Korean visas are issued at Korean diplomatic missions abroad (Embassies, Representative Offices, or Consulates General).
Legal basis: Immigration Act Article 8, Enforcement Decree Article 11, Enforcement Rule Articles 8(1) and 9.
Definition: “Korean diplomatic mission” refers to an embassy, representative office, or consulate general established by the Republic of Korea in a foreign country.
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Applicants must submit a valid passport along with a visa application form.
Required supporting documents vary by visa type and must be attached according to your status of stay.→ See “Annex 5” of the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act for the complete list.
Submission is made to the Minister of Justice or, if delegated, to the head of a Korean diplomatic mission.
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Visa application fees depend on the duration of stay and whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry.
Type of Visa | Duration of Stay | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Single-entry | 90 days or less | $40 |
Single-entry | Over 91 days | $60 |
Multiple-entry (up to 2 entries) | 90 days or less | $70 |
Multiple-entry (unlimited entries) | Over 91 days | $90 |
Payment method: Revenue stamps, cash, or proof of cash payment.
Exceptions: Fees may be waived under international customs, reciprocity, special agreements, or as determined by the Minister of Justice.
Check the latest fees at [Korea Visa Portal > Visa Information > Fees].
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When screening a visa application, authorities will confirm:
Whether the applicant holds a valid passport.
Whether the applicant is subject to entry ban/refusal under Article 11 of the Immigration Act.
Whether the applicant qualifies for the intended status of stay (Annex 1, 1-2, 1-3 of the Enforcement Decree).
Whether the applicant’s stated purpose of entry matches the visa type.
Whether the applicant is likely to return home before the permitted stay period ends.
Whether the applicant meets any additional criteria set by the Minister of Justice for that visa type.
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The issued visa will indicate status of stay, duration of stay, and other necessary details.
If needed, the holder may request official documentation verifying visa issuance.
The Ministry of Justice may issue visas electronically via online systems.
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In principle, each foreign national entering Korea must obtain a visa that matches their own purpose of entry.
However, spouses and minor children (without a spouse) of certain visa holders may apply for an F-3 Dependent Visa:
Eligible main visa holders: D-1 to E-7, F-2, F-4, H-2
Exception: Holders of a D-3 Industrial Training visa are not eligible.
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If a visa application is refused, the mission or immigration office will notify the applicant of the reason.
Upon request, the mission must issue a Visa Refusal Notice without delay.
Any visa obtained through false or fraudulent means will be canceled.
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The Minister of Justice may cancel or change a visa if:
The guarantor withdraws sponsorship or there is no guarantor.
The visa was obtained through false or fraudulent means.
Visa conditions have been violated.
Circumstances change so that the visa can no longer be maintained.
The visa holder commits serious legal violations or disobeys legitimate orders from immigration officers.
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No one may submit a false visa application or arrange for one for the purpose of bringing a foreigner into Korea.
Violation is punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million KRW.
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Visa regulations may change due to amendments in law, bilateral agreements, or administrative updates.Always check the latest information at the Korea Visa Portal or the website of the relevant Korean diplomatic mission before applying.