
Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Sŏngnam, Korea, South
1. South Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (e- visa)
Online application for short-term travelers. Simplifies the process of obtaining a travel authorization to visit South Korea.
- Digital Application: Allows for quick and easy online submission.
- Electronic Approval: Authorized travelers receive an e-visa which can be presented on mobile devices.
- Validity Duration: e-Visas are valid for 2 or 3 years, allowing multiple entries during that period.
2. Korean Tourist Visa (C-3)
For tourists planning longer stays in South Korea. Requires application and approval from local embassy or consulate.
- Longer Stay: Allows for a stay of up to 90 days per visit.
- Extension Option: Extendable by applying through local immigration office.
- Multiple Entries: Allows for multiple entries during the visa validity period.
3. Visa-free transit at Incheon Airport
For travelers transiting through Incheon International Airport with a connecting flight. No visa is required for up to 72 hours.
- Transit Program: Allows eligible passengers to explore Songnam and nearby attractions.
- Restrictions: Applicable for citizens of certain countries and subject to conditions.
- Document Check: Passengers must present a valid onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
4. Korea-Japan Combined Short-Term Stay Visa
For travelers visiting both South Korea and Japan. Allows a combined stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Combined Travel: Convenient for travelers visiting both countries.
- Duration Limitations: Travelers must adhere to the stay duration rules for each country.
- Application Process: Applied at the embassy or consulate of the first visited country.
5. Korea-China Simplified Short-Term Stay Visa
For Chinese citizens traveling to South Korea. Offers a simplified application process and a reduced stay period of 10 days.
- Streamlined Application: Reduces the number of required documents.
- Reduced Stay Period: Allows a stay of only 10 days in South Korea.
- Application Procedure: Can be processed at the border upon arrival.
6. Korea-USA Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
For U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea. Allows a stay of up to 90 days without a visa, under specific conditions.
- Visa Waiver: Allows eligible U.S. passport holders to enter South Korea without a visa.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicable only for certain travel purposes and valid passports.
- Registration Requirement: Register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
7. Korea-Japan Mutual Agreement Between Ports
For travelers arriving at South Korea's Busan Port or Japan's Shimonoseki Port. Allows a stay of up to 90 days without a visa.
- Port-specific Visa Waiver: Allows eligible travelers to enter South Korea or Japan through specific ports.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 90 days in either country.
- Application Procedure: No visa application is required for eligible travelers.
8. Korean Work Visa (E-1, E-2, E-5, E-6)
For foreign workers planning to work in South Korea. Requires application and approval from local embassy or consulate.
- Work Permit: Allows foreigners to legally work in South Korea.
- Visa Type: Different types for various professions (E-1, E-2, E-5, E-6).
- Application Process: Applications processed at the embassy or consulate in the worker's home country.
9. Korean Study Visa (D-2)
For foreign students planning to study in South Korea. Requires application and approval from local embassy or consulate.
- Student Visa: Allows foreigners to legally study in South Korea.
- Validity Duration: Can be extended up to the duration of the course.
- Extension Option: Allows students to extend their stay if needed.
10. Korea-Mongolia Visa Exemption Agreement
For Mongolian citizens traveling to South Korea. Offers a visa exemption for stays of up to 30 days.
- Visa Waiver: Allows eligible Mongolian passport holders to enter South Korea without a visa.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 30 days in South Korea.
- Application Procedure: No visa application is required for eligible travelers.
11. Korea-Philippines Visa Exemption Agreement
For Philippine citizens traveling to South Korea. Offers a visa exemption for stays of up to 59 days.
- Visa Waiver: Allows eligible Philippine passport holders to enter South Korea without a visa.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 59 days in South Korea.
- Application Procedure: No visa application is required for eligible travelers.
12. Korea-Thailand Visa Exemption Agreement
For Thai citizens traveling to South Korea. Offers a visa exemption for stays of up to 30 days.
- Visa Waiver: Allows eligible Thai passport holders to enter South Korea without a visa.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 30 days in South Korea.
- Application Procedure: No visa application is required for eligible travelers.
13. Korea-India Visa Exemption Agreement
For Indian citizens traveling to South Korea. Offers a visa exemption for stays of up to 30 days.
- Visa Waiver: Allows eligible Indian passport holders to enter South Korea without a visa.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 30 days in South Korea.
- Application Procedure: No visa application is required for eligible travelers.
14. Korean Business Visa (C-5)
For foreign businesspeople planning to visit South Korea. Offers a stay of up to 90 days for short-term business activities.
- Business Visitor: Allows eligible foreign businesspeople to enter South Korea for short-term business purposes.
- Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 90 days in South Korea.
- Application Process: Applications processed at the embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.
15. Korean Transit Visa (C-4)
For travelers transiting through Songnam. Allows a stay of up to 5 days in South Korea during the transit period.
- Transit Stay: Allows eligible passengers to remain in South Korea for up to 5 days.
- Document Check: Passengers must present a valid onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
- Application Procedure: Applications can be processed at the airport upon arrival.