Foreigners entering for purposes such as transit tourism or visits do not need to obtain a visa.
Visa-free entry system by designation- The Republic of Korea designates visa-free entry permitted countries by comprehensively considering international conventions, reciprocity, and national interests (see the Hi Korea website-Immigration/Residence Guide-Immigration Inspection-Foreigner Immigration Inspection-Visa-free entry for foreigners).
- Accordingly, anyone who falls under any of the following categories and enters for international friendship, tourism, or the interests of the Republic of Korea can enter without a visa (Article 7(2)3 of the Immigration Act; Article 8(1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act; and Article 15(2) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act):
1. A person performing duties for a foreign government or international organization who needs to enter without a visa for unavoidable reasons;
2. A person intending to tour or transit through the Republic of Korea within a 30-day period; or
3. Any other person whom the Minister of Justice deems have a need to enter for the interests of the Republic of Korea
※ The list of visa-free entry target countries can be checked on the <Hi Korea website-Immigration/Residence Guide-Immigration Inspection-Foreigner Immigration Inspection-Visa-free entry for foreigners>.
Entry requirements for persons performing duties for a foreign government or international organization who need to enter without a visa due to extenuating circumstances- When such a person applies for entry permission, they must attach documents according to the residency qualifications in attached Table 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act (Article 10 of the Immigration Act; Article 76(1)2 and attached Table 5 of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).
- When the entry of such a person is permitted, they receive an entry inspection stamp on their passport or an entry inspection certificate. The entry inspection stamp and certificate indicate the residence qualifications and stay period corresponding to diplomatic (A-1), official (A-2), and treaty (A-3) (Article 14(2) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).
Entry requirements for those intending to tour or transit through the Republic of Korea within a 30-day period:- When entry by the person mentioned above is permitted, they receive an entry inspection stamp on their passport or are issued an entry inspection certificate. Here, the entry inspection stamp and certificate will indicate a tourist/transit (B-2) status and a stay duration of 30 days. If the Minister of Justice has separately determined the duration of stay considering international conventions, reciprocity, or the interests of the Republic of Korea, the duration of stay will be granted accordingly (Article 15(2) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).
- Those who are permitted entry as mentioned above cannot change or extend their residence qualifications. However, if unavoidable reasons are recognized, a change in the residence status can occur, and the extension of the sojourn is possible within a range not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry (Article 15(3) and (4) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).
Entry requirements for those whose entry the Minister of Justice deems necessary for the interests of the Republic of Korea- For the person mentioned above, the Immigration Office head, office head, or branch office head can permit entry with the approval of the Minister of Justice (the main body of Article 14(3) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).
- However, for any person who falls under one of the following, the Immigration Office head, office head, or branch office head can permit entry within a 90-day period without the approval of the Minister of Justice (proviso to Article 14(3) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act):
1. Those who qualify for short-term visit (C-3) status;
2. Those who qualify for visitation and cohabitation (F-1) status and are either under 17 years old or over 61 years old; or
3. Those who qualify for accompanying (F-3) status and are under 17 years old.
※ Those possessing a certificate specified by the Minister of Justice can be permitted entry by the immigration officer within a 90-day period (Article 14(6) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).
- To permit entry as mentioned above, the Immigration Office head, office head, or branch office head must receive the following documents to verify the applicant’s statements or the authenticity of the submitted documents (Article 14(4) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act):
1. Entry permit application form;
2. Document or statement proving the unavoidable reason for not having a valid visa; and
3. Documents attached according to resident qualification.
※ Detailed documents to be attached according to the residence qualification can be checked in the attached Table 5 of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act.
- When entry is permitted, the person receives an entry inspection stamp on their passport or is issued an entry inspection certificate. The approved residence qualification and the duration of stay will be indicated here (see Article 14(5) of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Act).