South Korea•AsiaC-3-3 — Medical Tourism Visa (C-3-3)
At a Glance
4 days
USD $85
3 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Short-stay medical treatment visa; valid for up to 90 days at Korean hospitals.
The Medical Tourism Visa (C-3-3) is South Korea's short-stay permit for foreigners seeking medical treatment at accredited hospitals, valid for up to 90 days. Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it requires an invitation letter from an accredited medical institution, medical records, and proof of funds or health insurance. The visa does not permit work, renewal, or dependent family members.
Visa fees are USD 40 for most nationalities and USD 45 for US passport holders. Processing typically takes 4 working days. Applicants submit documentation at a Korean embassy and receive decisions within this timeframe. Stays exceeding 90 days require conversion to a G-1-10 Long-term Medical visa.
This visa is ideal for international patients undergoing medical procedures in South Korea who need formal entry documentation and do not qualify for visa-exemption.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Invitation letter from Korean medical institution
Medical records
Proof of funds to cover treatment
Health insurance or payment guarantee
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photos
Proof of funds
Return ticket
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No express service available; standard 5–10 business days processing
- Clear dual pricing: $40 USD standard, $45 USD for US passport holders
- Short-stay permit up to 90 days perfect for medical tourism
- No work authorization; visa holders cannot engage in any paid activity
- Direct link to official Korean government medical visa page
- Simple self-petition process; no employer or third-party sponsor needed
- Medical treatment specifically recognized as valid visa purpose
Worth Knowing
- Must secure invitation letter from accredited Korean medical institution before applying
- Medical records and proof of funds required; timing dependent on hospital cooperation
- Stays over 90 days require separate G-1-10 long-term medical visa application
- No work authorization; visa holders cannot engage in any paid activity during stay
Application Process
Prepare documents
Gather required items
Visit embassy
Submit at Korean embassy
Visa processing
4 working days
Pick up visa
Collect passport with visa
Application Forms
| Visa Application Form (20240829) | — |
Related visas
More visas in South Korea
- Tourist/Transit Visa (B-2)
Tourist
- Visa Exemption (B-1)
Business
- Short-Term Visitor Visa (C-3)
Business
Tourist visas in other countries
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