Visa Process Guide for South Korea

Visa Process for South Korea

Visa Types

South Korea offers various visa types depending on the purpose of the visit:

• Tourist Visa (C-3): Short-term visa for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business trips not exceeding 90 days.
• Business Visa (C-4): For individuals engaged in business activities, such as attending conferences, conducting market surveys, or negotiating contracts.
• Employment Visa (E): For foreign workers employed by Korean companies or organizations.
• Study Visa (D-2): For students pursuing education at accredited Korean institutions.
• Working Holiday Visa (H-1): For young people aged 18-30 from eligible countries to work and travel in Korea for up to 1 year.

Required Documents

The specific documents required vary depending on the visa type. However, common documents include:

• Passport: Original passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form.
• Photo: Passport-sized photo.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, pay slips, or other evidence of financial stability.
• Itinerary: Details of your intended travel plans, including arrival and departure dates, and proposed activities.
• Invitation Letter: For business or employment visas, an invitation letter from the host company or organization.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Korean resident.

Application Procedures

1. Choose Visa Type and Gather Documents: Determine the appropriate visa type and gather all required documents.

2. Submit Application:

• In Person: Visit the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country.
• By Mail: Mail the application package to the embassy/consulate with the required fee.

3. Interview (Optional): In certain cases, an interview may be required to further assess the application.

4. Processing Time: Visa processing time varies depending on the visa type and embassy/consulate. Generally, it takes around 2-4 weeks.

Fees

Visa fees vary depending on the visa type and nationality of the applicant. Check with the Korean Embassy or Consulate for the exact fees applicable to you.

Timelines

• Tourist Visa (C-3): Submit application at least 30 days before departure.
• Business Visa (C-4): Submit application at least 30 days before intended arrival.
• Employment Visa (E): Process can take several months, depending on the employer and the type of work permit required.
• Study Visa (D-2): Submit application at least 3 months before the start of the academic program.
• Working Holiday Visa (H-1): Application process usually opens several months before the start of the visa period.

Additional Information

• Visa Extensions: Visa extensions are possible under certain circumstances. Contact the Korean Embassy or Consulate for more details.
• Visa Refusals: Visa applications can be refused for various reasons. If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision.
• Visa Exemptions: Nationals of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea for short-term stays. Check the official Korean Embassy website for details.