korean tourist visa from australia

South Korea Entry Requirements for Australian Citizens

Australians can now apply for a South Korea visa waiver. The K-ETA is required to travel from Australia to South Korea without a visa .

This page contains all the visa and K-ETA information you need to prepare for your trip to South Korea from Australia.

Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for South Korea?

Yes, Australians need a visa or travel authorization to enter South Korea.

Australian passport holders can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism and business activities. To visit the country visa-free, Australians must apply for a South Korea ETA travel authorization.

South Korea K-ETA for Australian Citizens

Australians can travel to South Korea with a K-ETA from Australia instead of a visa for:

• 90 days or less
• Tourism, visiting family, events and meetings, business

It is important to remember that the South Korea ETA is not a visa, but a visa waiver . It allows you to enter the country visa-free.

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa from Australia

Australian passport holders can get the South Korean ETA online in 3 steps .

• Fill out the Korea eVisa application form
• Pay the visa fees and submit the request
• Receive the electronic travel document by email

Online visa waiver processing is fast . Most K-ETA applications from Australia will be reviewed and approved within 2 days, however we advise you to allow at least 3 working days to account for any delays.

If you need your South Korea visa waiver immediately, you can choose our priority service which guarantees an approved K-ETA from Australia within 1 hour .

Document Requirements to Enter South Korea from Australia

To enter South Korea as an Australian citizen, you must have the following documents :

• Valid Australian passport
• Approved K-ETA or visa

Travel to South Korea From Australia

You can use the K-ETA for Australian citizens to travel to South Korea from all major Australian cities .

Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul from:

• Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and
• Melbourne International Airport (MLB)

There are also flights with 1 or more stops to Busan from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide .

Embassy subscription service for Australians visiting South Korea

Australians are advised to register with the embassy when traveling to South Korea .

As a subscriber you’ll receive travel advisory updates by email . This information can help you plan a safe trip to your South Korean destination. News updates are also sent out — get fully informed before you travel.

To opt in for this service, select the Embassy Registration option on the payment page when applying for your K-ETA.

Korean Embassy in Australia

If you apply for an electronic travel authorization for South Korea from Australia, you do not need to visit the embassy .

Only Australian citizens who need a visa to travel to South Korea need to go to a government office.

Find below the details of the South Korean Embassy in Canberra :

Address : 113 Empire Circuit. ACT 2600, Yarralumla, Canberra

FAQs about Australian Citizens Traveling to South Korea

Can australians go to south korea.

Australians can visit South Korea provided they have the relevant travel documents and meet the entry requirements.

Can Australians get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

No, visa on arrival services are not available for any nationality. Australians must obtain an ETA or a visa before arriving in South Korea.

Can Australians visit South Korea without a visa?

Australians can enter South Korea and stay for up to 90 days without a visa . However, they must have a valid ETA South Korea for Australians .

Can I travel from Australia to Jeju Island with the K-ETA?

Yes, you can use your K-ETA to travel to Jeju Island . The South Korea visa waiver for Australian citizens is valid for use across the whole of South Korea. There are domestic flights from Seoul to the island.

How long can an Australian citizen stay in South Korea?

You can stay in the country for up to 90 days with a South Korea visa waiver for Australian passport holders y. If you wish to stay for longer, you must obtain a South Korea visa for Australians instead.

How much is a South Korea Visa from Australia?

The online South Korea visa waiver for Australians is the most cost-effective way to gain entry into the country. Applicants pay the K-ETA fee securely online . You just need a debit or credit card that is authorized to make online payments.

How can you get a tourist visa for South Korea from Australia?

You do not need a visa to travel to South Korea from Australia for tourism. You can apply online for the ETA South Korea for Australians, which gives the holder visa-free access into the country for up to 90 days.

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• Korea Visa Application Center

e-Visa Application via the Visa Portal

Visa application via korean diplomatic missions abroad, confirmation of visa issuance application via the visa portal.

• Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application via Korean Immigration

1. Application Process

Select “Application” >> “E-Visa(Individual)” on the Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)

2. Applicant

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or the sponsor on behalf of the foreigner

3. Applicable Status of Stay (as of Dec.8.2014)

• Professor (E-1), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4), and Professional (E-5) Visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members.
• Foreign Notional of Special Ability (E-7) visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members. - Qualification : the applicant must be an expert in advanced science and technology and have an official employment recommendation letter (a.k.a. GOLD CARD)
• Short-term General (C-3-1) Visa for a prospective investor invited by a promotion agency of the Immigrant Investor Scheme for Public Business and his/her accompanying family members
• Short-term Group Tourist (C-3-2) Visa for Chinese group tourists who can apply for their Visa through a designated travel agency
• Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an ‘outstanding medical facilitator’ designated as e-Visa agency.

- Qualifications : A foreigner who has entered Korea 3 times or more with a Short-term (C-3) Visa since the implementation of the fingerprint confirmation system for foreigner on Jan. 1, 2012, and who has no history of illegal stay or criminal cases

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more details.

4. Required Documents

• Visa Application Form (electronic form on the Visa Portal)
• Scanned image files of passport pages
• Digital Photograph (in natural color, size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Fee (credit card for e-Payment)

- Please refer to the guide on required documents for each type of visa on the Visa Navigator or to the Visa Information on the website of a respective diplomatic office.

5. Procedure

Application by the applicant

• 1. Applicant - Completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
• 2. Applicant - e-Payment (Visa portal)
• 3. Applicant - Submission of Application (Visa portal)
• 4. sponsor (corporation/individual) - Confirmation Invitation (Visa portal)
• 5. Visa official - Reception & Review
• 6. sponsor, Applicant - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
• 7. sponsor, Applicant - Printing & Sending confirmation of E-Visa Issuance (Visa portal)
• 8. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

Application by the sponsor (inviter)

• 1. sponsor - Login (Visa portal)
• 2. sponsor - completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
• 3. sponsor - e-Payment (Visa portal)
• 4. Visa official - Reception & Review
• 5. sponsor - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
• 6. sponsor, Applicant - Printing & Sending confirmation of E-Visa Issuance (Visa portal)
• 7. Applicants - Arrival in Korea (Visa portal)

1. Application process

Select “Application" >> "Confirmation of Visa Issuance” on Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)

Application must be filed by the inviter (sponsor)

3. Applicable status of stay (as of Dec.8.2014)

• Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4) Professional (E-5) for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members.
• Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7) Visa for the applicant and Dependent Family (F-3) Visa for his/her accompanying family members. - Qualification : the applicant must have an occupation under category 1 (executives) or 2 (professionals or related) of the Standard Classification of Occupation announced by the National Statistical Office
• Short-term Medical Tourist (C-3-3) or Recuperation & Treatment (G-1-10) Visa for foreign patients and their caregivers who are invited by an ‘outstanding medical facilitator’
• Business Visitor (C-3-6) visa for an invitee of a VIP corporation
• Student (D-2) and Korean Language Trainee (D-4-1) visa
• Non-professional(E-9) and Maritime Crew (E-10) visa

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more detail.

• Application form for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (electronic form on the Visa Portal)

- Please refer to the guide on required documents for each type of Visa on the Visa Navigator, or to the Visa information on the board of the respective website of the Diplomatic Office.

• 2. sponsor - Completion of Application Form (Visa portal)
• 3. Visa official - Reception & Review
• 4. sponsor - Confirmation of Results (Visa portal)
• 5. sponsor, Applicant - Download Visa application Form (Visa portal)
• 6. sponsor - Submission of Visa Application & Payment
• 7. Visa Consul - Visa issuance (Diplomatic Office)

6. Check the Result of Your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application

You can check the result of your application – through “Application Status” via the Visa Portal, ARS (02-2650-6363), text message or e-mail address you gave us.

7. Visa Application

• The sponsor (inviter) must download Visa application form (for the applicant) from “Application Status” on the Visa Portal, and send it to the applicant via email, or inform him/her of the number and expiry date of the confirmation of visa issuance.
• The applicant must receive Visa application form for the confirmation of visa issuance or its number (expiry date) from the sponsor in Korea in order to apply for his/her visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate General.

Confirmation of Visa issuance is valid for 3 months, and is effective for visa issuance just for once. For any other inquiries, please contact the Immigration Contact center (+1345 without an area code or +82+1345 if you are calling from abroad).

1. Location of Application

Korean Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country (or area) of residence.

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or a visa agency on behalf of the foreigner

• A single-entry or multiple-entry visa for eligible applicants of Diplomat(A-1), Government Official(A-2) Visa
• A single-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less), for eligible applicants of - Short-term News Coverage (C-1), Short-term General (C-3) and Short-term Employee (C-4)
• A multiple-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less) for eligible applicants of Short-term News Coverage (C-1) and Short-term General (C-3) Visa who are citizens of countries that have multiple-entry visa agreements with Korea.
• Visas issued at the discretion of the head of a Korean diplomatic mission abroad, such as single-entry visa (with 90 days of duration of stay or less) for eligible applicants of Korean Arts and Culture (D-1) Visa who are planning to engage in cultural arts activities upon invitation of the Korea Foundation or from Korean Culture and Arts Committee

※ Please refer to the Visa Navigator for more details

• Visa Application Form (application form No.17, or please click the ‘Application’ menu on the Visa Portal >> Fill out the electronic form)
• Photo (natural color, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

- You can pay the fee in the currency of your own country only if you receive permission from the head of the Korean diplomatic mission in your country.

The required documents mentioned on the Visa Navigator are of the minimum requirements. Depending on the circumstances of one’s country, the head of the Korean diplomatic mission may request/exempt additional documents for further evaluation. Therefore, in the case that required documents on the Visa Navigator do not match with those of the diplomatic mission, please follow the instructions and requirements provided by the respective diplomatic mission.

• 1. Applicant - Submission of Application
• 2. Visa Consul - Reception & Review (Diplomatic Office)
• 3. Visa Consul - Visa Issuance (Diplomatic Office)
• 4. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

※ For any other inquiries, please contact the consular affair Korean diplomatic missions in your country of residence.

Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application via Korean Immigration Offices

Korean Immigration Office that has jurisdiction over the area of inviter’s residence

2. Applicants

Application must be submitted by a foreigner or the sponsor/agency (E-9, E-10) on behalf of the foreigner

• Long-term Korean Arts and Culture (D-1), Student (D-2), Industrial trainee (D-3), General trainee (D-4), Long-term News Coverage (D-5), Religious Worker (D-6), Intra-company Transferee (D-7), Corporate/Foreign investor (D-8), International Trade (D-9), Professor (E-1), Foreign Language Instructor (E-2), Researcher (E-3), Technical Instructor/Technician (E-4), Professional (E-5), Artists/Athlete (E-6), Foreign National of Special Ability (E-7), Non-professional (E-9), Maritime Crew (E-10), Family Visitor (F-1), Dependent Family (F-3), Miscellaneous (G-1), and Work and Visit (H-2) Visa for eligible applicants
• Long-term Visa for citizens of countries with no formal diplomatic relations with Korea, or just specific countries (i.e. Cuba, Syria, and Macedonia) designated by the Korean government.
• Other people recognized by the Minister of Justice as needed
• Confirmation of Visa Issuance Application Form (Form No.21)
• Photocopy of passport pages
• Photograph (in natural color, size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm)

- The required documents mentioned on the Visa Navigator are of the minimum requirements. The head of the immigration office may request/exempt additional documents for further evaluation.

• The employment certificate and a copy of the representative’s ID, and a letter of attorney are required if the representative applies on behalf of the applicant. (Representative’s application may be restricted when further evaluation is required)

5. Procedures

• 1. sponsor - Completion of Application Form
• 2. Visa official - Reception & Review (Jurisdiction office)
• 3. sponsor, Applicant - Sending Confirmation No
• 4. Application - Submission (Diplomatic Office)
• 5. Visa Consul - Visa Issuance (Diplomatic Office)
• 6. Applicant - Arrival in Korea

6. Notification of evaluation results

7. Visa Issuance

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH TRAVELIO

South Korea Unveiled: Your Guide to Korean Visas for Australian Passport Holders

Australia’s adventurous travelers have a world of experiences waiting for them in South Korea, from the bustling streets of Seoul to serene temples and scenic countryside. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the visa options available to Australian passport holders, the ideal times to explore South Korea, and how Travelio and iVisa can simplify your travel planning. Please remember that visa regulations are subject to change, so make sure to check the official South Korean immigration website for the most current information.

Visa Options for Australian Passport Holders:

• Tourist Visa (C-3-9): This visa permits Australian travelers to explore South Korea for up to 90 days.

Applying for a South Korean Visa:

To obtain a South Korean visa:

• Visit the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate in Australia.
• Utilize the services of a visa agency like iVisa for a streamlined application process.

Best Times to Visit South Korea:

Spring (April to June): The weather is mild, and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Summer (July to August): Warm and vibrant, ideal for outdoor activities.

Autumn (September to November): Pleasant weather, with the beautiful fall foliage.

Winter (December to February): Perfect for enjoying winter sports.

How Travelio Can Assist:

• Flights and Accommodation: Travelio offers a user-friendly platform for flight and accommodation booking, catering to your preferences and budget, ensuring a seamless travel planning experience.

In collaboration with iVisa , Travelio streamlines the visa application process for you. iVisa is a user-friendly solution for your visa application needs.

Cost of Using iVisa:

South Korea’s fusion of tradition and modernity, from historic palaces to the bustling streets of Seoul, promises an unforgettable journey. Australian passport holders can explore this beautiful country with ease.

Travelio, in collaboration with iVisa, simplifies the visa application process. Our user-friendly platform ensures that your travel plans are a breeze. Whether you wish to witness cherry blossoms in spring, experience vibrant summers, or explore South Korea in the cooler months, Travelio has you covered. Travel with confidence, knowing that your travel arrangements are in capable hands.

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• Travel Updates
• Travel Stories

South Korea announces new visa requirements for certain tourists

Tourists planning a trip to an increasingly popular destination are being warned of a new visa that’s recently come into place.

Qatar eyes deal with Virgin Australia

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It’s the destination that’s previously been overlooked by Aussie travellers in favour of places like Indonesia, Fiji and Japan — but with an increase in flight offerings, South Korea has never been more popular with tourists from Down Under.

According to the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) data, more than 90,000 Australians visited South Korea between June 2022 and May 2023, a leap from the 75,000 visits during the same period in 2019.

But visitors are now being warned to ensure they have all the right documents in place before entering — with South Korea bringing in a brand new visa for a rather specific type of visitor.

From this month, the new Workcation or Digital Nomad Visa, means remote workers of overseas companies who wish to stay in Korea can do so for up to one year, with the possibility to extend for an additional year.

Previously, remote workers travelling in Korea were limited to stays of up to 90 days.

The requirements to be successful with the visa are quite finicky, with applicants aged 18 or older needing to have worked for an overseas company for at least one year and have earned a salary equivalent to at least 85,000,000 KRW (around AU$97,000) in the previous year. According to Visit Korea, applicants should also have medical insurance that covers over 100,000,000 KRW (around AU$114,000) in medical treatment and repatriation fees.

Qualifying applicants may also apply for their dependent family to stay in Korea during the visa validity period. Eligible remote workers currently staying in Korea on a short-term visitor visa can apply for a change of visa and in turn, extend their stay.

However applicants who are hoping to use the new visa as a ticket to a longer stay are being warned that this visa does not act as a work permit for employment in Korea, and engagement in profitmaking activities is strictly prohibited.

South Korea has also announced a secondary visa that will be required later in the year, dubbed the Hallyu visa, or the ‘K-culture training visa’. This document is specifically targeted for enthusiasts of South Korean culture, and will allow foreign individuals who register at local performing art academies to stay in the country for up to two years.

According Visit Korea, with this visa, those passionate about Korean culture or related fields in the pop industry will receive education and training from experts in Korean music, film, animation and gaming industries and will be launched in the second half of 2024 specifically for enthusiasts of Korean culture.

Hallyu, which translates to “Korean Wave,” refers to the enormous global popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy exporting K-pop culture through music, films and other artistic mediums.

South Korea’s growing popularity for Australian visitors has been attributed to the “cultural phenomenon” surrounding the country’s music scene and streaming shows.

The $10-billion K-pop industry has become a crucial part of the country’s economy, and continues to boom as one of the most-cited reason for visiting, according to a report released in October by South Korea’s culture-and-tourism ministry.

For the report, researchers tracked mentions of Korean culture for three years on social and online media in the 20 top countries that drive inbound tourism, according to Forbes.

The study found that K-pop was mentioned nearly 37 million times — roughly 2.6 times more often than the next most-cited motivation, Korean food, and about four times more often than general Korean cultural content.

Flights to Seoul from certain Australian ports have also provided access to South Korea and allowed greater visitation, with Qantas and Jetstar launching direct flights between Sydney and South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, in December 2022.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

South Korea Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: March 29, 2024

South Korea’s visa policy is generally simple but has a couple of exceptions and specific rules that allow visa-free access where otherwise a visa would be necessary.

The Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) was introduced in September 2021 and is now mandatory for all travelers without visas 18 or older and 65 or younger. This means there is no true visa exemption anymore. However, some nationalities are exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2024.

In this article, I will guide you through South Korea visa requirements, K-ETA, tourist visas and exceptions.

Table of Contents

Visa policy and visa types.

Passport holders from 110 countries do not need a visa to travel to South Korea. Unless temporarily exempt, all visa-exempt nationals between 18 and 64 (inclusive) must have a pre-approved K-ETA to travel to South Korea.

There are also various provisions for short-term visa exemptions for other nationalities:

• 30-day visa exemption for holders of visas or residence permits from select countries and in transit to a third country
• 30-day visa waiver for Jeju Island if arriving by direct flight
• 15-day visa exemption for tour groups visiting various regions in Korea
• Tours around Seoul if in transit

In all other circumstances, a tourist visa is required to enter Korea.

South Korea doesn’t issue Visa on Arrival (VOA) or eVisa for tourists.

South Korea Visa Requirements 

• Passport’s expiry date must be after the intended departure date (no extended validity required)
• Return or onward ticket
• K-ETA if visa-exempt (unless temporarily waived)

Visa Exemption (K-ETA Required)

South Korea introduced its form of Electronic Travel Authorization called K-ETA in September 2021. K-ETA is now MANDATORY for all visitors who are exempt from visas. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2024.

K-ETA eligibility

110 nationalities are visa-exempt. The duration of stay varies from 30 days to 6 months. You must obtain K-ETA before traveling (unless your nationality is exempt until 31 December 2024 ).

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kazakhstan #
• Marshall Islands
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Vatican City

* Total stay must not exceed 90 days within any 180 days # Total stay must not exceed 60 days within any 180 days

K-ETA validity 

The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval but cannot be longer than the validity of the applicant’s passport.

Applications submitted before 3 July 2023 only received 2-year validity.

The K-ETA costs 10.000 KRW (~8$), payable by card during the online application. A 3% card processing fee is levied, bringing the total to 10.300 KRW.

K-ETA application

You can apply for the K-ETA online on the only official website – the K-ETA Application Portal . Beware of agents and intermediaries posing for official sources.

All you need is your passport, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card.

K-ETA processing time

The processing time of the K-ETA is usually at most 72 hours but can be longer in rare instances.

K-ETA exemption based on age

Everybody younger than 18 years is exempt from the K-ETA. Everybody 65 or older is exempt too.

For more information, read the South Korea K-ETA article for details on the documents required, the application process and current K-ETA exempted countries (until 31 Dec 2024).

Visa Exemption (Jeju Island Visa Waiver)

Jeju Island has its own visa waiver provisions to boost tourism to South Korea’s most popular holiday destination.

Below are the key requirements for Jeju Island visa waiver provision:

• All nationalities except the below 23 are eligible for Jeju Island visa exemption
• Jeju Island visa exemption is valid for 30 days only for the province
• Visitors must enter and depart Jeju via direct flight (i.e. without stopping in any other part of South Korea).
• Visa-exempt but K-ETA-required nationalities must still obtain K-ETA unless temporarily exempt

Ineligible countries

Jeju Island visa exemption is not available for these 23 countries:

• Afghanistan

The above 23 countries also become eligible if they:

• Have a Certificate of Invitation issued by the Jeju Government or Jeju Island Immigration Office (OR)
• Hold a permanent residence permit from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, or USA AND have previously visited South Korea 3 times since 1996 or once since 2006

Visa Exemption (Visa Holders of Third Countries)

You’re eligible for a 30-day visa exemption if you have a visa or a residence permit from one of the following countries :

You MUST also meet ONE of the following requirements:

• You arrive in South Korea from one of these countries and depart for a third country
• You arrive in South Korea from a third country and depart to one of these countries
• You arrive in South Korea from one of these countries and have transited in a fourth country for less than 72 hours before entering South Korea. You then depart for a third country.
• You arrive in South Korea from a third country, then depart for one of these countries, and will transit to a fourth country for less than 72 hours.

Visa Exemption (Transit Tours at Seoul’s Incheon Airport)

If you’re in transit at Seoul’s Incheon International for less than 24 hours (which is the limit anyway), you’re eligible for any of the free tours around Seoul.

The tours range in price from free to $150 golf courses although most are cheaper than $5. They range from 1 hour to 5 hours in duration.

You can check out the tours and book online via the Incheon Airport website .

Upon arrival, go to the Information desks at either terminal to get routed to your tour.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country but require K-ETA, you must still obtain K-ETA (unless temporarily exempt) for transit tours at Incheon Airport. 

The following 23 countries are not eligible for transit tours:

Visa Exemption (Tour Groups)

Various visa exemptions exist for organized tour groups.

Gangwon-do Region

A 15-day visa exemption for Gangwon-do and Seoul Metropolitan Area is available to tour groups from:

• Philippines

This is only if flying in and out of Yangyang International Airport until May 30, 2024.

Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeju-do Regions

A 15-day visa exemption for these regions is available to tour groups from:

This is only if flying in and out of Muan International Airport until March 31, 2024.

Traveling to Jeju via Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, Muan, or Yangyang

This exemption is only available to Chinese tour groups.

It allows stays on the mainland of South Korea for up to 5 days followed by up to 15 days on Jeju Island.

Tourist Visa from the Embassy

Visitors seeking a tourist visa must obtain it from a South Korean embassy. None of the available e-visas are for short-term tourism visits.

The standard visa for tourism is C-3-9 (Ordinary Tourist).

Requirements

• Visa Application Form #17 (fill it out online)
• Passport valid for the duration of stay
• A standard-size color photo
• Proof of enough funds for the duration of stay in Korea
• Complete Visa Application Form online
• Submit and pay
• Receive an invitation for the interview
• Visit the chosen embassy and conduct the interview
• Check results online
• Download and print visa.

For more information, read the South Korea tourist visa article for details on visa validity, documentation, fee and application procedure.

Benefits of South Korea tourist visa

South Korea visa may not be the strongest, but it does come with VISA-FREE access to a handful of countries. In 2024, you can travel to about 8 countries with a South Korean visa. Read the article on  VISA-FREE countries for South Korea visa for more details.

Transit Visa

If you’re not leaving the airport’s transit zone (i.e. not clearing immigration) you do not need a visa or a K-ETA under the condition that:

• Incheon Airport (Seoul): You depart within 24 hours;
• All other airports: You depart on the same calendar day.

If you will be passing through immigration, you must obtain a transit visa, K-ETA or utilize visa exemption as part of one of the transit tours. 

South Korea Arrival Card

Tourists arriving in South Korea have to fill out and submit an arrival card. This is a standard procedure in many countries and chances are that you will be given a card already in the airplane.

If you hold a K-ETA, you’re automatically exempt from having to complete and submit an arrival card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should i apply for k-eta for my children.

Provided your children are 17 years old or younger, it is not necessary to apply for K-ETA for them.

Should I apply for K-ETA if I have a tourist visa?

No. If you have a visa for South Korea you don’t need to submit K-ETA. The K-ETA is only for visa-exempt nationalities.

Do I need a new K-ETA for every visit to Korea?

No. The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. As long as it’s valid, you don’t need to apply for a new one.

Do I need a K-ETA to travel to Jeju Island?

Yes. Even though Jeju has special visa waivers, you still need to submit a K-ETA.

How much money should I have when I apply for a South Korean tourist visa?

Embassies do not disclose this information and it depends. Travelers have been saying that you need to have a minimum of 150$ per day in your bank account.

Do I need proof of COVID vaccination or a COVID test before traveling to South Korea?

Currently, South Korea does not require any COVID-19 vaccination certificates, testing, or quarantine for entry.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Korean Visa for Australians

As of September 2021, if you’re an Australian passport holder visiting South Korea, you need a K-ETA digital travel pass prior to arrival. This online entry permit allows you to visit for up to 90 days at a time, it’s valid for 2 years, and you can get yours with Byevisa.com.

Are you an Australian citizen wondering whether you need a visa for Korea from Australia for your upcoming holiday? Korea is a popular tourist destination for Australians looking for a vibrant travel experience with a fascinating culture and breathtaking landscapes, but without the right travel authorisation you could end up being turned back at the border.

Luckily, there is Byevisa, an authority in travel authorisations that can give you all the information and assistance you need to have a smooth travel experience.

Find Out When South Korea Opens up to Travellers Again

Planning a trip to South Korea? Subscribe to learn when international visitors are once more allowed to enter!

• 1 Do I Need a Visa for South Korea From Australia?
• 2 What Does the Korea Tourist Visa From Australia Cost?
• 3 How To Apply For a South Korea Visa in Australia
• 4 What Are the South Korea Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens?
• 5 What Is the Validity Period of a South Korea Travel Visa From Australia?
• 6 Can I Get a Working Holiday Visa for Korea From Australia?
• 7 More Answers About Your Korea Visa Application From Australia
• 8 More Information About the Korean Visa

Do I Need a Visa for South Korea From Australia?

The good news for Australian citizens wondering whether they need a visa to visit South Korea from Australia is that, depending on your purpose of and period of travel, you may not need a one at all!

A valid Australian passport holder can enter for up to 90 days without an entry visa as long as their purpose for travel is transit, tourism, business meetings and other non-remunerative activities.

Non-Australian passport holders who need a visa for South Korea from Australia can fill out a C-3-9 tourist application from the Korean Embassy in Canberra or the Korean Consulate in Sydney or Melbourne for the same travel purposes for 90 days.

What Does the Korea Tourist Visa From Australia Cost?

The cost of a tourist visa for South Korea from Australia is 104 AUD, but differs based on your nationality and length of stay. Unfortunately, you cannot use an eVisa service to obtain your travel pass. The fee must be paid in cash or via Money Order issued from Australia Post, payable to the Korean Embassy in Canberra.

How To Apply For a South Korea Visa in Australia

You must send a written application via post to The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canberra, 113 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, or hand in the paperwork in person to the embassy. The application can be found on the Korean Embassy in Canberra website. Depending on what area of Australia you are living in, you may need to obtain the paperwork for a Korean visa from Sydney or Melbourne via the Korean Consulate. This information can also be found on the Canberra Korean Embassy website.

What Are the South Korea Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens?

There are several requirements that you need to comply with when making your application. You must have:

• An application form.
• 1 passport-sized photo (glued to application).
• Original passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).

Along with this, you must provide any other relevant information about your stay, such as flight ticket and accommodation if this has been organised, and relevant documents that show the purpose of your visit if you have one, such as an invitation letter or confirmation of reservation etc.

What Is the Validity Period of a South Korea Travel Visa From Australia?

From the date of issue, the validity for Single Entry travel is 90 days. This means you can enter the country once and stay within the 90-day period. If you wish to enter the country twice, you may apply for a Double Entry which allows entry twice, each for a 30-day period within 6 months of issue.

Can I Get a Working Holiday Visa for Korea From Australia?

To embark on a holiday in which you work to pay for your stay and travel, you must fill out an H-1 form for South Korea from Australia.

You cannot work for more than 1,300 hours and must not work for the same employer for more than 6 months. Information for requirements and eligibility, along with the H-1 application form, can be found on the Canberra Korean Embassy website.

More Answers About Your Korea Visa Application From Australia

Hopefully, you now know more about making your application as an Australian citizen before heading off on your holiday, but if you need more information, read on to learn more answers.

How Long Does it Take to Process My Korea Tourist Visa From Australia?

Usually, it will take 5-7 working days, but at times may take longer. If the requirements of the application are not met it can cause delays to the process, so make sure you double-check your application before sending it off!

Do I Need Any Other Travel Documents with My Australia to Korea Visa?

As of 1st July 2020, all Korean Visas are issued a ‘Visa Grant Notice’ in the form of a printout. Applicants are required to carry this ‘Visa Grant Notice’ when entering Korea.

Although this does not change any part of the application process, the applicant must print out a ‘Visa Grant Notice’ from the official Korea visa website, and carry it with them upon entry.

Is the Application Process the Same for Other Types of Visa to Korea From Australia?

Yes, your reason for travel does not change the process. The differences depend on the reason for travel. For example, if you plan to travel for short term employment, you must simply provide the relevant documents for the post you are planning to take. Meanwhile, to apply to study you must be eligible and fill out a separate form with a certificate of admission onto your course.

Also, the method of applying does not change, insofar as you must print out the relevant form, fill it out, and post the required items to the Korean Embassy in Canberra or hand them in person. All information on specific requirements for different travelling purposes can be found on the Korean Embassy’s website.

More Information About the Korean Visa

You should now have all of the essential details you require to make your application. However, we understand that there are sometimes other questions that you need to be answered and other information you require before making your application. To find out more, read our Visit Korea section here too.

Related Answers

Privacy Overview

China, Australia to Issue Five-Year Visas to Citizens for Tourism, Business

Printed Chinese and Australian flags are seen in this illustration, July 21, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) -China and Australia will provide each other's citizens with multiple-entry visas of up to five years for tourism and business from Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry said, in another sign of improving ties between the two countries.

The visa arrangement followed a milestone trip by China's Premier Li Qiang to Australia earlier this week that marked a stabilisation in bilateral relations after a period of frosty ties.

Previously, Chinese citizens could apply for visas of up to one year to visit Australia, or up to 10 years for frequent travellers.

Within an hour following the announcement, searches for flight tickets, hotels and other items for Australia surged more than 200% on Chinese travel site Tongcheng Travel, state-backed media The Paper reported.

Since last year, China has been easing entry requirements for visitors from some countries to facilitate travel for business and pleasure, following three years of harsh COVID-19 restrictions that had largely shut its international borders. 

During Li's trip to Australia, he said China would also include Australia in its visa waiver scheme, allowing Australians to visit the country for up to 15 days without a visa.

(Reporting by Ella Cao, Ethan Wang and Ryan Woo, Editing by William Maclean)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Australians can now travel visa-free to China. Here's what you need to know

Australia has been added to china’s visa-waiver program as part of a new agreement announced by chinese premier li qiang last week in canberra..

Australians will soon save $110, which was approximately the price for a single-entry visa into China. Source: SBS

What does it mean travellers can do in China?

Can travellers land at an airport in mainland china with just their passport.

What if Australian passport holders want to go to China for work?

Does the 15 days count from the day of arrival in or departure to china, how many times can australians enter china using the visa-free stays, can travellers take children or can they travel to china themselves under the visa-free policy, what if they travel as a group, what if australians want to extend their stays whilst in mainland china, are there any restrictions on where i can travel can i go to tibet and xinjiang.

'Grateful' for asylum after Tiananmen, Chinese student protesters also remember 'fake refugee' slurs

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Hu’s parents spent $260,000 sending him to Australia to study. Now he lives in a tent

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