South Korea•AsiaB-1 — Visa Exemption (B-1)
At a Glance
0 days
Not confirmed
Free (K-ETA fee of ₩10,000 may apply)
3 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Visa-exempt short-stay access for tourism and business visits, with K-ETA required for most nationalities (except 25 countries exempt through December 2026).
Visa-exempt entry allows nationals of specific countries short-term tourism, transit, or non-profit visits to South Korea. Most require a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departure, though 25 countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan are exempt through December 31, 2026. Employment and profit-making activities, including remote work, are strictly prohibited.
Stays typically allow 30–180 days depending on nationality, with immediate processing at the port of entry. No visa application fee applies; K-ETA costs ₩10,000 if required. The status is not renewable, and extensions are rarely granted except in extreme emergencies. Overstaying incurs fines, deportation, and potential future entry bans.
This visa is ideal for tourists and business travelers from visa-exempt countries seeking straightforward short-term entry to South Korea without formal visa processing.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 months |
Eligible Nationalities (106)
Albania
Andorra
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican RepublicRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a national of a country that has a visa-exemption agreement with South Korea.
Purpose of visit must be tourism, transit, or friendly visits (non-profit).
Must hold a valid passport.
Most nationalities must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to departure. However, nationals of 25 countries/regions (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, US including Guam) are temporarily exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (usually 6+ months validity).
K-ETA approval (if applicable).
Proof of onward/return travel (sometimes requested).
Visa application form (only if applying for an extension in extreme, rare cases).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Visa-free entry for 25 qualifying nationalities through end of 2026
- K-ETA approved online in 72 hours before travel for required nationalities
- Free entry status — no visa application processing fee
- Stay up to 180 days for certain nationalities
- Immediate processing at port of arrival
- Simple requirements: only valid passport and K-ETA approval (where applicable)
Worth Knowing
- K-ETA required for most nationalities (₩10,000 fee); 25 countries exempt through December 31, 2026
- Stay duration varies by nationality (30–180 days); no extensions except extreme force majeure
- Employment and remote work are strictly prohibited
- Status change to longer-term visas rarely permitted while in Korea
- K-ETA exemption for currently qualifying countries expires December 31, 2026
- Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and ban on future entry to South Korea
Application Process
Verify if your country is on the visa-exempt list.
Check if you are currently required to obtain a K-ETA.
If required, apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure.
Present your passport to the immigration officer upon arrival.
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