you wish to stay in South Korea beyond the expiration date of your visa, you have the option to apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Office in South Korea.
To do this, ensure you apply for the South Korea visa extension at least four months before your current visa’s expiration. You will need to submit the following documents for a visa extension:
- Your passport
- The completed application form for permission of extension of stay (available for download online)
- Payment of the processing fee
- Your Foreign Registration Card (if you are extending a long-term visa)
- Any additional documents are required based on the specific visa category and your circumstances.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the waiting period and the potential outcomes of your South Korea visa application with clarity and preparation.
Conclusion
South Korea is an incredible destination waiting for you to explore, with its unique blend of tradition, modernity, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. As you embark on your South Korean adventure, you might initially find the visa application process daunting, but don’t worry; it’s simpler than it seems.
All you need to do is ensure that your information and documents are accurate and verified. Keep a close eye on your emails from the Embassy and notifications to ensure a smooth application process and increase your chances of visa approval.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights for your South Korean journey. If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other visa guides.
We’re eager to hear from you, so please share your thoughts in the comments. We wish you a fantastic and unforgettable experience in South Korea, and we look forward to being part of your travel adventures!