1. General Visa Information

• Any foreign visitor wishing to enter the Republic of Korea should have a valid passport and a visa.
   
• The following Nationals can enter Korea without visas on travelling purposes.
   

a. Countries under Visa Exemption Agreements  (As of 01 Jan 2005)


Asia	Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Israel 6
America	Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Chile,  Commonwealth of Dominica, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic,  El Salvador, Grenada,Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru,   Panama, St. Lucia, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines,   Surinam,  Trinided & Tobago 22
Europe	Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,  Finland, France,  Germany,  Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,  Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland,  Portugal, Rumania, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland,  The Netherlands, United Kingdom 29
Oceania	New Zealand 1
Africa	Lesotho, Liberia, Morocco, Tunisia 4

※ Korean who, with ports of Republic of Korea, wish to enter the above countries, can enter without visas in cases of within 30, 60 or 90 days of visits on business or travelling purposes, according to each agreement.

b. No-Visa Entry  (As of 01 Jan 2005)
The following Nationals who want to visit Korea just for a short-term tour or transit are permitted to enter Korea with no visa according to the principles of reciprocity or priority of national interests with a tourist/transit visa status(B-2, 30days). Special status is awarded to Canadians(6 months) and Australian(90days)

Asia	Macao, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen, Oman, Japan, Qatar, Taiwan, Hongkong, Kuwait11
America	U,S,A, Canada, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Honduras, Uruguai, Paraguai, Guyana, Ecuador11
Europe	Monaco, Vatican City, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Cyprus, San Marino, Andorra, Bosnia Hercegovina, Serbia & Montenegro 10
Oceania	Australia, Guam, Nauru, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa 11
Africa	South Africa, Swaziland, Egypt, Mauritius, Seychielles 5

 

• A tourist may stay in Korea for 30 days without a visa provided that he/she has proof of transportation out of the country and sufficient funds for the stay. (Provided that with the exception, of some countries)
  
  
• If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must get a special long-term visa.
  
  
• In regards to work visas, you have the option to obtain a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance.: If there is a subsidiary company established in Korea, the president of the company- as long as he/she has the necessary documents-can apply for your work permit at the Immigration Office and obtain the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance.
   
  
• As of April 1, 1998, There is a $45 visa-processing fee for U.S. Citizens except for military dependents with U.S. passports.
  Citizens of all other countries must pay a $30 single entry visa-processing fee.
   

    Note

• Normally your visa will be available two or three business days you submit all the required documents, no exceptions.
  
• All visa applicants who reside in Houston should submit their applications in person. Only applicants residing in cities other than Houston may apply by USPS Express Mail, FedEx or similar kind of Overnight Mail.
  
• If you are requesting a visa by mail, be sure to Self Addressed Stamped Envelope marked with the proper postage to return you visa(s).
  
• This office is not responsible for the loss of any documents including passports.
• When filling out the Visa Application Form, please type or print neatly. 

Updated June 27, 2005